Emmerdale confirms ‘heinous’ sex assault as Dr Todd attacks Charity
Emmerdale has confirmed the ITV soap will soon explore the devastating effects of sexual violence and the aftermath that follows, as Doctor Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) sexually assaults Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).
In recent weeks, wicked surgeon Doctor Todd has been blackmailing Charity over the truth about who baby Leyla’s parents are.
The evil character will assault Charity in the episode that will be broadcasted on Sunday, June 7. The ITV soap aims to explore the complex feelings of isolation that survivors can experience, particularly in the context of female-on-female assault.
In the episodes that follow, Charity will struggle to come to terms with the attack, having to choose between confiding in her loved ones, or internalising the trauma.
Producer of the show Sophie Roper discussed the important storyline and 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.’
Star 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.’
Doctor Todd discovered Charity’s lie about baby Leyla shortly after she was born. Charity had previously agreed to become Sarah Sugden’s (Katie Hill) surrogate, but fell pregnant with Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) child following a one-night stand.
Charity spent the enterity of her pregnancy keeping her secret from Sarah, and had no intention of revealing the truth once the tot was born.
Dr Todd had access to Leyla’s medical records, and discovered that the baby’s blood group is different to supposed father Jacob Sugden (Joe-Warren Plant).
She told Charity that she wanted £10,000 in exchange for her silence, but upped the price to £100,000 after learning that Charity was the co-owner of the Woolpack.
Charity turned to Kim Tate (Claire King) and asked her to buy her out of the pub, believing this was her only option.
This week though, Kim told Charity that she was no longer interested in the offer. It left a very desperate Charity with the conclusion that she’d rob the Home Farm safe, and give Doctor Todd that money instead.
In a few days time, Caitlin tells Charity that if she doesn’t get the cash together, she will reveal the secret at Sarah’s 21st birthday party.
Charity is consumed by her woes at this point and turns to drink. The booze makes her bold and she confronts her blackmailer once again, but this time tries a new tack – Charity tells Todd to go right ahead and reveal everything.
It does the trick – Todd backs down. She confesses that she can’t destroy Sarah’s life and even goes as far as to try to justify her unscrupulous behaviour.
Losing control of the situation, Doctor Todd then sexually assaults Charity, changing her life forever.
