mmerdale is about to air a storyline about rape as character Lydia Dingle will get attacked by a not too long ago re-acquainted childhood pal.

Audiences will watch Dingle, performed by Karen Blick, grapple with the aftermath of her ordeal as she weighs up whether or not or to not report the assault to police.

The long-running, Yorkshire-based cleaning soap has tackled hard-hitting storylines prior to now and aired episodes earlier within the yr, with the assistance from emotional assist charity Samaritans, exploring the deterioration of Paddy Kirk’s psychological well being as he handled suicidal ideas.

To guarantee Dingle’s story is portrayed precisely and sensitively, the storyline has been produced with the assist of charity Rape Crisis England and Wales.

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Speaking concerning the storyline, Blick mentioned: “Lydia’s rape is one of the most important and sensitive stories I have been part of during my time in Emmerdale.

“The research, preparation and aftermath of this story has been challenging and eye opening for me.

“One in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult, and after reading this statistic I found myself standing in the canteen at ITV looking around as that figure really shocked me.”

The episodes detailing Lydia’s assault, airing in early September, will comply with the character as she bonds with Craig, with whom she had a stillborn child once they had been in a relationship a while in the past.

The pair will bond and speak about their child earlier than his behaviour turns sinister and he forces himself on her.

In the approaching weeks, Dingle will battle to return to phrases with what has occurred and her household and pals will develop apprehensive about her, not realising what she has skilled.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw mentioned the cleaning soap has by no means shied away from telling tough however vital tales.

“With five out of six women who are raped not reporting it to the police, we really wanted to raise awareness of this issue and hopefully encourage any women who have been in a similar position to Lydia to speak out,” she mentioned.

“We’ve been working really closely with Rape Crisis, who have held our hand every step of the way and given us invaluable support to be able to tell the story as authentically and responsibly as possible.

“We’re also mindful of when Emmerdale airs on ITV, so the drama will be implicit rather than explicit.”

Jayne Butler, chief govt at Rape Crisis, mentioned: “Lydia’s story will resonate with the thousands of victims and survivors who are raped or sexually assaulted in England and Wales every year.

“Although it can be difficult to see these experiences reflected on screen, when they are represented realistically and sensitively it can be a really powerful way to raise awareness.

“If anyone has been impacted by Lydia’s storyline, we want you to know that Rape Crisis is here for you.

“Whether it happened recently or a long time ago, or you’re not sure what happened – we have lots of information and support on our website that might help – www.rapecrisis.org.uk.

“You can also call our 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat to us online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.”