Emma Atkins as Charity Dingle in Emmerdale assault plot (Credit; ITV) Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 4 Jun 2026, 12:06 By Carena Crawford 4 Jun 2026, 12:06 Emmerdale fans furious over Charity Dingle assault storyline but are they judging too soon? OPINION Charity's nightmare is just beginning at Todd's hands Charity Dingle Dr Caitlyn Todd Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 4 Jun 2026, 12:06 By Carena Crawford 4 Jun 2026, 12:06 Emmerdale 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. The truce between Todd and Charity certainly doesn’t last long (Credit: ITV) 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? article continues below Read all the latest spoilers 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”. There has been fan backlash over the assault storyline (Credit: ITV) 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.Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your Emmerdale newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. “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. Dr Todd has made it clear she finds Charity attractive (Credit: ITV) 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. Todd constantly made out that Jacob fancied her (Credit: ITV) 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? Emmerdale boss and Emma Atkins confirm assault storyline With news of the Charity and Dr Todd assault plot being confirmed, Emmerdale boss Sophie Roper and Charity actress Emma Atkins have spoken out. Emmerdale boss on the upcoming plot Sophie Roper says: "Charity's storyline will explore the impact of sexual violence. "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." She added: "With little conversation surrounding female-on-female assault, we'll explore the overwhelming feelings of isolation many survivors experience. [We] 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." Emmerdale star Emma Atkins breaks silence Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, has also revealed how hard this has been to film. "This has been one of the most demanding and significant storylines I've had to navigate as Charity," she says. "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." The actress continued: "I hope this storyline gives even one person the courage to speak out. Or helps others understand the quiet devastation of trauma." Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 4 Jun 2026, 12:06 By Carena Crawford 4 Jun 2026, 12:06 Previous Story Next Story
