Coronation Street star speaks out after unexpected role in Emmerdale's Dr Todd plot (original) (raw)

Emmerdale spoilers follow. This article includes discussion of sexual assault, which some readers may find upsetting.

A familiar face from Coronation Street has been cast in an issue-based storyline on Emmerdale as soap star Angela Lonsdale has joined the Yorkshire-set soap for Charity Dingle's "deeply impactful" sexual assault plot.

Lonsdale, who soap fans will recognise for her 2000-2003 stint as Curly Watts's wife Emma Taylor on Coronation Street, has appeared on Emmerdale in the aftermath of Charity's rape at the hands of Dr Todd. Todd has been blackmailing Charity for weeks, threatening to reveal the true parentage of baby Leyla, with the targeting of the Woolpack landlady culminating in the doctor sexually assaulting her.

angela lonsdale as ds reid in emmerdale

ITV

As Charity decides to report her ordeal, she speaks with DS Reid, played by Lonsdale. Taking to Instagram after the scenes aired earlier this week, Lonsdale praised the storyline and its sensitive direction.

"Im very honoured to have joined the Company of @emmerdale as DS REID along side the ever brilliant @missemmaatkins," Lonsdale wrote.

"This is a deeply impactful storyline, sensitively directed by @beckywildtv. If anyone is affected by the issues raised please contact itv.com/advice. #emmerdale #dsreid a #angelalonsdale #angelandfrancis."

charity dingle is interviewed by ds reid in emmerdale

ITV

In a follow-up post, Lonsdale also wrote: "Im proud to have joined the company of @emmerdale as DS Reid along side the brilliant @missemmaatkins.

"Directed with great sensitivity by @beckywildtv. This is a deeply impactful and important storyline and if anyone has been affected by issues raised, please contact @itv.com/advice. #emmerdale #itvx #charitydingle #dsreid #drtodd."

Soap fans will also recognise Lonsdale for roles in Holby City, Doctors, Wolfblood, Our Girl and The Syndicate. Most recently, the soap star appeared in Hollyoaks in 2022 for six episodes as Gill, the mother of murderous student Joseph Holmes.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Rape Crisis offers a range of support for women and girls who have experienced sexual abuse of any kind. Its free helpline can be contacted on 0808 802 9999 and the charity has websites available for readers in England & Wales, Scotland and Ireland.