Emmerdale fans furious over Charity Dingle assault storyline but are they judging too soon? OPINION
Charity's nightmare is just beginning at Todd's handsEmmerdale has confirmed Charity Dingle will be sexually assaulted by Dr Todd in upcoming scenes and it has sparked huge outcry amongst loyal soap viewers.
With the soap set to explore the devastating effects of sexual violence in the context of female-on-female assault, complaints have already begun pouring in – ranging from it not being the right character, to it not being the right month to air this story.
Dr Todd to sexually assault Charity Dingle in Emmerdale
On Sunday June 7, Charity sees no way out of her situation with Todd and dares Todd to reveal her secret. But Todd is unable to destroy Sarah’s life and then admits she actually enjoys Charity’s chaotic life.
However, the temporary truce soon turns ugly when Todd gets aggressive. 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?
Producer of Emmerdale Sophie Roper has confirmed the storyline will be “difficult viewing at times”. Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, also added it has been “one of the most demanding and significant storylines I’ve had to navigate as Charity”.
Fan reaction
There has been a mixed reaction to the announcement of the storyline, and there has certainly been some backlash over various elements.
Many fans aren’t happy the storyline will be airing in June, which is Pride Month.
“The way they’re doing this in Pride Month too,” one wrote on social media. Another added: “Crass to do this during Pride Month.” A third agreed: “Doing it during Pride Month is terrible optics.”
Others think it’s wrong to put Charity at the centre of it. Given she was previously raped by DI Bails, the feeling is another character should have taken on this storyline, with Vanessa being a popular choice.
“I think Emma [Atkins] will do amazing and smash it but I think it should’ve been given to Vanessa,” said one.
Another agreed: “This could have gone to Vanessa if the writers felt that Dr Todd needed to sexually assault a character to progress the storyline further.”
A third said: “It’s an important storyline, they’re right to show it but why Charity? So many other people.”
A further point has been made that Charity’s lies over the baby have been so awful that they feel the soap is using this storyline to make sure she’s easily forgiven.
“It seems more like they’re using sexual assault to ‘cleanse’ Charity of her sins over the baby lie. Very poor taste,” commented one.
“It feels like to me the writers knew that they went too far with the baby storyline and this is just a way for Charity to not be abandoned by her family when the truth comes out,” agreed another.
Don’t judge the Charity assault storyline in Emmerdale yet
Although all of these are valid arguments, there is no doubt Emmerdale do handle issue-based storylines well. So there is no reason this will be any different.
Just look at Cain’s cancer. They have treated that with respect and truth and we have had a real insight into exactly what it is like.
Yes, we had Lydia’s rape storyline which didn’t necessary end in the best way when it became a massive whodunnit, but this is a chance for Emmerdale to put that right.
And the key thing in this storyline? Emma Atkins. She is a phenomenal actress and her performance during the Bails storyline proved it. When she gets her teeth into something, there’s no one like her.
In truth, there is no better choice for this storyline with her at the helm.
The plot direction DOES make sense
It’s also been pointed out by fans that the direction of the plot does make sense. Despite the annoyance this started as a workplace bullying plot that has largely been forgotten, in fact Dr Todd has always had sexual undertones to her.
Her use of Maya against Jacob, making out he had a crush on her, and only weeks ago telling Charity how sexy she was. This story has not come out of nowhere.
Yes, the show is packed full of issue-based storylines, but when it’s done well there is always room for more. We have to have light and shade. Thankfully, Ross Barton is nicely providing that light right now!
The fact Emmerdale are doing it during Pride Month is certainly a choice. However, female-on-female sexual violence is little talked about, but important none-the-less.
We are sure Emmerdale will do this justice and Emma will smash it out of the park. So let’s just hold judgement until we’ve seen it on screen.
Just don’t kill Todd off, eh, Emmerdale?
Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley steps away from the cobbles already in surprise pause for Eva Price
Eva Price's return put her right at the heart of the soap alongside her family - The Driscolls. The family took over the iconic Rovers pub and hasn't shied away from the drama.
But, Eva looks set to leave her family to cope without her for a little while as Catherine Tyldesley heads off to film scenes on another show.
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She's filming her exit scenes on another show (Credit: ITV)[/caption]
Catherine Tyldesley to 'take break' from Coronation Street as Eva Price
As well as playing the role of Eva Price in Weatherfield, Catherine Tyldesley also plays the role of First Officer Kate Woods on the much sunnier show The Good Ship Murder.
She's done well to juggle both roles but the time has come to exit the murder drama for the moment.
To do so though, Catherine will be taking a 'short break' from Coronation Street. This means that she can head back to the Good Ship set and film her exit scenes.
A source told The Sun: "Cath spoke to her bosses at Corrie about taking some time off to film her Good Ship exit and they agreed.
“When she agreed to return to the soap there was a lot of uncertainty about whether or not she would be able to go back, but fortunately it’s all working out.
“There was talk about possibly killing off her character but in the end bosses decided that she would get a happy ending."
Catherine is expected to begin filming her exit scenes in the coming months as part of Season 4 of the show.
She'll then return to Coronation Street to pick up where she left off as Eva. Phew.
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Eva's return put her at the heart and centre of the soap (Credit: ITV)[/caption]
Eva Price's chaotic return to Coronation Street
Eva Price rocked up back on the cobbles towards the end of 2025 as her husband Ben announced that he'd bought the Rovers for her.
Chaos erupted though when she realised that Maggie's money had been used for the purchase. And, she wanted to be the landlady.
A deal was eventually agreed upon, but this didn't stop Maggie from making her dislike of Eva known. She didn't think Eva was good enough for Ben.
As well as this, a past baby secret threatened to divide Ben and Eva. And, Will Driscoll's concerning behaviour has also caused a stir.
The teen has been groomed by his gym coach Megan Walsh and is currently seeing her in secret.
2026 is set to bring even more drama for the family. So, it looks like Eva could well do with a brief break from Weatherfield actually!
Read more: Here’s how old Coronation Street Jack Webster actor Kyran Bowes is
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns
