Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) collapses and is rushed to hospital in Emmerdale after her orthorexia takes a terrifying turn. The health crisis unfolds after Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) diagnoses Gabby with the eating disorder, following concerns about her social media content.
Manpreet's concerns grow
Manpreet, the local GP, first suspected something was wrong when Gabby began ranting about medication and big pharmaceutical companies. She then discovered Gabby had been creating dangerous health content for social media, watched by the likes of Clemmie and Dotty. After accessing some concerning test results, Manpreet concluded Gabby had developed orthorexia.
Gabby rejected the diagnosis and sent Manpreet away. In tonight's episode, her health deteriorates, leading to a terrifying moment.
Gabby's collapse
In the pub, Manpreet updates Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) about Gabby and her social media posts. Meanwhile, Gabby is in The Hide, adding filters to a selfie to make herself look completely different. When Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly) and Sadie King (Patsy Kensit) turn their noses up at the bistro's healthy menu, Gabby feels overwhelmed, and her feelings worsen after finding nasty comments on her social media account.
That afternoon, Laurel enters The Hide to look for Gabby, unaware she is experiencing a panic attack. Laurel tries to get Gabby to open up, but disaster strikes as Gabby collapses, forcing Laurel to call an ambulance.
Recovery begins
In the hospital, Gabby gives Manpreet permission to tell Laurel about her orthorexia. It is an emotional time, but Gabby appears ready to begin her recovery.
Reflecting on how the diagnosis has changed her future, Rosie Bentham said: 'It can always trigger you. So it's being amongst those people as well, that have been through a journey, come out if it. Yes, there's other stories in the mean time but Gabby will probably always have the tendencies to control some aspect of her life and take charge.'
'Maybe this will change her attitude towards men, relationships, maybe she will focus on family a little bit more and realise the benefits of having a balanced life with Thomas, her child. We've seen her restrict him as well as her. Let's see where it goes!'
