Emmerdale spoilers follow, while this article also includes discussion of sexual assault, which some readers might find upsetting.
Charity Dingle's loved ones are left terrified for her safety on Emmerdale next week after she goes missing – and ends up teetering on the edge of a lake.
Terrified husband Mackenzie Boyd calls the police when the family fails to find her, convinced that she could be a danger to herself.
Related: Emmerdale – why Danny Miller has disappeared from the soap mid-storyline
Mack still believes that Charity's anguish is due to post-natal depression, unaware of the horrifying sexual assault committed by Dr Todd.
However, the true depths of Charity's pain and anguish are revealed when a stranger finds her in a terrible state…
What to Read Next
"Charity has reached the point where she cannot go on like this – she's completely traumatised," explains our village spy. "She drives off and finds herself at this lake where she's just frozen, looking out and clearly close to the edge of a complete breakdown.
"After everything she's been through, Charity cannot cope with the emotional toll of what's happened. She desperately needs help."
Mack and Sarah Sugden have been trying to help Charity for the past few weeks, aware that she seems to be struggling. But they have no idea that Todd sexually assaulted Charity or that, despite reporting the crime, the inconclusive physical evidence made this case hard to prove.
Related: Emmerdale confirms "darker" direction for Caleb in big story
Every time Mack tries to talk to Charity, she understandably pushes him away as the enormity of what Todd did, as well as the devastating secret of baby Leyla's paternity, overwhelms her.
So, when Charity speeds off in a car, Mack calls the family to go looking for her, convinced something terrible could happen.
Fortunately, as she stares across the lake, Charity is spotted by a stranger who comes over to find out what's happening. But when the woman tries to comfort her, Charity reacts with violence.
"The moment this woman tries to touch Charity, she lashes out and hits her," says our insider. "It's a knee-jerk reaction which leaves Charity completely horrified by herself.
"But rather than rush away, this kind stranger accepts Charity's apology and suggests that her reaction is likely due to being touched without permission before. Of course, she's hit the nail on the head, and Charity finally begins to open up about what she's been through."
Related: Emmerdale lines up huge fury from Caleb in scam plot
As events unfold at the lake, back at home Mack talks to the police about Charity, and his fears for her wellbeing.
Desperate for any piece of information that could help, Mack goes to Chas Dingle and implores her to speak up if there's anything he should know. Will Chas be honest now that the stakes are so high?
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Rape Crisis offers a range of support for women and girls who have experienced sexual abuse of any kind. Its free helpline can be contacted on 0808 802 9999 and the charity has websites available for readers in England & Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
