Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale aired emotional scenes tonight as Marlon Dingle experienced a medical emergency and suffered a stroke.
It was revealed earlier this month that Mark Charnock's beloved Woolpack chef would experience a life-threatening health scare, with the soap aiming to educate viewers on the early warning signs of a stroke.
However, nothing could prepare fans for how it was enacted on screen, with fans praising Emmerdale for its "phenomenal and incredibly emotional" episode as well as star Mark Charnock for his "amazing" performance as the soap aired on Monday (March 21).
Related: Emmerdale releases emotional trailer for Marlon Dingle's stroke storyline
The episode followed Marlon as he nipped home to retrieve Rhona Goskirk's (ZoΓ« Henry) engagement ring so the happy couple could propose to each other, but he suddenly found that his vision had been impaired.
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Marlon then saw a slow-motion haze as he looked at himself in the mirror and his mouth drooped to one side before he fell to the ground.
As Marlon lay on the floor, he realised that he was having a stroke as the voice inside his head repeated the FAST algorithm ("Face, Arm, Speech, Time") that aids in identifying a stroke.
Related: Emmerdale star reveals long-term consequences of Marlon's stroke storyline
As he desperately tried to stay awake, Marlon could be heard promising himself that this wouldn't be how it all ends before his young daughter April Windsor burst through the door to find her dad on the floor and called an ambulance.
When Marlon arrived at the hospital, it was soon confirmed by a doctor that he'd suffered a stroke and would need surgery to remove a clot on the brain.
In his room, a shellshocked Rhona went on to tell Marlon how happy he made her and assured him that they'd be tying the knot soon enough. The episode ended with Marlon's family facing an anxious wait at the hospital.
Related: Emmerdale's Charley Webb pays tribute to "old work family" after quitting the soap
Over on social media, Emmerdale viewers were full of praise for the episode and the emotional performance of its star.
"Such a heartbreaking storyline but it's important to educate & raise awareness. Incredible acting by @markcharnock #Emmerdale #ActFAST @TheStrokeAssoc," one fan wrote, while another added: "Absolutely incredible acting from Marlon there gave me goosebumps #Emmerdale."
"What amazing acting by @markcharnock and what a powerful message you have sent out to raise awareness to such a real threat to all people," another fan shared.
"There is no discrimination. Another important storyline portrayed with such emotional sensitivity. Congratulations again #Emmerdale."
Read on for more reactions to tonight's powerful episode:
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.
Stroke Association has further information and support on stroke. You can call their helpline on 0303 3033 100 or visit their website at www.stroke.org.uk. Readers in the US can contact the American Stroke Association.
