Mackenzie Boyd is deeply worried about Charity Dingle in Emmerdale, completely unaware of what she is going through. Charity was sexually assaulted by Doctor Caitlin Todd a few days ago. She went to the police not long after it happened and had to undergo a physical examination, as well as questioning, to collect evidence.
Police Release Doctor Todd
Doctor Todd was interviewed by DS Reid the next day but insisted that she and Charity had both consented to sex. She was let go, and DS Reid later arrived at Charity's house to update her. The detective explained that because Caitlin is claiming that everything was consensual, and because Charity's physical examination came back inconclusive, they do not have enough evidence to support her statement.
Doctor Todd left the village yesterday after accepting a new job in Sheffield. Feeling as though the police are not supporting her, Charity is dealing with this trauma all on her own.
Moses' Birthday Struggles
It was Moses' birthday in today's episode of the ITV soap, but feeling joyful and celebrating her son was something Charity found incredibly difficult. While Mackenzie was out at the shops, Charity had time alone and felt the full weight of her trauma. When Mack returned, he realised that Charity had been crying. She reassured her partner and said that he had not done anything wrong, but also was not particularly clear about what was bothering her.
Mackenzie tried to tell Ross Barton that he was worried about Charity, but all Ross could think about was his mate getting close to the truth about baby Leyla. Mack eventually found support from Vanessa, and later suggested to Charity that she might be struggling with postnatal depression. Charity was incredibly withdrawn in this moment. She did not confirm that Mack's theory was correct, but also did not deny it.
Charity's Lie Continues
That evening, Mack came downstairs and found Charity sat on the sofa by herself. She told her husband that she would ring Manpreet and look at getting an appointment, and Mackenzie believed that this was a positive step forward.
In future episodes, Manpreet will prescribe Charity some medication for PND, but it leaves her feeling even more overwhelmed, as it is just another lie on top of everything else. Charity then discovers that Mackenzie has spoken to Sarah Sugden about her mental health. Unable to deal with the reality, Charity grabs some wine and sleeping pills.
Sarah's Guilt
The unexpected and heartbreaking twist is that Sarah will take full responsibility for how her Gran is feeling and begins drowning in guilt. She believes Charity is battling PND all because she was Sarah's surrogate, making it all her fault. Charity tries to reassure her that it is not the case and that there is 'more going on', but not being able to say what does little to reassure Sarah. Mack is left comforting Sarah as she sobs at being the reason Charity is so unwell.
How long will Charity keep this secret for?
