Emmerdale star Emma Atkins has revealed that viewers will see the dark history behind her character Charity Dingle following the disclosure of her rape ordeal. The 43-year-old actress appeared on Wednesday's This Morning alongside co-star Michelle Hardwick, 42, to discuss the storyline that saw Charity publicly accuse DI Bails of raping her during a press conference.
Atkins teased that an upcoming flashback episode will depict a teenage Charity being groomed and raped by the corrupt policeman. She said: 'We're finally understanding why she's such a pain in the *beep.* When I got the synopsis I knew she had an illustrious past and done some awful things.'
The storyline, which has been in development for three years, has revealed a new side to Charity after 17 years in the village. Atkins praised the writers, saying: 'It's made me realise how amazing the writers are, it just shows what an amazing team of people it is.'
Hardwick, who plays Charity's girlfriend Vanessa Woodfield, added: 'For them to carry on and run with it has been amazing.' She noted that Vanessa has supported Charity from the start, and when Charity revealed her ordeal, the first thing Vanessa did was call the police.
Atkins explained that Charity will face moral decisions connected to Bails and the repercussions of her accusation. 'The importance of this storyline if it speaks to anyone in any shape or form, if it even gets people talking I think it's really important,' she said.
The flashback episode, featuring a younger actress portraying teenage Charity, will air later this month, showing her past in raw detail, including giving birth to a secret son.
