It was naive of Laurel Thomas to believe she could keep her dalliance with Ross Barton a secret in Emmerdale. The story began two weeks ago when Laurel confronted Ross, thinking he was interested in Gabby Thomas. Ross was actually checking out Laurel, not Gabby. Gabby, infatuated, tried to seduce Ross at Home Farm, but he rejected her, leaving her devastated.
Laurel's Secret Affair
As Gabby drowned her sorrows in wine, Ross pursued her step-mum. Laurel enjoyed sneaking around but had to cover her tracks when Sam Dingle arrived at Dale View. Sam wanted dance lessons from Ross, so Laurel pretended to be Sam's rehearsal partner. This lie within a lie kept Sam's surprise for Lydia hidden, but Lydia and Kim Tate grew suspicious.
Kim Uncovers the Truth
Lydia confronted Sam in a packed pub, but later apologized. However, Kim noticed Sam handing Ross a shirt with lipstick. Realizing Laurel must have transferred the lipstick during a passionate moment, Kim voiced her theory in front of Lydia and Bob Hope. Laurel's guilty face confirmed it. Just then, Gabby walked in and overheard the truth, deeply hurt that Laurel was sneaking around with the man she fancied.
Gabby's Heartbreak
Laurel made things worse by dismissing the affair as just sex, disregarding Gabby's feelings. Gabby, already unlucky in love, felt betrayed. That afternoon, she sat alone with Thomas in The Hide, ignoring Laurel's messages. She commented that it was just them now, struggling with the rejection.
A Dark New Direction
To distract herself, Gabby will focus on a new menu at The Hide and become passionate about health and wellbeing. But as she searches for inspiration on social media, she lands on the darker side of the internet. Actress Rosie Bentham teased: 'I think she's looking for something else to put her focus in... at what point does that become an obsession and unhealthy?'
