Emmerdale spoilers follow. This article contains discussion of topics including sexual assault.
Emmerdale’s Mackenzie Boyd is set to confront Dr Todd in explosive scenes next week, as actor Lawrence Robb warns that his character could kill in an act of revenge. This week, Charity finally came clean to her husband about her one-night stand with Ross and told him that they are in fact the biological parents of baby Leyla.
"The revelation of Charity’s betrayal is a lot for Mack to process," Lawrence exclusively tells us. "While he committed a similar act of betrayal with Chloe a few years ago, the struggle here is likely less about the infidelity and more about the reality of Leyla’s biological parentage. Despite this, I hope they can work through it."
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But Charity also told Mack about Dr Todd’s blackmail, and she bravely opened up about being sexually assaulted by the villain. Mack was shocked and insisted that she needs to go to the police.
Charity takes Mack’s advice next week and reports Dr Todd again, though is told that providing the information about the blackmail may not strengthen her case. She resolves to put on a brave face at Leyla’s Christening, leaving Mack concerned.
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At the afterparty of the big occasion, Mack enters self-destruct mode and picks a fight with Kev. While Kev doesn’t retaliate, he forces Mack to confess that Charity cheated on him with Ross.
"Mack feels deeply betrayed by Ross," Lawrence reflects. "They were becoming close friends, so learning that Ross knew about Leyla means he has been lying just as much as Charity. While he might understand Charity’s motivations better due to his love for her, the betrayal from Ross is harder to reconcile."
After this revelation, Kev encourages Mack to get revenge in a clever way, so he decides to set his sights on evil Dr Todd.
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Mack finds Todd working in a hospital in Sheffield and confronts her, but she denies the accusation, claiming that she had an intimate encounter with Charity that was consensual. However, Mack doesn’t believe a word and vows to get her locked up for raping his wife.
Security arrives to escort Mack out of the hospital, but beforehand he leaves Dr Todd with one final threat – promising to kill her if she ever touches Charity again.
"Mack is certainly capable of following through on his promise to kill Todd," warns Lawrence. "He loves Charity and Todd took advantage of her and the situation for her own personal gain. He feels very protective of Charity."
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Meanwhile, Charity is left doubting that she will ever get justice for what Todd did, but after some advice from Serena, she is clear that she needs to continue to fight.
But there could be more trouble ahead, as the next day Mack gets a visit from the police. Will Mack’s run-in with Dr Todd cause more problems for him and Charity?
"Their love has historically seen them through every challenge," says Lawrence, when asked about whether the couple are strong enough to overcome this current struggle.
"Given that Mack has been in a similar position before, and with everything Charity has been through and is going through, I truly hope this isn't the final nail in the coffin for their relationship."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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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.
