Emmerdale is preparing a significant and concerning new storyline for Gabby Thomas, following recent hints about a clean-living plot for the character. Actress Rosie Bentham has revealed to The Mirror that this development will send her character down an "obsessive" path. After being rejected by Ross Barton, who is instead enjoying a fling with Gabby's stepmother Laurel Thomas, Gabby embarks on a "big storyline" that explores themes of rejection, control, and body image.
Gabby's Rejection and Obsessive Turn
Rosie Bentham explained that this storyline delves deeper into Gabby's psyche. "It kind of makes her go, yes, we've been here before, but men are just not something that's going well for Gabby at the minute," she said. "It's just the ultimate rejection really. Gabby and Vinny ended that relationship quite a while ago now and she's seen him move on, he's obviously happy with Lewis. She's kind of in a little bit of limbo right now."
Gabby is focused on work but still craves male validation. She sees Ross as a bit of fun, not a committed relationship, but is easily led by attractive men. When Ross claims a miscommunication, Gabby feels humiliated, propelling her to take control of her life and become the best version of herself. "She starts trying to eat clean, and body image starts becoming really important to her," Rosie said. "Unfortunately that does become a bit obsessive, but I'm not quite sure where that's going to go yet."
Laurel's Guilt and Future Fallout
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, discussed the moral dilemma her character faces. "I do decide that it's just for fun. Which I guess, down the line, I'll feel terribly guilty for, obviously, with where it's going," she said. The fallout between Laurel and Gabby when the truth emerges is yet to be filmed, but Bellamy teased that Laurel will feel guilty due to the plot's direction.
Rosie added that this is just the beginning: "It's prevalent. I'm really, really excited to see what is gonna happen in the next year. It's gonna be really good. This is just the tip of the iceberg. It's where it all starts." She noted that Gabby has always wanted to prove herself, and social media pressures contribute to her spiral. "Getting rejected on top of that, it spirals and I think she's looking for something else to put a focus on and what can be seen as quite a healthy thing, investing in your health and everything, at what point does that become an obsession and unhealthy?"
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
