Emmerdale spoilers follow, while this article also includes discussion of sexual assault, which some readers might find upsetting.
Emmerdale's Charity Dingle found comfort in a stranger tonight, but the newcomer has a big, unexpected connection to home. Viewers know that Charity has gone missing following Dr Todd's horrifying sexual assault, leaving her loved ones worried.
But tonight saw the unexpected arrival of newcomer Serena Sugden (played by Casey Al-Shaqsy) whose true identity will surely come as a shock to Charity in later episodes.
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The episode opened with Charity standing at the edge of a lake contemplating her life, when a stranger who had been caught short appeared from the bushes.
Introducing herself as Serena, she immediately noticed that Charity was in pain and offered help, saying she used to work at the Samaritans.
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But when Serena reached out to touch her shoulder, Charity responded by slapping her in the face.
Serena apologised for touching her without her permission but Charity's reaction led Serena to ask if someone touching her when she didn't want them to is what had brought her to the lake.
Later the pair sat down to talk, with Charity revealing that Sarah and Jacob's baby was actually hers. Charity went on to open up about Dr Todd's blackmail and assault, sharing that she had even reported it to the police, to no avail.
Admitting that she had been faking post-natal depression to get medication, Charity said she didn't know how to go on knowing that Dr Todd was still out there.
As they parted ways, Serena told Charity she should consider telling the police about Dr Todd's blackmail to help her case and coming clean to Sarah and Mac about Leyla's paternity, saying that the truth was the only way forward.
But after they said goodbye and Serena got into her car, her SatNav showed that she was driving towards Emmerdale village.
Spoilers for Thursday's episode show that Serena will be caught snooping around Emmerdale Farm by Sarah.
Related: Emmerdale reveals Charity's big Dr Todd decision in 14 spoiler pictures
Teasing the character's intentions, our Emmerdale insider said: "This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the Sugdens.
"Serena is a fascinating character who's set to bring lots of drama to her legendary Dales dynasty – but what lures her to the village in the first place?
"Sarah is seriously spooked and demands to know what's going on," our mole added. "Serena has some explaining to do, but will she reveal her true intentions there and then or try to conceal her identity?"
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.
