Coronation Street legend FINALLY breaks silence on shocking Emmerdale role as Charity’s new cop!
08:10, 10 Jun 2026Updated 08:12, 10 Jun 2026
A Coronation Street icon has broken their silence after joining Emmerdale as part of Charity Dingle’s storyline.
Article continues below
Only recently Charity was sexually assaulted by evil Dr Todd who has been blackmailing her for weeks over the true parentage of baby Leyla.
Charity acted as a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden and Sarah’s husband Jacob Gallagher, bringing baby Leyla into the world. However, Charity has failed to tell the new parents that herself and Ross Barton are in fact the biological parents of Leyla following a fling.
After Dr Todd learnt this information, she demanded £100,000 from the Woolpack co-owner and matters took a disturbing turn when Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity after she fell asleep on the sofa.
Following the assault, Charity bravely reported Dr Todd to the police and she spoke to a female officer, DS Reid.
Soap watchers were quick to do a double take during the scenes as they instantly recognised the actress playing the character. DS Reid is played by actress Angela Lonsdale.
Angela, 58, portrayed police officer Emma on Coronation Street from 2000 to 2003 and was paired with iconic character Curly Watts.
Angela’s career has also seen her grace our screens in Holby City, Doctors, This Is England ’90, Our Girl, The Syndicate, and Hollyoaks, among others.
Article continues below
Taking to Instagram following her Emmerdale debut as DS Reid, Angela penned: “Im very honoured to have joined the Company of @emmerdale as DS REID along side the ever brilliant @missemmaatkins.
“This is a deeply impactful story line , sensitively directed by @beckywildtv . If anyone is affected by the issues raised please contact itv.com/advice . #emmerdale #dsreid a #angelalonsdale #angelandfrancis.”
She added in another post: “Im proud to have joined the company of @emmerdale as DS Reid along side the brilliant @missemmaatkins.
“Directed with great sensitivity by @beckywildtv . This is a deeply impactful and important storyline and if anyone has been affected by issues raised , please contact @itv.com /advice . #emmerdale #itvx #charitydingle #dsreid #drtodd.”
STRICT EMBARGO – No Use Before Tuesday 8th July 2025
Emmerdale – Ep 10339
Monday 14th July 2025
Victoria Sugden [ISABEL HODGINS] overwhelmed when Charity Dingle [EMMA ATKINS] asks her if she’ll be a surrogate and tries to digest Charity’s proposition. Sensing Vic’s uncertainty, Charity does her utmost to convince an uncomfortable Vic – explaining she’s the only chance Sarah’s got.
Picture contact – [email protected]
Photographer – Mark Bruce
This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Article continues below
Corrie’s Sally Metcalfe star Sally Dynevor put a series of heart eyes, Maria Connor star Samia Longchambon commented clapping emojis while former Corrie star Denise Welch, who played Natalie Barnes, put: “Bravo Ang” with heart emojis.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.