Emmerdale legend's exit 'sealed' after 25 years in tragic update

ITV soap Emmerdale has dropped a new trailer teasing a tough time ahead for Charity Dingle. As fans of the show will know, Charity (Emma Atkins) is carrying the burden of her sexual assault and blackmail at the hands of Dr Todd (Caroline Harker), and her family is now becoming concerned for her well-being.

Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) is only partially aware of what has unfolded, and has no idea that the surgeon assaulted her cousin as part of a terrible blackmail scheme. Although Charity bravely reported Todd to the police, the weight of the situation intensified when DS Reid (Angela Lonsdale) revealed that there wasn't enough evidence to charge her, and the evil doctor left the village.

Charity is now hiding her harrowing ordeal from those closest to her by tragically faking a serious mental condition, and on Monday (June 15), news got out that she is suffering from postnatal depression after giving birth to baby Leyla. Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) prescribed Charity medication, which made her feel utterly alone in her latest lie.

Emmerdale spoilers have now confirmed Charity's mental health will spiral as she edges towards a breakdown. In worrying scenes next week, she speeds off in her car to avoid telling her husband, Mackenzie (Lawrence Robb), about her problems, and finds herself standing on the edge of a lake. Mack fails to reach his wife and has no choice but to call the police.

Meanwhile, as a vacant Charity stares into the distance, she hears rustling, then a stranger appears and tries to help her. When the stranger reaches for Charity, encouraging her to open up, she lashes out.

Instead of running away, the mystery person suggests the reaction was due to being touched without permission. Can Charity be saved?

In a trailer released on Monday detailing Charity's ordeal, she can be seen in distress as Mack is heard saying: "Now Vanessa nearly lost her sister to post-natal depression", before she is seen screaming over her steering wheel while driving a car.

Emmerdale fans are now fearing Charity is about to exit the soap in a devastating mental health storyline.

One person commented on the trailer: "Oh, Charity. I'm well nervous for next week's Emmerdale, hopefully Charity speaks to someone soon."

A second added: "I have a feeling Charity is going to do something to herself, I mean when she got those sleeping pills off Manpreet, I really hope it doesn’t go down that road."

A third asked: "Does she drown?" as another comments: "Oh no! someone has to help Charity!"

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX

Victim support - If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, http://www.victimsupport.org.uk .