Troubled Emmerdale character Laurel Dingle has hit an all-time low - accidentally killing her family's pet dog Daisy.
The shocking moment aired in Thursday night's double bill (May 7) as Laurel's drinking problem continued to have dire consequences for her loved ones.
An emotional episode for the Dingle family saw Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) drunkenly drive off from the village after Cain bribed her to get out of her husband Marlon's life for good.
Cain (Jeff Hordley) acted out of concern for his cousin as he was convinced that Marlon was better off without her, but tragedy struck due to Laurel carelessly leaving the front door open at home and allowing Daisy to escape.
Once Marlon (Mark Charnock) learned of Cain's attempt to interfere, they both tracked Laurel down and found her pulled up at the side of a country road - where she was frantically trying to bury Daisy after accidentally knocking her down and killing her.
Laurel's actions marked another dark twist in the ongoing alcoholism storyline, showing just how desperate she had become to keep the extent of her problems under wraps.
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Daisy's death was also particularly poignant for Marlon as his beloved pet was his final reminder of his late wife Tricia.
Devastated by Daisy's loss and shocked by Laurel's inappropriate attitude towards the situation, Marlon finally lost patience with his out-of-control wife and kicked her out of the family home - leaving viewers to wonder whether their marriage is now over for good.
An Emmerdale insider told Digital Spy: "Tonight's episode and what Laurel has done is a big turning point and a total game changer for both Laurel and Marlon.
"Marlon has truly realised how severe Laurel's addiction is and questions if he can cope with what lies ahead, knowing it is a rocky road."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
