Emmerdale Emma Atkins breaks silence on new harrowing twist in ‘most demanding’ storyline
Emmerdale is set to explore the devastating effects of sexual violence in a new harrowing storyline with Charity Dingle
Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, is sexually assaulted by her blackmailer Dr Caitlin Todd (Image: ITV)
Emmerdale’s Charity Dingle is set for a new harrowing storyline in one of the character’s ‘most demanding and significant storylines’ yet.
The ITV soap is set to explore the devastating effects of sexual violence and the complex feelings of isolation survivors can experience, particularly in the context of female-on-female assault.
The powerful storyline airs on Sunday, 7 June, when Charity, played by Emma Atkins, is sexually assaulted by her blackmailer, Dr Caitlin Todd, played by Caroline Harker.
In the coming weeks, Charity will struggle to come to terms with the attack, having to choose between confiding in her loved ones or internalising the trauma.
Emmerdale Producer, Sophie Roper, explained the importance of the storyline: “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.
Things take a sinister twist (Image: ITV)
“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.”
Meanwhile, Charity star Emma Atkins commented: “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.”
Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, has opened up (Image: Getty)
Only recently, Dr Todd discovered the true biological parents of baby Leyla. Charity acted as a surrogate for her granddaughter Sarah Sugden and the latter’s husband Jacob Gallagher, bringing adorable baby Leyla into the world.
However, what Charity failed to tell Sarah and Jacob is that Leyla isn’t biologically their child as the baby’s true parentage is Charity and Ross Barton following a fling.
Charity has tried her best to keep this a secret but it wasn’t long until evil Dr Todd, who has been bullying trainee doctor Jacob at the hospital for months, learnt the truth and she has been blackmailing Charity ever since.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV and ITV X.
