Charity’s Impossible Choice

Emmerdale star Emma Atkins has opened up about the “dark” storyline facing Charity Dingle, admitting there may be “no coming back” for the character.

Viewers have watched Charity’s world spiral in recent weeks after she agreed to be Sarah Sugden’s (Katie Hill) surrogate. But her life was thrown into turmoil when she realised her pregnancy wasn’t connected to Sarah and Jacob Gallagher’s (Joe-Warren Plant) embryo. Instead, a one-night stand with Ross Barton (Michael Parr)—the father of her son Moses—has left her carrying his child.

With Ross demanding a paternity test, and Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) unaware of the betrayal, Charity secretly books a termination.

A Storyline Mirroring Mack’s Betrayal

Speaking with the Manchester Evening News and other press, Emma Atkins admitted the plot pushes her character into dangerous emotional territory.

“I feel like to create an even darker scenario where she’s considering a termination for her is, you know, it’s impossible—but it’s the only way out to maybe just try and make it go away and bury it once and for all,” she explained.

“It’s such an immoral thing that she’s considering doing, but for reasons that she feels… it’s her only option at this point.”

Emma also reflected on the irony of the situation, recalling Mack’s past betrayal with Chloe Harris:
“In some ways, Charity would have a good argument. She would have something in her arsenal that she would say, actually, you’re gonna have to forgive me because of what you did to me.”

Secrets That Can’t Stay Hidden

Despite that, the actress warned that this twist could cause irreparable damage.
“I don’t know whether there is any coming back from this,” she admitted. “But, again, it’ll be good TV because it will simmer for a while. Secrets and lies do have a way of coming out, one way or another.”

With Sarah and Jacob already making plans for the baby and Mack desperate to repair their marriage, Charity’s decision is set to trigger fallout across the Dales.

What Happens Next?

As Sarah gifts Charity a memory box and suggests she write a welcome letter to the baby, viewers will see just how much pressure she’s under. Whether Charity goes through with the termination or finally confesses the truth, Emma Atkins has promised the aftermath will be explosive.