Charity Dingle's closely guarded secrets could soon be exposed on Emmerdale next week, as her husband Mackenzie Boyd begins to suspect she is hiding something major. The character, played by Emma Atkins, has been concealing the truth about baby Leyla's parentage for months, including the fact that she had a liaison with Ross Barton (Mike Parr) and became pregnant by him.
Charity's Breakdown Raises Suspicion
Leyla is being raised by Charity's granddaughter, Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), and her husband Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant), who believe she is their daughter after Charity acted as their surrogate. However, Charity's husband Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) remains completely unaware of the fling or that Leyla is Charity's biological child. Spoilers have revealed that Charity is battling to cope following her recent ordeal, having been sexually assaulted by Dr. Todd (Caroline Harker) in harrowing scenes after weeks of blackmail.
Charity initially reported the crime to the police but later withdrew her statement due to insufficient evidence. Dr. Todd has since left the village, leaving Charity struggling to manage. Unable to confide in anyone, she falsely claimed she was experiencing postnatal depression. Next week, Mack begins to suspect something more serious when Charity experiences a breakdown and disappears.
Family Search for Charity
As it becomes apparent to Charity's loved ones that she is in distress, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) attempts to encourage her to confide in him, but she declines. Mack feels powerless as he struggles to support his wife and confides everything in Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), who is left wracked with guilt over his turmoil given Charity's lies. Chas is already aware of baby Leyla's existence, Charity's recent theft, and Todd's blackmail, but remains oblivious to the assault.
When Mack tries to support Charity again, she becomes overwhelmed and flees in a car, ending up at a lake and ignoring Mack's calls. He informs the family, prompting search efforts that prove fruitless. Growing fearful for her safety, Mack contacts the police and begins to suspect he may be missing a vital piece of the puzzle. He turns to Chas, pressing her to reveal what she knows. The burning question remains: will Chas finally come clean to Mack about baby Leyla and the blackmail ordeal?
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
