A promo shot of Lydia Dingle, who will be raped in upcoming Emmerdale scenes
Lydia will be raped by Craig (Picture: ITV)

Emmerdale has confirmed that Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) will be raped by her friend Craig in upcoming scenes.

Prior to this ordeal, Lydia will continue to bond with Craig, who she bumped into while at a recruitment fair recently.

During a chat in the café, Lydia chose to tell Craig about her past, revealing that she gave birth to their child who was stillborn and tried to restart his heart but wasn’t able to. She then told Craig how she dug a grave for their son in a woodland area near the children’s home where they lived, with the body eventually being found in 2019.

While they continue to get to know each other now, scenes that will air in early September will see Craig’s behaviour turn sinister as he forces himself upon Lydia.

Statistics show that 1 in 2 rapes against women are carried out by their partner or an ex partner. In a state of shock after the attack, Lydia will then decide whether or not to report the rape to the police.

The aftermath will see Lydia struggle to come to terms with what’s happened and will internalise her attack, causing her friends and family to become worried about her change in behaviour.

Emmerdale is working alongside Rape Crisis England and Wales to ensure the story is told accurately and sensitively.

Lydia and Craig chat in The Hide in Emmerdale
Lydia and Craig grew up in a children’s home (Picture: ITV)

Discussing this story, Karen Blick commented: ‘Lydia’s rape is one of the most important and sensitive stories I have been part of during my time in Emmerdale. The research, preparation and aftermath of this story has been challenging and eye opening for me.

Reflecting on the statistics surrounding sexual violence, she said: ‘One in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult, and after reading this statistic I found myself standing in the canteen at ITV looking around as that figure really shocked me.’

Karen has also been in contact with women who have been through similar ordeals to Lydia.

Sam comforts Lydia as she looks at an old dolls house in Emmerdale
Statistics show that 1 in 2 rapes against women are carried out by their partner or an ex partner (Picture: ITV)

She reflected: ‘I have spoken to and met with women impacted by this crime, but this is very much Lydia’s story. Emmerdale tackles these socially important stories so well and I hope anyone impacted by this storyline can seek help and support, because no one should have to face this alone.’

Highlighting the work Emmerdale has done alongside the charity Rape Crisis, producer Laura Shaw said: ‘Emmerdale have never shied away from telling difficult but important stories and with Lydia’s rape we do just that. With five out of six women who are raped not reporting it to the police, we really wanted to raise awareness of this issue and hopefully encourage any women who have been in a similar position to Lydia to speak out.

‘We’ve been working really closely with Rape Crisis, who have held our hand every step of the way and given us invaluable support to be able to tell the story as authentically and responsibly as possible. We’re also mindful of when Emmerdale airs on ITV, so the drama will be implicit rather than explicit.’

Lydia attends a job fair at The Hide in Emmerdale
Lydia saw Craig again while at a recruitment fair at The Hide (Picture: ITV)

She added: ‘Karen Blick’s harrowing, but courageous and brave performance, is truly outstanding as this story rips through the whole Dingle family and into the wider village community. As we head towards Christmas, we will see Sam and Lydia’s marriage really tested as secrets are exposed and lives irrevocably changed forever.’

Highlighting the support for women impacted by this crime, Jayne Butler, Chief Executive at Rape Crisis, explained:

‘Lydia’s story will resonate with the thousands of victims and survivors who are raped or sexually assaulted in England and Wales every year. Although it can be difficult to see these experiences reflected on screen, when they are represented realistically and sensitively it can be a really powerful way to raise awareness.’

‘If anyone has been impacted by Lydia’s storyline, we want you to know that Rape Crisis is here for you. Whether it happened recently or a long time ago, or you’re not sure what happened – we have lots of information and support on our website that might help.

‘You can also call our 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat to us online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.’

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