When “Big Drama” Becomes Too Much

Emmerdale’s tagline may promise “small village, big drama,” but one devoted viewer says the latest Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) storyline has taken things a step too far — even for the famously twist-filled soap.

The ongoing surrogacy plot between Charity, her granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), and Jacob Gallagher (Joe Warren Plant) has become one of the most talked-about storylines on ITV. But according to longtime fans, it’s also become one of the least believable.

From Hope to Heartbreak

Sarah’s journey has been marked by tragedy since childhood. After years battling Fanconi Anaemia and later cervical cancer, she lost her chance to carry a child of her own following an emergency hysterectomy. Her determination to still become a mother led to a controversial decision: asking her grandmother, Charity, to act as a surrogate.

At first, it seemed like a heartfelt act of love. But Emmerdale being Emmerdale, the situation spiraled into chaos. Unknown to Sarah, Charity’s pregnancy wasn’t the result of the IVF process at all — but from a one-night stand with Ross Barton (Michael Parr).

Now, with the shocking truth about to unravel, Charity faces an impossible choice: confess the betrayal or fake a miscarriage to spare her granddaughter’s pain.

“Too Far-Fetched” for Fans

While drama is part of Emmerdale’s DNA, some viewers — and even die-hard fans — are struggling to stay invested. One self-proclaimed “superfan” shared that the plot feels “too far-fetched” and emotionally confusing.

“I’m always up for a baby bombshell or a dramatic twist,” they admitted, “but this one has gone too far. Charity treats the idea of a termination like it’s nothing, and it’s just uncomfortable to watch.”

The fan also questioned the realism of Sarah’s determination to have a child at just 20, calling it “an unrealistic message” for younger viewers. “How many people that age are truly ready for motherhood — let alone through a surrogacy with their grandmother?” they asked.

Time to Wrap It Up

While Emmerdale thrives on moral dilemmas and emotional stakes, many viewers are calling for this particular story to find its conclusion soon. Between the tangled relationships, blurred ethics, and emotional manipulation, fans believe the show risks losing the grounded realism that once made it so relatable.

One viewer summed up the mood best: “Emmerdale doesn’t need to shock us every week. Sometimes, it just needs to feel human again.”