Coronation Street legend joins Emmerdale in a very familiar role – 23 years after quitting the cobbles

A CORONATION Street legend has joined Emmerdale for a guest stint – in a very familiar role.

Viewers of the ITV soap have been left rocked by a devastating storyline for Charity Dingle after she was sexually assaulted by Dr Caitlin Todd.

The harrowing scenes played out last night with Charity trapped with the villain and abused in chilling scenes.

In today’s episode, Charity made the brave decision to report her ordeal to the police.

And fans may have recognised the officer she spoke to.

Former Corrie actress Angela Lonsdale found fame as cobbles policewoman Emma Taylor.

The star spent three years playing Emma in Weatherfield before quitting in 2003.

Emma went on to become one of the show’s biggest faces when she married Weatherfield legend Curly Watts.

However it was revealed in 2010 that the couple had split after leaving Weatherfield.

Now actress Angela has joined Emmerdale for a guest spin as DS Reid – a specialist police detective helping Charity through her ordeal.

The storyline was announced last week with bosses promising to explore the “complexities” of same sex sexual assault.

Emmerdale Producer, Sophie Roper, said: “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 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.”