In Emmerdale, Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) is still having trouble after being sexually assaulted by Craig Reed (Ben Addis).
Guilt has added to her sentiments of shock and betrayal that her boyhood buddy, the father of her son Toby who passed away at birth, could do such a thing. Although she firmly told Craig that she was happily married and didn’t want sex with him, Lydia worried that she might have led him on or encouraged him in some way.
Everything is made much harder by having to return to work in the same office where the incident occurred, as actress Karen Blick informed us.
She exhibits physical symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of her experiences. Seeing him again triggers memories, ideas, and emotions related to what transpired. She is currently processing that.
Karen remarked that Lydia’s reactions to what happened and how she handles it are greatly influenced by Craig’s attitude following the rape.
Observing the perpetrator, who denies it even occurred, and hearing her version of events, we might say, “That’s where it happened.” She is being gaslighted, which is making her day-to-day existence more difficult and affecting her ability or inability to cope.
People won’t trust her because of her shame and self-doubt. That gets worse for Lydia as time goes on.
It has an impact on her family as well because Lydia emotionally withdraws and feels unwilling to tell Sam Dingle (James Hooton) what has transpired.
He decides to travel to Ireland because he doesn’t understand why she is acting differently toward him. Sam tries to make up with his wife before he goes, but he feels like she’s drifting apart and wonders if Craig has taken his position as the object of her adoration.
Karen described them as “a really strong, sturdy couple who just adore one other dearly.” They are soul mates, I say. Lydia’s main concern is how Sam will perceive her after he finds out what occurred.
Will he have the same perspective on her? She is afraid of that since she feels so awful about what occurred and she is concerned about Sam’s opinion of her. Sam, will you believe me? She had a lot of thoughts going through her head.
Karen stated that this is a complete low point for Lydia as Sam departs for Ireland, wondering about his relationship with his wife.
Lydia is scared that her marriage to Sam, who is the center of her universe, could end as a result, she said.
And Lydia will no longer be a part of the Dingle family, which is extremely important to her. The Dingles are her entire universe because she was raised in foster care, alone, and with a great deal of distance from her own family.
“I sincerely hope they can support each other and come out the other end,” I said in regards to the future of their marriage.
