Warning: Emmerdale spoilers follow. This article includes topic of sexual assault, which some readers may find upsetting.
A major storyline on Emmerdale will take a dramatic turn with a shocking new development, leading to a character leaving the show.
It centres on Dr Caitlin Todd, played by Caroline Harker, who will sexually assault long-running character Charity Dingle in an upcoming episode.
The assault follows weeks of workplace harassment targeting Jacob and blackmail targeting Charity.
Dr Todd, introduced as the boss of medical student Jacob Sugden, quickly emerged as a central antagonist after bullying Jacob and later discovering Charity’s secret.
She has since been blackmailing Charity, threatening to expose the affair with Ross Burton that led to the birth of baby Leyla.
After Todd demanded £100,000 to keep quiet about baby Leyla's paternity, it has been revealed that the villain will sexually assault Charity in a new issue-based storyline which starts airing this Sunday (7 June).
Emmerdale is to explore the devastating effects of sexual violence and the complex feelings of isolation survivors can experience, particularly in the context of female-on-female assault.
The powerful storyline airs on Sunday, 7th June, when the character Charity Dingle, played… pic.twitter.com/zgPA5D6whr— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) June 3, 2026
An Emmerdale spokesperson told DigitalSpy: "In the coming weeks, Charity will struggle to come to terms with the attack, having to choose between confiding in her loved ones or internalising the trauma."
The storyline is expected to reach a climax with Harker's departure from the soap, although the timing of her final scenes has not been confirmed.
Newsquest has contacted ITV for comment.
Recommended reading:
Emmerdale confirms heartbreaking storyline for character
ITV's Emmerdale and Corrie to see schedule change this week
Emmerdale bosses tease farm wars between 3 families
Charity’s attempt to call Dr Todd’s bluff by daring her to reveal the secret to Sarah ultimately backfires, leading to the devastating attack.
The assault leaves Charity feeling isolated from her family and friends as she processes the trauma in the episodes that follow.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Share