Emmerdale’s Lydia Dingle is gearing up for a badass rape story — and it’s only weeks away
EMMERDALE’s Lydia Dingle will face personal turmoil over the next few weeks as she falls victim to a devastating rape.
Lydia, played by actress Karen Blick, is attacked by her ex-partner Craig in harrowing scenes on the ITV soap opera.
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Fans have seen Lydia recently reconnect with her former partner Craig, with whom she shared a stillborn child.
Everything was cordial between the former couple, and Craig even helped Lydia get a job with him while she’s currently struggling financially in the Dingle household.
But things quickly take a bleak turn when Craig’s behavior in the first half of September is a cause for concern.
In a sinister move, Craig imposes himself on Lydia and rapes her.
In the scenes to come, Lydia will be shocked after the attack and ponder how best to proceed.
She faces a decision about whether or not to report Craig’s horrific crime to the police.
In the weeks that follow, fans will witness Lydia struggle to come to terms with what happened to her as she begins to internalize the attack.
Her family is unaware of her ordeal and will soon express their concern at her unusual behavior.
The soap’s boss also admitted that the story will run until Christmas and will feature Sam and Lydia Wedding tested and “changed life irrevocably forever”.
The plot highlights the statistic that every second rape a woman experiences is committed by her partner or ex-partner.
About the story, actress Karen said, “Lydia’s rape is one of the most important and sensitive stories I’ve experienced during my time in Emmerdale.”
She also admitted that the story was “challenging,” saying, “The research, preparation, and aftermath of this story was challenging and eye-opening.”
“One in four women was raped or sexually abused as an adult and after reading this statistic I was standing in ITV’s canteen looking around when the number really shocked me.”
“I’ve spoken to and met with women affected by this crime, but that’s essentially Lydia’s story.
“Emmerdale is embracing these societal stories so well and I hope everyone affected by this story can seek help and support because no one should be left to face this cause alone.”
Next month’s episodes were co-supported and produced with Rape Crisis England And Wales.
The organization’s chief executive, Jayne Butler, said: “Lydia’s story will resonate with the thousands of victims and survivors who are raped or sexually abused in England and Wales every year.”
“While these experiences can be difficult to mirror on screen, when they’re portrayed in a realistic and sensitive way, they can be a really powerful way to raise awareness.”
Emmerdale’s executive producer Laura Shaw added, “Emmerdale has never shied away from telling difficult but important stories, and with Lydia’s rape, we’re doing just that.” With five out of six women who are raped failing to report it to the police, we wanted to raise awareness of this issue and hopefully encourage all women who have been in a similar situation to Lydia to speak up.”
She continued, “Karen Blick’s harrowing yet bold and courageous performance is truly outstanding as this story touches the entire Dingle family and the entire village community.”
“As we head towards Christmas, we will see Sam and Lydia’s marriage tested sorely as secrets are exposed and lives are irrevocably changed forever.”
If you’re affected by Lydia Dingle’s upcoming story, you can stop by here www.rapecrisis.org.uk for more informations.
You can also call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Hotline 0808 500 2222 or chat online via 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.”
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