Emmerdale star Louise Jameson has confirmed that her character Mary Goskirk will be involved in the aftermath of Charity Dingle's sexual assault by Doctor Caitlin Todd, played by Caroline Harker. The ITV soap recently aired harrowing scenes where Doctor Todd took advantage of a drunk Charity.
Doctor Todd had been pressuring Charity about blackmail money. Initially demanding £10,000 to keep quiet about baby Leyla not being Sarah Sugden's child, the price was later increased to £100,000. Charity robbed the depot last week and secured £30,000, which she gave to Caitlin. Caitlin warned that the secret about Leyla would be revealed within 24 hours if Charity didn't find the rest of the money.
Knowing she could get £70,000 in hours, Charity turned to drink to ignore her problems. The alcohol made her bold, and she told Doctor Todd to go ahead and tell Sarah the truth. This made Caitlin feel out of control, so she waited for Charity to pass out and then sexually assaulted her.
In Monday's episode, Charity reported the attack at the police station. She underwent a physical examination and was questioned by DS Reid, who said they would arrest Doctor Todd the next day. In today's instalment, now available on ITVX and YouTube, Doctor Todd tells Reid that Charity's allegation is false, claiming the sex was consensual. Caitlin is released, and Charity later learns that police lack sufficient evidence.
As the storyline continues, Emmerdale will focus on Charity's internal struggle about whether to tell a loved one about the assault. Among those unaware of Doctor Todd's true nature is Vanessa Woodfield, who has been romantically involved with Caitlin and has fallen for her lies about Jacob Gallagher and Charity.
With Caroline Harker leaving her role as Doctor Todd, it is expected that Vanessa will eventually discover the truth about the woman she welcomed into her home. Louise Jameson stated that Mary's 'shoulders are going to have to grow, as Vanessa might need them to cry on in the aftermath of what's in store for her and Doctor Todd.' She added that the plot is 'going to get really dark' and praised Caroline Harker's performance.
Actress Emma Atkins previously said of the storyline: '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.'
