When Drama Turns to Disbelief

Emmerdale has never shied away from pushing boundaries — from shocking deaths to messy affairs. But even as a devoted fan, I have to admit that the ongoing Charity Dingle and Sarah Sugden storyline has reached its limit. What began as an emotional exploration of family, fertility, and hope has spiraled into something that feels more unbelievable than bold.

A Painful Past Meets an Unlikely Plot

Sarah Sugden, played by Katie Hill, has already lived through more trauma than most adults. Her diagnosis of Fanconi Anaemia and the constant threat of cancer shaped her life from childhood. When she decided to pursue IVF earlier this year, it felt like a turning point — a young woman reclaiming control over her future.

But tragedy struck again when doctors discovered cervical cancer, forcing an emergency hysterectomy. In a moment that was both heartbreaking and heartfelt, her grandmother Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) stepped in, offering to be Sarah’s surrogate.

It could have been one of Emmerdale’s most touching storylines — a story of love, resilience, and family.

Too Many Twists, Too Little Sense

Instead, it’s become a tangled web of implausible twists. Charity’s secret one-night stand with Ross Barton (Michael Parr) has turned the surrogacy plot into yet another case of “who’s the father?” — a soap trope that feels recycled and, frankly, exhausting.

The latest bombshell? The baby isn’t Jacob Gallagher’s (Joe Warren Plant) at all, but Ross’s. Now, Charity is considering a termination and planning to lie about it to spare Sarah’s feelings. It’s a storyline that feels less like character-driven drama and more like shock for shock’s sake.

The Realism Problem

As a fan, what bothers me most is how casually the show treats deeply sensitive issues. The idea of termination, surrogacy, and fertility struggles deserve nuance and emotional depth — not rushed plot turns. Charity’s flippant attitude to life-changing decisions feels at odds with the character’s history and emotional intelligence.

And then there’s Sarah. At just 20, her obsession with motherhood feels out of step with modern realities. Many viewers can’t relate to such urgency at that age — especially given her fragile health and uncertain future. It raises questions about what kind of message Emmerdale wants to send.

Time for Closure

There’s no denying the talent of the cast — Emma Atkins, Katie Hill, and Lawrence Robb have carried the story with conviction. But enough is enough. It’s time to let this particular plotline find its end.

Emmerdale thrives when it tells raw, grounded stories that reflect real emotions and real struggles. This one started that way — but somewhere along the line, it lost its heart.