This article contains discussions of sexual assault that some readers may find distressing.
Emmerdale has aired powerful scenes for Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), after being sexually assaulted by Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker).
For months, the twisted surgeon has been trying to siphon thousands of pounds out of Charity, threatening to expose a huge secret if she didn’t comply.
Todd knows that, while trying to act as surrogate for her granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), Charity actually fell pregnant with Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) child instead. She’s then handed over the baby, Leyla, and allowed Sarah and husband Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) to raise her as their own.
Having begged, borrowed and stolen money from her friends and family – including the theft of £30,000 worth of goods from Caleb Miligan’s (William Ash) depot – Charity knew that she wouldn’t be able to find the rest of the cash.
She reached breaking point and told Todd to do her worst. For the first time, Charity had control, and Todd was furious.
The pair had an argument in Main Street, and Todd admitted that she couldn’t bring herself to ruin Sarah’s 21st birthday party. A heavily intoxicated Charity then dragged her blackmailer back to Jacob’s Fold to tear more strips off her.
When she passed out on the sofa, Todd bolted the door and sexually assaulted her.
In today’s episode, the magnitude of the situation began to sink in for Charity. She reapplied her makeup and tried to put on a brave façade to face her family at The Woolpack.
Her time at the party didn’t last long, as she made her excuses to Sarah and headed to Hotten Police Station to report her abuser.
The detective recommended a full medical examination, in the hope they could find evidence to support the utterly abhorrent act. Although it would be an invasive and traumatising experience, Charity knew that it was the right thing to do.
Later, in the interview room, the detective told her that Todd would soon be arrested for sexual assault.
Charity returned home, allowing her family to think she was too drunk to return to the party, and showered. Alone on the staircase, she broke down in tears.
Will Todd face justice for her crimes?
For information and support, please visit Rape Crisis or The Survivors Trust.
Read more:
- Emmerdale boss confirms heartbreaking new storyline turn for Charity Dingle amid Dr Caitlin Todd torment
- 5 Emmerdale spoilers for this week: Dr Caitlin Todd leaves Charity Dingle in danger plus worrying turn for Gabby Thomas
- Emmerdale arsonist Kyle Winchester caught out in explosive early ITVX release
- Emmerdale exit revealed for long-running character after over 20 years in popular role
- Emmerdale star teases “complex year” ahead for Charity Dingle after nightmare labour in early ITVX release
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
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