Emmerdale star explains Laurel's role in dramatic death story
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has spoken about her character Laurel Thomas's role in the soap's new death storyline.
Laurel finds herself embroiled in Anthony Fox's exit plot this week as she lashes out to protect her best friend Nicola King.
Monday's episode, which is already streaming on ITVX, sees Anthony turn physically threatening with Nicola after she rightly accuses him of being a danger to children.
Laurel rushes in and defends Nicola by hitting Anthony over the head with a heavy ornament. Anthony recovers, but when he later goes missing in suspicious circumstances, Laurel and Nicola can't help worrying that the two incidents may be connected.
Related: Emmerdale star reveals Caleb's role in death storyline
Speaking about the storyline, Charlotte explained: "Laurel walks in on Anthony attacking Nicola so she hits him over the head. Nicola tells Laurel he is a sexual predator.
"Laurel can't believe this revelation and is in shock about this, as he seemed genuinely a nice honest man.
"Afterwards, Laurel is behaving suspiciously with Nicola because they have hit Anthony and he is walking around with a bloody head injury."
While Anthony's exit has been billed as a murder mystery, with seven potential culprits in the frame, Charlotte appeared to rule out the possibility of Laurel finishing off the job by killing Anthony.
Related: Emmerdale reveals a first look at villain's death storyline
She said: "Laurel is a good honest person but fiercely loyal. I don't think she ever is capable of real harm."
Asked how she'd feel if Laurel was revealed as the culprit, Charlotte admitted: "I would not believe it!"
Laurel, Nicola, Ruby, Caleb, Chas, Cain and Aaron have all been named as suspects in the Anthony mystery.
Anthony's final scenes air this week as he's found dead by someone following the disturbing revelations that he sexually abused his daughter Ruby when she was a teenager.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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