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Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy defends Laurel and Jai story

From Digital Spy

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has defended Laurel Thomas and Jai Sharma's emotional new storyline, insisting that she's "very proud" of the upcoming scenes.

Charlotte's character Laurel will face a big decision with her partner Jai (Chris Bisson) in upcoming episodes after discovering that they're expecting a baby together.

The couple learn that their child will be born with Down's syndrome and, after some intense conversations, they ultimately make the decision that Laurel will have a termination.

Speaking to Digital Spy and other media in a recent Zoom call, Charlotte was asked whether she had any misgivings about the storyline.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Charlotte confirmed: "I didn't have any misgivings, no. Emmerdale deal with these very emotive stories very well. We do a lot of research, we work with charities, and scripts are checked.

"Emmerdale is always so well-informed, so I felt a huge responsibility to tell this story, of course, because I know it's a massive issue. But I had no misgivings, no.

"After we saw the statistics, which are very high, so many couples go through this incredibly painful decision and I think that their story has to be heard.

"I don't believe a soap has covered this particular angle before, but soaps shouldn't shy away from these very taboo subjects, because they're important and they're real life. People make these decisions. However painful this is, they have to make them."

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Confirming that she has already watched the key episodes back, Charlotte continued: "It's a huge team effort and I'm very proud of what Emmerdale has achieved.

"I think it gives a really balanced view. It's hard watching, but it's a very, very emotive subject – we're all aware of that. But I think we're honest and we play it as truthfully as we can."

The storyline begins on screen next week and ultimately builds up to an emotional single-storyline episode, focusing solely on the characters of Laurel, Jai, Rhona Goskirk, Marlon Dingle and Leo Goskirk.

Rhona and Marlon's son Leo has Down's syndrome and their views on the situation will be a central part of the storyline.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Charlotte said: "We see Rhona's side as well. You see that bubbling alongside with Leo, who's obviously 9 years old now and an established character. You also see Laurel and Jai's reasons, so I feel it's very balanced.

"The show takes you on a journey and you can see the thought process all the time.

"Laurel is feeling guilt and she's feeling shameful about what to do – should she do this, should she do that? This is what real people go through, and it's so well written."

Emmerdale's plans to air this storyline have sparked strong criticism from Down's syndrome rights campaigners in recent weeks. A petition has been launched which calls on ITV to cancel the plot, attracting 25,000 signatures to date.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

In a statement released this week, the Down's Syndrome Association also commented: "The Down's Syndrome Association has had no involvement in the development of the Emmerdale storyline and we have told the team at Emmerdale of our concerns, particularly for the many people who have Down's syndrome who watch the soap and how they might be affected by it.

"We asked Emmerdale for viewers to be signposted to us following the screening of any episodes on this storyline. We have been assured that this will happen.

"Calls to our confidential helpline from expectant parents following pre-natal testing have increased recently. We want to make sure that parents get accurate information and do not feel like they are being judged.

"Families might not call us if they felt we would try to persuade them to follow a particular path. Families come back to us after their baby has been born and we continue to be there for them as their child grows up.

"We certainly do not welcome the upcoming storyline and have already started to support people who have Down's syndrome and their families who are worried and will continue to do so while the story runs."

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.


Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby. You can contact the Sands National Helpline on 0808 164 3332, or email helpline@sands.org.uk.


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