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Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy explains story idea the show turned down

Harriet Mitchell
·2-min read

Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has revealed a story idea she pitched that the show turned down.

Bellamy, who is best known for her portrayal of Laurel Thomas on the soap, said she has only ever pitched one story to Emmerdale writers but it was never realised.

"The only story I've ever tried to pitch to the writers was years ago, when we were all working in the factory," Bellamy told Inside Soap.

According to the soap star, the story idea she had involved all of the women who worked at the factory becoming addicted to gambling in a desperate attempt to improve their circumstances.

laurel thomas, emmerdale
ITV

Related: Emmerdale's Laurel Thomas left regretful after Marshall discovery

"I pitched a story about a group of women becoming addicted to gambling, which is actually really common," she said. "I thought as a collective of women desperate to make a living that would be quite interesting.

Seemingly taking the rejection on the chin, Bellamy said that even if ideas are good they don't necessarily fit in with other storylines.

"It never got through, but as actors we don't see the bigger picture, and what other stories are going on. It's all about the timing.

In recent storylines, Laurel stepped in to support Marshall Hamston after discovering that he was being abused by his homophobic father.

Related: Emmerdale's Laurel Thomas makes an upsetting discovery about Marshall

Speaking of her character's kindness, Bellamy said: "I really admire Laurel's kindness – that's a lovely trait in anyone isn't it?

"That's something that everyone aspires to be. Though I suppose sometimes she can be too forgiving. And sometimes she puts everyone else before herself. But that's every mother isn't it?

"The one trait I share with Laurel is that I'm pretty accepting," Bellamy said. "I'm not too judgemental in life. I'm not saying I'm perfect, but I try to accept people for who they are and not be too opinionated."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

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