Emmerdale viewers are convinced that Charity Dingle and Mackenzie Boyd will briefly leave the Dales following Dr Caitlin Todd's death, as actor Lawrence Robb prepares for Strictly Come Dancing. The theory emerged after Charity confessed to killing Todd, though nothing has been confirmed.
Charity's secret pregnancy and blackmail
Last year, Charity agreed to be a surrogate for her granddaughter Sarah Sugden. After a fall and bleeding, she thought the process had failed, but a pregnancy was later confirmed. The baby was the result of a one-night stand with ex Ross Barton, a secret Charity was determined to keep from Sarah and Mack.
Dr Caitlin Todd discovered the truth and blackmailed Charity for thousands of pounds. When Charity rejected Todd's kiss, Todd sexually assaulted her. Charity reported the crime, but the CPS decided there wasn't enough evidence to prosecute.
Confrontation and tragic accident
After confessing everything to Mack, Charity was confronted by Todd at her home. A bitter argument led Charity to pin Todd down, but she let her go. Charity then explained how Todd's actions made her feel and why she wanted justice. Sarah walked in and heard what Todd had done.
Another argument ensued, and Sarah pushed Todd, who slipped on a rug and hit her head on the table, dying instantly. Serena Sugden tried to help them craft a self-defence angle, but Charity surprised everyone by calling the police and claiming she killed Todd accidentally.
Fans predict a break from the Dales
Viewers worry this means a short absence for Charity, with Mack leaving with her as Lawrence Robb takes part in Strictly. One Reddit user suggested: "I think they'll let her off and her and Mack will go on a long holiday to Australia (with some magic money they conjured up out of nowhere). When they get back the writers will have them behaving like nothing happened."
Another agreed: "Lawrence Robb is going to be on Strictly will be going on a break soon and not so long ago Emma Atkins said she would like a break soon, and to be fair she’s been pretty much full on the past decade or so non stop."
