Emmerdale’s Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) is taken advantage of by Craig Reed played by Ben Addis in shocking scenes next week
Lydia and Sam are left confused when Craig arrives back at Wishing Well unannounced. Intent on confronting an elephant in the room, he hopes he can talk to Lydia about their past and she nervously offers to take him to their baby’s resting place.
Later, Craig and Lydia look over where their baby’s ashes were scattered and imagine what his life would have been like. They reflect on their lives and it becomes clear their shared grief has bonded them.
Upon returning, Lydia and Craig share a charged moment. Keeping her near kiss a secret from an oblivious Sam, we wonder where her renewed connection with Craig will lead.
The next day, Lydia’s anxious at Home Farm as she snaps at Kim before sharing about her charged moment with Craig.
Before long, at his office, Lydia hands in her resignation but falters when Craig emphasises how much their recent connection has meant to him. She takes back her resignation but worries if she’s making the right call.
Soon, Craig reveals his true feelings for Lydia and she’s terrified when he begins to force himself on her.
In a state of utter shock after being raped by Craig, Lydia’s unable to process what has just happened to her. Craig drives an utterly broken Lydia home.
Making her excuses, Lydia escapes upstairs. Killing a call from Craig, Lydia silently sobs as the shower’s hot water runs over her.
Lydia takes the decision to hide away the clothes she was wearing when she was raped, resolved to keep her trauma a secret.
Jayne Butler, Chief Executive at Rape Crisis said: “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 – http://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.”
Emmerdale air these scenes from Monday September 4 on ITV1
