Graphic April episode sparks fresh Ofcom concerns for Emmerdale
April scenes under fire after Vinny and Mack attacks earlier this yearEmmerdale has received a new set of Ofcom complaints after last week’s episode involving April Windsor prompted concerns among viewers.
The ITVX early release and subsequent broadcast drew 60 complaints to the regulator, adding to several earlier controversies the show has faced in recent months.
April episode of Emmerdale receives Ofcom complaints
Ofcom confirmed that the episode airing on Thursday, October 30 generated the complaints. The episode in question featured April being coerced into meeting a man named Callum after Celia Daniels arranged for her to be sold for sex.
In the episode, Callum initially reassured April that she would not be forced to do anything she was uncomfortable with. He seems kind and genuine, if a little creepy. However, his tone soon shifted, and he insisted the encounter would go ahead, no matter what she wanted, and he began to undress.
In fear, April struck him on the head with a bottle, leaving him seemingly dead. The storyline continued with April calling Ray, who arrived to remove the body and conceal the incident. Celia then emphasised her control over April, telling her she “owns her,” heightening viewers’ concerns.
Although April believes she has killed Callum, in last night’s episode (Wednesday, November 5) it was confirmed he had in fact survived. He was seen in a car with Ray, bandaged, but up, about and absolutely alive. Ray has assured Callum he’s got April in hand.
So are we about to see more Ofcom complaints as the storyline progresses? Our money is on yes!
Vinny and Mack scenes also court controversy
This latest r0und of complaints comes after a summer marked by further viewer outrage.
An episode airing on August 12 depicted a violent homophobic attack on Vinny Dingle by Mike, a man who had deceived him through an online support group. The assault – broadcast before the 9pm watershed – generated 279 complaints, with viewers objecting to its violent and sexual content.
Another episode, broadcast on August 21, received 158 complaints after John Sugden pursued Mackenzie Boyd with a bow and arrow. He shot him and pierced his lung. Then he appeared to kill Mack by striking him with a large rock. Viewers once again raised concerns about graphic content airing before the watershed.
Read more: Emmerdale spoilers for next week including Bear and Robert’s standalone episodes
