“The stakes feel very high”
Emmerdale‘s Dr Caitlin Todd’s relentless blackmail leaves Charity Dingle with no choice but to try to sell her beloved Woolpack next week.
The merciless medic is taking great delight in ramping up the pressure on her new nemesis, and the sum she’s asking for is eye-watering.
However, Charity is so desperate to protect granddaughter Sarah and Jacob Sugden from the truth about baby Leyla Sugden’s paternity that she has no choice but to take drastic action. But can she secure the deal that’ll get Todd off her back forever?
ITV
“The stakes feel very high,” laughs Caroline Harker, who plays Dr Todd. “Todd feels all powerful. I’m not sure she’s been down the blackmailing for money route [until now], but she’s done the manipulation before.
“Now she’s retired from the hospital, she’s got all that time to herself, so that’s very dangerous!”
Having tried and failed to pay off Todd already, Charity is reeling when she fails to get a loan extension. The only hope she’s got is to find a buyer for her share of the Woolpack and get the money that way.
ITV
However, it looks like she might have some luck when Ruby expresses an interest. Caleb quickly shoots down the idea, and as Charity desperately searches for another buyer, Todd continues to ramp up the pressure.
“I don’t think Todd knew she was going to go as dark as she’s gone, I think she’s been affected by her father dying and all that happened with Jacob,” explains Caroline.
“It’s pushed her into different things that she didn’t know she was capable of, but she’s enjoying it!”
Under normal circumstances, Charity would be more than a match for Dr Todd, but armed with the secret of Leyla’s paternity, she has an ace card. That drives Charity to do the unthinkable and offer Kim Tate her share of the Woolpack at a bargain price.
ITV
But even if Kim agrees, Charity may not be free as Todd becomes more entrenched in village life, which Caroline loves.
“I love the fact that Todd is meeting her match in Charity, and I’ve brought my A-game to work with Emma Atkins, who plays her,” she tells us.
“It’s a privilege to work with Emma. The writers knew all along where they were going with Todd, and it’s so interesting to be taken on that journey as an actor. It’s very clever!”
