Emmerdale is set to explore a troubling new storyline for Gabby Thomas, as actress Rosie Bentham reveals her character will become 'obsessive' after being rejected by Ross Barton. The rejection, which sees Ross instead pursue a fling with Gabby's stepmother Laurel Thomas, sends Gabby down a path of clean living that spirals into unhealthy fixation.
Bentham told The Mirror that the rejection is 'the ultimate' for Gabby, who has already seen her ex Vinny move on happily. 'She's craving male validation but also wants to take control of her life,' Bentham explained. 'She starts eating clean, and body image becomes really important. Unfortunately, that does become a bit obsessive.'
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, said her character will feel 'terribly guilty' as the plot unfolds. 'I do decide it's just for fun, but down the line I'll feel guilty for where it's going,' she added. The actresses hinted that the fallout between stepmother and stepdaughter is yet to be filmed, promising dramatic scenes ahead.
Bentham described the storyline as 'just the tip of the iceberg', with Gabby's quest for self-improvement blurring into obsession. 'At what point does investing in your health become unhealthy? I don't know yet, but it will be exciting to see,' she said. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
