Dawn Fletcher is preparing to flee the village with her ex-husband Billy ahead of her wedding to Joe Tate, as the truth about Billy's attack remains hidden. The plan follows Caleb Miligan's lie that Joe attacked Billy at the depot, when it was actually Kev Barton.
Escape Plan Before the Wedding
Dawn and Billy have resolved to leave with their three children to evade Joe's grasp. The escape is set for the morning of Dawn's wedding to Joe, which is due to take place later this month. Soap boss Laura Shaw has hinted at "one of the biggest weeks of the year" for the programme as villagers gather for the ceremony.
Actress on Dawn's Conflict
Speaking to the Daily Express and other press, Dawn actress Olivia Bromley discussed her character's turmoil. "From my perspective, Dawn should of chosen Billy all along, and I think everybody feels the same... Because obviously Billy's stable and so loving, he's always loved her. He's a wonderful dad... But Dawn didn't choose him and we don't always choose the person who's the right person for us," she said.
"She's absolutely addicted to Joe and she just constantly chooses him, even though it's not the right thing for her. And would I advise her differently? Yeah, but she doesn't make the choices that I [would] make necessarily," Bromley added.
Wedding Morning and Truth
Bromley revealed Dawn's state on the wedding morning: "[On] the morning of the wedding, she's had this plan with Billy, that they're going to escape. I think she's just terrified. She's heartbroken. She doesn't want to leave Joe, but she also needs to run away."
When asked what would happen if Dawn discovered the truth about Billy's attack, the actress said: "Oh my goodness, I mean that would change everything. She doesn't want to leave [Joe]. I mean, she deeply loves this man." She added: "If it wasn't Joe, well, she wouldn't make that choice at all. She wouldn't leave with his child. She wouldn't run away with her children, she wouldn't leave Kim. So, yes, it changes everything for her."
Filming the Big Storyline
Bromley described the experience of filming the storyline: "It's been really fun and really exciting, because this has been a big block of filming all over summer. So, we've been doing about a five-week shoot, which is not what we usually do. So, we've had loads of stunts, a really good crew. It's been really fun."
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
