In the coming weeks, Emmerdale is set to be hit by another heartbreaking storyline, as the soap explores the rape of fan favourite Lydia Dingle, played by Karen Blick.
As regular fans will know, Lydia has recently reconnected with her childhood friend, Craig, who was also the father of her stillborn baby, who sadly passed away when she was just a teenager.
But as the pair grow closer and begin to bond, the situation while soon take a harrowing turn in early September, when Craig will force himself on Lydia.
In the aftermath of the attack, a shocked Lydia will be left struggling with the decision of whether or not to report her rape to the police, and will struggle to come to terms with what has happened and will internalise the attack.
Without confiding in her loved ones about the ordeal, both Lydia’s friends and family will begin to grow increasingly concerned about her behaviour – but will it be enough for her to open up about what happened?
The shocking new storyline has been produced in conjunction with with the support of Rape Crisis England and Wales, who have worked closely with Emmerdale to ensure the story is portrayed accurately and sensitively.
Statistically, 1 in 2 rapes against women are carried out by their partner or an ex partner, with the storyline echoing the experience of tens of thousands of women each and every year.
Speaking about the storyline, actress Karen Blick admitted it wasn’t easy, but told fans that it was the most “important” and “sensitive” story of her career on Emmerdale.
She said: “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.”
Karen continued: “I have spoken to and met with women impacted by this crime, but this is very much Lydia’s story.
"Emmerdale tackles these socially important stories so well and I hope anyone impacted by this storyline can seek help and support, because no one should have to face this alone.”
By tackling such a sensitive topic, Emmerdale bosses are hoping to raise awareness of the issue, and to encourage more women to speak out after being the victim of such heinous attacks.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw commented: “Emmerdale have never shied away from telling difficult but important stories and with Lydia's rape we do just that.
“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.”
Working in collaboration with Rape Crisis, the soap room great pains to ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the gruelling storyline, and did add that the drama would be “implicit” rather than “explicit” given the time slot the show airs in.
Laura continued: “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.”
As the story plays out over the coming months, the attack with also affect multiple lives in the wider village, with Lydia and Sam Dingle’s marriage in particular finding itself tested to the limit as secrets are exposed and lives irrevocably changed.
Speaking about the impact the storyline will have on viewers at home, 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.”
Jayne then continued: “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.”
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