This article contains discussions of sexual assault that some readers may find distressing.
A harrowing Emmerdale storyline will see Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) sexually assaulted by her blackmailer, Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker).
The ITV soap is set to explore the devastating effects of sexual violence, particularly in the context of female-on-female assault.
These scenes will air from Sunday 7 June, and in the aftermath, Charity will struggle to come to terms with the attack. With her huge secret on the brink of exposure, she will be torn between telling her family and internalising the trauma.
Earlier this year, Todd discovered that, while trying to act as surrogate for granddaughter Sarah (Katie Hill) and her husband Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant), Charity had actually fallen pregnant with Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) child.
Initially, in exchange for her silence, she only asked for Charity to stop Jacob from pursuing his HR complaint against her.
The blackmail soon escalated to £10,000, and when Charity was unable to muster up the funds, Todd demanded £100k. Recent scenes have shown her desperation to get her hands on the money, even attempting to rob the Home Farm safe in today’s instalment.
After being caught by Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick), she came to the conclusion that it was time to come clean to Sarah, Jacob and husband Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).
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Emmerdale producer, Sophie Roper, said of the plot: “Charity’s storyline will explore the impact of sexual violence, and though this heinous act is fundamentally about power, we’ll explore the complexities of how Charity processes her trauma when the perpetrator is a woman.
“With little conversation surrounding female-on-female assault, we’ll explore the overwhelming feelings of isolation many survivors experience and will examine the disparity between the legal term sexual assault and the fact that many women in Charity’s position feel this minimises what’s happened to them, because they feel like they’ve been raped.
“Though difficult viewing at times, Charity’s resilience will inspire hope as she confronts what has happened to her.”
Emma Atkins added: “This has been one of the most demanding and significant storylines I’ve had to navigate as Charity. We know her as a tough, resilient character, but this trauma will expose a deep, raw vulnerability that has been heartbreaking at times to play.
“I hope this storyline gives even one person the courage to speak out or helps others understand the quiet devastation of trauma.”
For information and support, please visit Rape Crisis or The Survivors Trust.
Read more:
- 5 Emmerdale spoilers for next 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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