Emmerdale star Rosie Bentham has confirmed that Gabby Thomas is set to be at the center of a dramatic new storyline, triggered by her stepmother Laurel stealing her man. The actress revealed that Gabby's obsessive nature will lead her down a dark path, with body image issues resurfacing after a series of rejections.
Rejection Sparks Obsession
Gabby, played by Rosie Bentham, has a history of being easily captivated by attractive men, as seen with her ex Nicky. She was so smitten that she failed to see he was scamming her and hiding his sexuality. Now, history repeats itself as Gabby believes Ross Barton fancies her, but he is actually flirting with everyone, with his sights set on Laurel.
Rosie explained: 'She's also very easily led by attractive young men. I don't know if you remember what she was like with Nicky, but it was very similar.' This time, Gabby's rejection by Ross, coupled with seeing Vinny moving on, pushes her into a downward spiral.
Body Image Struggles Return
Gabby previously became obsessed with her body image before her engagement party, starving herself and over-exercising to fit into a dress. This led to her passing out while driving, crashing her car, and hospitalizing herself and Sarah Sugden. Although that was a wake-up call, the underlying issues remain.
'The problem with disordered eating and body dysmorphia is it doesn't just go away,' Rosie said. With Gabby now craving male validation, those unhealthy patterns are returning. She throws herself into 'clean eating' and fitness, but it quickly becomes obsessive.
A Year-Long Storyline
Rosie revealed that this storyline will unfold over the next year, starting with Gabby's focus on health and body image. 'She's looking for something else to put her focus in, and what can be seen as quite a healthy thing—at what point does it become obsession and unhealthy?'
The actress described Ross rebuffing Gabby as 'the ultimate rejection,' which will blow her life wide open. When Gabby discovers that Laurel bedded Ross instead, it adds another layer of betrayal. 'Gabby would see it as another kick in the teeth,' Rosie shared.
Isolation Fuels the Spiral
The saddest part is that Gabby feels she has no one left. 'She hasn't really got someone that she can bounce off. I think that's why she gets so in her head about it all,' Rosie explained. This isolation drives her to focus solely on herself, but in an unhealthy way.
With local matchmaker Lewis planning to get Gabby together with his brother, the situation becomes even more complicated. Gabby's obsession and need for control will likely lead to dark times ahead, as she struggles with body image and rejection.
