EMMERDALE's Lydia Dingle will face personal turmoil in the next few weeks as she is the victim of a devastating rape.
Lydia, played by actress Karen Blick, will be attacked by her ex-partner Craig in harrowing scenes on the ITV soap opera.
Fans have seen Lydia recently re-connect with her former partner Craig with whom she shared a stillborn child.
Everything has been cordial between the former couple with Craig even helping Lydia to secure a job working for him amid her current financial woes at the Dingle household.
But things will quickly take a sinister turn when during the first half of September, Craig's behaviour starts to become a concern.
In a sinister move, Craig forced himself upon Lydia and rapes her.
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Upcoming scenes will see Lydia left shocked in the aftermath of the attack as she debates how best to move forward.
She is faced with the decision of whether or not to report Craig's appalling crime to the police.
In the weeks that follow, fans will see Lydia struggle to come to terms with what has happened to her as she begins to internalise the attack.
Oblivious to her ordeal, her family will soon express concern about her unusual behaviour.
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The soap's boss also admitted the story will run into Christmas and will see Sam and Lydia's marriage tested and "lives irrevocably changed forever".
The storyline will throw light on the statistic that one in two rapes against women are carried out by their partner or an ex partner.
Speaking of the story, actress Karen said: "Lydia’s rape is one of the most important and sensitive stories I have been part of during my time in Emmerdale."
She also admitted that the story had been a "challenge", saying: "The research, preparation and aftermath of this story has been challenging and eye opening for me.
"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.
“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.”
The episodes over the coming month have been supported and produced alongside Rape Crisis England and Wales.
Chief Executive of the organisation, Jayne Butler, said: "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.”
Emmerdale's Executive Producer, Laura Shaw, added: “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."
She continued: “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.”
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If you have been affected by Lydia Dingle's upcoming story you can visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk for more information.
You can also call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat online via 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.”
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