Former Coronation Street actress Angela Lonsdale has spoken out after joining Emmerdale as DS Reid, playing a key role in Charity Dingle's harrowing storyline. The 58-year-old actress, known for portraying Emma Watts on the cobbles from 2000 to 2003, made her debut on the ITV soap on Monday evening as the police officer investigating Charity's sexual assault.
Charity's Ordeal
Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, recently suffered a sexual assault at the hands of Dr Todd, who had been blackmailing her for weeks 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 brief romance. When Dr Todd discovered this, she demanded £100,000 from the Woolpack co-owner. The situation turned sinister when Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity after she fell asleep on the sofa.
In the aftermath, Charity bravely reported the assault to the police and gave a statement to DS Reid, played by Lonsdale.
Angela Lonsdale's Reaction
Taking to Instagram after her Emmerdale debut, Lonsdale expressed her honor at joining the cast. She wrote: "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 storyline, 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 and if anyone has been affected by issues raised, please contact @itv.com/advice."
Support from Former Co-Stars
Lonsdale's former Coronation Street colleagues were quick to offer congratulations. Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe, posted heart-eyed emojis, while Samia Longchambon, known for Maria Connor, added clapping emojis. Former Corrie actress Denise Welch, who played Natalie Barnes, wrote: "Bravo Ang" alongside heart emojis.
Lonsdale's career also includes roles in Holby City, Doctors, This Is England '90, Our Girl, The Syndicate, and Hollyoaks.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you have been affected by the issues raised, help is available at www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national helpline on 0808 802 9999.
