Emmerdale viewers are convinced that newcomer Serena Sugden is keeping a huge secret that could spell serious trouble for Charity Dingle. Fans believe Serena may be concealing her true identity, with some suggesting she is Dr Caitlin Todd's daughter or another of Todd's rape victims.
Serena's mysterious arrival
Serena, played by Casey Al-Shaqsy, made her debut in June when she helped a distressed Charity beside the lake. The two formed a connection, with Charity confiding about baby Leyla's true parentage and Dr Todd's blackmail and sexual assault. Serena later moved to the village to reconnect with her estranged cousin Robert, and is now living with him and his fiancé Aaron Dingle at Butler's Farm.
She has been helping at the farm and The Woolpack while concealing certain matters. The former police officer has been spotted lurking around Home Farm and even stole a USB stick belonging to Kim Tate.
Cover-up after Todd's death
Serena notably assisted Charity and her granddaughter Sarah after Dr Todd's death. Sarah unintentionally killed Todd last week by shoving her towards the front door at Jacobs Fold. Todd stumbled on a rug and struck her head against a table corner, succumbing to the injury. Serena arrived shortly after and guided Charity and Sarah on managing the authorities, manipulating Todd's hand to scratch Charity's arm as physical evidence. She then fled before police arrived, imploring them to keep her name out of the investigation.
Fan theories swirl
Many fans believe Serena is keen to distance herself from the crime due to a concealed connection to Dr Todd. One viewer wrote on Facebook: "Tell me if I'm wrong, BUT I think Serena might have been the other lady who Todd raped and she's finding out all the gossip." Another suggested: "I think Todd is Serena's mum." A third fan said: "I wonder if Serena was the other female raped by Todd and is in the village for revenge." Someone else commented: "There could always be more."
Charity and Sarah were questioned by police on Tuesday, with Sarah allowed to return home as Charity shouldered the blame. As Charity braced to remain in custody overnight, she told Sarah: "You've got to stay strong." Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
