Emmerdale's Doctor Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) has taken her manipulation of Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) to a disturbing new level, with a creepily explicit change of tone that left viewers unsettled. The wicked surgeon is currently blackmailing Charity into handing over £100,000 to keep the secret about baby Leyla's parentage hidden from Sarah and Jacob Sugden (Katie Hill and Joe-Warren Plant).
Blackmail Escalates
Initially, Doctor Todd demanded £10,000, but she increased the amount after discovering that Charity had lied about being co-owner of the Woolpack. Desperate to find the money within a one-week timeframe, Charity turned to Kim Tate (Claire King) and asked her to buy her shares in the pub at a discounted price. Kim did not confirm whether she would accept the offer, but said she would be in touch, leaving Charity hopeful.
Charity's Desperation
In today's episode, Charity visited Doctor Todd and explained that she would get the money, but it would take a little longer than a week. She warned Caitlin that if she 'does something she shouldn't' after receiving the cash, she would 'mess her up'. However, Doctor Todd appears immune to fear. To wind Charity up, she accused her of flirting and told her she is attractive when angry. Charity's threat to rip her throat out did not faze Caitlin, who simply smiled and said it is always a pleasure seeing her.
Kim Tate's Decision
All of Charity's hopes rest on Kim Tate buying her out of the pub, but she has not considered the possibility that Kim might reject the offer. If Kim declines, Charity will have no way to raise the money, leaving her vulnerable to Doctor Todd's demands.
Doctor Todd's Future Plans
Even though Doctor Todd is currently focused on destroying Charity, actress Caroline Harker has hinted that her character could easily target other villagers. She said: 'I think she's just scratching the surface about the Dingles. I mean, what she's finding out on a daily basis…I think she probably doesn't sleep much, planning what she could do to other people.'
Harker added: 'There is a new reason that she wants the money. I think she's pinning it on the fact that she's inherited this house and on the fact that she's left the hospital with a huge chunk of her pension missing. So, I'm not sure that she's been down the money route before. It could be new, but I think she feels all-powerful. It's like plugging a sib with her. It'll come up somewhere else. She'll do something else to someone.'
What's Next?
With Doctor Todd's sinister intentions becoming clearer, Charity faces an uphill battle to protect her family. Will Kim Tate come to her rescue, or will Doctor Todd's twisted game continue to spiral out of control? Viewers will have to tune in to find out.
