Emmerdale boss reveals harrowing sexual assault storyline for Charity Dingle amid blackmail horror

EMMERDALE is lining up a harrowing sexual assault storyline for Charity Dingle amid her blackmail terror.

The Woolpack landlady – who is played by actress Emma Atkins in the ITV soap – is being blackmailed by Dr Caitlin Todd over the secret that baby Leyla is actually biologically hers and not granddaughter Sarah’s.

Dr Todd had used it to blackmail Charity to get Jacob to drop his bullying complaint on her but is now also demanding £100,000.

However she is set to get much worse when she sexually assaults Charity in a dark new storyline.

The soap is 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 June 7.

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, explains 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.

“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.”