A CORONATION Street legend has joined Emmerdale a guest stint – in a very familiar role.
Viewers of the soap have been left rocked by a devastating storyline for .
Charity Dingle’s sexual assault ordeal sees her report the crime to the police today Credit: ITV
Police detective DS Reid is played by Corrie legend Angela Lonsdale Credit: ITV
The with Charity trapped with the villain and abused in chilling scenes.
In today’s episode, Charity made the brave decision to report her ordeal to the police.
And fans may have recognised the officer she spoke to.
Former Corrie actress found fame as cobbles policewoman Emma Taylor.
The star spent three years playing Emma in Weatherfield before quitting in 2003.
Emma went on to become one of the show’s biggest faces when she married Weatherfield legend Curly Watts.
However it was revealed in 2010 that the couple had split after leaving Weatherfield.
Now actress Angela has joined for a guest spin as DS Reid – a specialist police detective helping Charity through her ordeal.
Angela played Emma Watts in the ITV soap for three years between 2000 and 2003 Credit: Handout Help after rape and sexual assault
If you've been sexually assaulted it's important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don't be afraid to get help.
There are services that can help if you’ve been sexually assaulted, raped or abused.
You don’t have to report the assault to the police if you don’t want to. You may need time to think about what has happened to you.
But you should get medical help for any injuries and because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) . If you want the crime to be investigated, it’s best to have a forensic medical examination as soon as possible.
Try not to wash or change your clothes immediately after a sexual assault. This may destroy forensic evidence that could be important if you decide to report the assault to the police (although you can still go to the police even if you have washed).
Where to get help
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.
Other places you can get help include:
- a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
- a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis , Women’s Aid , Victim Support , The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership
- the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge , on 0808 2000 247
- the rape and sexual abuse support line run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year)
- a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
- a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
- a contraceptive clinic
- a young people’s service
- call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online
- the police, or dial 101
- in an emergency, dial 999.
The storyline was announced last week with bosses promising to explore the “complexities” of same sex sexual assault.
Emmerdale Producer, Sophie Roper, said: “Charity’s storyline will explore the impact of sexual violence, and though this heinous act is fundamentally about power, we’ll explore the complexities of how Charity processes her trauma when the perpetrator is a woman.
“With little conversation surrounding female-on-female assault, we’ll explore the overwhelming feelings of isolation many survivors experience and will examine the disparity between the legal term sexual assault and the fact that many women in Charity’s position feel this minimises what’s happened to them, because they feel like they’ve been raped.
“Though difficult viewing at times, Charity’s resilience will inspire hope as she confronts what has happened to her.”
Emma Atkins commented: “This has been one of the most demanding and significant storylines I’ve had to navigate as Charity.
“We know her as a tough, resilient character, but this trauma will expose a deep, raw vulnerability that has been heartbreaking at times to play.
“I hope this storyline gives even one person the courage to speak out or helps others understand the quiet devastation of trauma.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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