Emma Atkins says it’s her ‘most demanding and significant’ Emmerdale story as ‘devastating’ Todd and Charity sexual assault confirmed
Charity will face more trauma
Emmerdale has confirmed what spoilers yesterday hinted at: Charity Dingle is set to be sexually assaulted by Dr Todd in traumatic upcoming scenes.
The soap will explore the devastating effects of sexual violence in the context of female-on-female assault, something which is not widely explored.
Dr Todd to sexually assault Charity Dingle in Emmerdale
On Sunday June 7, Charity is overwhelmed with guilt and sees no way out of her situation with Todd. She then dares Todd to reveal her secret to Sarah. But Todd is unable to do it. She then admits she actually enjoys Charity’s chaotic life.
However, the temporary truce soon turns ugly when Todd turns aggressive. Her nasty nature resurfaces and she sexually assaults Charity.
Charity will struggle to deal with the aftermath of the attack as she internalises her feelings. Will she eventually confide in her family and loved ones? Or will she keep the trauma to herself?
‘Difficult viewing’ confirms Emmerdale boss
Producer of Emmerdale Sophie Roper has confirmed the storyline. She says: “Charity’s storyline will explore the impact of sexual violence.
“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.”
She added: “With little conversation surrounding female-on-female assault, we’ll explore the overwhelming feelings of isolation many survivors experience. [We] 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.
Emma Atkins on Charity’s ‘demanding’ storyline with Todd
Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, has also revealed how hard this has been to film.
“This has been one of the most demanding and significant storylines I’ve had to navigate as Charity,” she says.
“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.”
The actress continued: “I hope this storyline gives even one person the courage to speak out or helps others understand the quiet devastation of trauma.”
