Emmerdale's Charity Dingle haunted by nightmares over fatal shooting
She's suffering from PTSD.
Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) was left haunted by nightmares in tonight's Emmerdale (21st February 2024), amid suffering with PTSD over the accidental killing of villain Damon 'Harry' Harris (Robert Beck).
Despite the efforts of sister-in-law Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb), Charity has opted not to seek help, and had a meltdown in the Woolpack. Husband Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) noted that Charity had not been sleeping, and pleaded with her to see a doctor.
Charity finally agreed, but was put off when new receptionist Ella Forster (Paula Lane) asked her the reason for her visit so she could know whether to prioritise her booking. As Doctor Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) emerged, Charity stormed off after an angry tirade.
Charity found herself visiting Harry's grave and asked him to leave her alone, pointing out that she had no choice but to kill him to save Mack's life. After breaking down, Charity had a moment of catharsis and trashed the grave as she branded Harry "scum".
Back home, Charity was able to sleep at last, while in the village, Liam updated Mack on Charity's outburst at the surgery. But Charity revealed that she felt much better after sleeping, claiming she no longer needed medical help as she led Mack to bed.
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Mack urged Charity to confide in him, but we later saw her dreaming of the moment she killed Harry, before waking up distressed. Will Charity open up about her trauma? The week is set to take a dark turn when Mack ends up seriously injured.
Speaking about her alter ego's state of mind, star Atkins explained: "It’s torture and every which way [Charity] turns she doesn’t find the solution.
"Killing someone is very different from anything else, it's the unknown and she’s entered into very disturbing territory for her own mental health."
Anyone affected by Charity's story can find support at PTSD UK or Mind UK. You can also reach trained volunteers at Shout by texting CONTACT to 85258.
Read more:
- 5 Emmerdale spoilers: Ruby Fox-Milligan injures Cain Dingle in Woolpack row
- Emmerdale airs sad update for former flames Charity and Vanessa
- Who is Beth Cordingly? Meet the Emmerdale star behind newcomer Ruby Fox-Milligan
- Lisa Dingle's touching letter amid bride Belle's dark storyline in Emmerdale
Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Soaps hub.
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Authors
Laura Denby is a Freelance Soaps writer covering all the latest news in the Dales, Cobbles and East End for Radio Times. She's a soaps nerd with a love for comedy drama, and has also written for Digital Spy, Metro UK and Yahoo UK.
