Former Coronation Street star Angela Lonsdale has spoken out after making her debut on rival soap Emmerdale in a hard-hitting storyline involving Charity Dingle. The 58-year-old actress, known for playing police officer Emma on Coronation Street from 2000 to 2003, appears as DS Reid, the officer investigating Charity's sexual assault.
Charity Dingle's Harrowing Ordeal
Charity, played by Emma Atkins, was recently sexually assaulted by Dr Todd, who had been blackmailing her over the true parentage of baby Leyla. Charity served as a surrogate for her granddaughter Sarah Sugden and Sarah's husband Jacob Gallagher, but secretly, Charity and Ross Barton are Leyla's biological parents after a fling. Dr Todd discovered this and demanded £100,000 from the Woolpack co-owner. The situation escalated when Dr Todd assaulted Charity after she fell asleep on the sofa. In the aftermath, Charity bravely reported the assault to DS Reid.
Angela Lonsdale's Reaction
Angela took to Instagram to express her gratitude, saying: "I'm very honoured to have joined the Company of @emmerdale as DS REID along side the ever brilliant @missemmaatkins. This is a deeply impactful story line, sensitively directed by @beckywildtv. If anyone is affected by the issues raised please contact itv.com/advice." In a separate post, she added: "I'm 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."
Fans quickly recognised Angela, who has also appeared in Holby City, Doctors, This Is England '90, Our Girl, The Syndicate, and Hollyoaks. Her former Coronation Street co-stars, including Sally Dynevor, Samia Longchambon, and Denise Welch, congratulated her on social media.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you have been affected by sexual assault, help is available at www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling 0808 802 9999.
