This article includes reference to sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting.

Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) made the mother of confessions in Friday's (4 September 2026) game-changing instalment of Emmerdale.

The character has been juggling several secrets since she got pregnant last year, originally as a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) following an embryo transfer.

But Charity slept with Ross Barton, resulting in the conception of their daughter - who Charity swiftly passed off as Sarah and husband Jacob's (Joe-Warren Plant) child.

When Doctor Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) spotted that baby Leyla's blood group didn't match Jacob's, she sussed out Charity's lie and blackmailed her for thousands.

When Charity eventually called her bluff, Todd sexually assaulted her, and Charity admitted the whole story leading up to this horrific event to her husband, Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).

Mack was devastated by Charity's fling, but stood by her when it came to her sexual assault.

Then Sarah walked in on Charity confronting Todd over the rape, and furiously tried to get her to leave - leading Sarah to push Todd.

Todd hit her head and died, and Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) helped Sarah and Charity cover the crime as self-defence on Charity's part.

Police weren't entirely convinced that Charity's version of events were true, but nevertheless she was released while the investigation continued.

At home, Charity did her best to carry on as normal, making a special tea and even baking a cake for her family.

But just as they were about to tuck in, DS Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) arrived to take Charity back in for questioning.

Forensics had revealed that what Charity told them didn't quite add up, though Charity maintained her lie.

Meanwhile, an anxious Sarah admitted what really happened to Mack, who had previously jumped to the conclusion that Charity killed Todd on purpose.

Faced with Sarah's revelation that she was responsible for Todd's death, Mack struggled, but ultimately assured her it would all be okay and that they should wait for news.

Sarah headed to see Serena and explained she wanted to hand herself in, but even with the promise that Sarah would keep her name out of it, Serena insisted she keep her mouth shut.

There was relief when Charity returned, but she had now been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Sarah prepared to set the record straight, but Charity claimed that her taking the blame for Todd was the right thing. She blew Sarah's world apart with the news that Leyla isn't her daughter - she's Charity's.

How will Sarah react - and will it change her decision?

For information and support, please visit Rape Crisis or The Survivors Trust.

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