Emmerdale has confirmed the exact link between newcomer Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) and the Sugden family tree. The revelation came in the June 25 episode, which is available on ITVX and YouTube before its ITV1 broadcast.
Serena's First Encounter with Charity Dingle
Serena's first scenes aired on Tuesday, June 24, when she encountered Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) by a lake. Charity was in a dark place after being sexually assaulted by Doctor Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker). Serena, who was driving in the area and stopped to use the bathroom, startled Charity. When Serena reached out her hand, Charity instinctively defended herself, slapping Serena in the face.
Despite the awkward start, Charity confided in Serena about Doctor Todd and baby Leyla. Serena listened carefully and suggested that reporting the blackmail to police could help secure a conviction. After they parted, Serena's phone showed directions to Emmerdale village.
Serena Arrives in Emmerdale and Seeks Out Robert Sugden
In the June 25 episode, Serena arrived in the village. At the cafe, she overheard Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) discussing Emmerdale Farm. Remembering Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) home address, Serena headed there and let herself into Robert and Aaron Dingle's (Danny Miller) home. She was caught by Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), who was on the phone to Robert searching for a present for baby Leyla.
Sarah was startled, but Serena quickly introduced herself. Sarah didn't recognise her, and Serena explained that Robert is her cousin. She confirmed that her grandfather was Robert's father's cousin, making Serena and Robert distant cousins. Serena and Sarah last saw each other at Jackie's wedding, when Sarah was a child battling cancer.
Serena's Connection to Charity Remains Unknown
Sarah shared that she is also related to Robert and told Serena that Robert is in Portugal visiting Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins). Although Robert isn't in the village, Serena liked Sarah's idea of them getting to know each other. Currently, Serena does not know that Sarah is Charity's grandchild, placing her at the centre of everything Serena learned on Tuesday. The dramatic potential remains as to what Serena will do once the connection is made.
