Emmerdale fans were left gobsmacked during Monday's episode when they instantly recognized the police officer taking Charity Dingle's statement. The officer, DS Reid, is played by actress Angela Lonsdale, a familiar face to soap viewers.
Charity's Ordeal
In recent episodes, Charity Dingle bravely reported Dr Caitlin Todd to the police after suffering a horrific sexual assault. Dr Todd had been blackmailing Charity after discovering that baby Leyla is biologically Charity and Ross Barton's child, not Sarah Sugden and Jacob Gallagher's as they believed.
The scheming doctor demanded a staggering £100,000 from the Woolpack co-owner, leaving Charity desperate. Matters took a dark turn when Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity in Sunday's episode.
Monday's Episode
Monday's instalment showed the heartbreaking aftermath as Charity struggled to cope. After attempting to join her family for granddaughter Sarah's 21st birthday party, a visibly distressed Charity fled. Later, she gathered the courage to report the assault to DS Reid at the police station.
Soap watchers quickly recognized DS Reid as Angela Lonsdale, who played police officer Emma Watts on Coronation Street from 2000 to 2003. Emma was famously paired with iconic character Curly Watts.
Angela Lonsdale's Career
Angela, 58, has appeared in numerous TV shows since leaving Coronation Street, including Holby City, Doctors, This Is England '90, Our Girl, The Syndicate, and Hollyoaks. Fans took to social media to comment on the crossover.
One viewer said: "Good to see Emma Watts is still on the force. #Emmerdale #Corriedale." Another added: "Wow, Emma Watts got promoted! One for the #Corrie long time watchers #Emmerdale."
A third fan wrote: "The police officer talking to charity is curly watts wife Emma also play police women in corrie." Another commented: "I did recognise her face. I dont watch Corrie, but think she has been in lots."
What's Next for Charity?
In the coming weeks, Charity will face an agonizing battle to process the attack, torn between confiding in loved ones or keeping her trauma locked away.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you've been affected by sexual assault, help is available via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or the national helpline on 0808 802 9999.
