View Full Version : Laurel and Marlon
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has explained Laurel Thomas's growing feelings for Marlon Dingle, admitting that the factory worker is falling for her friend.
Viewers have seen the pair grow closer in recent episodes and things go a step further at the end of next week when Laurel sees Marlon (Mark Charnock) spending time with Rachel Breckle and makes it clear that she is jealous.
Speaking of the latest developments, Bellamy told Inside Soap: "Laurel is overcome with jealousy at this point - she knows by then that she's really falling for Marlon. There's a nice little scene where they don't say anything, but actually say everything - and it's a moment which proves that Marlon has feelings for Laurel too.
"It looks like both of them are starting to come to terms with what's going on here."
Discussing the implications for Laurel's marriage to village vicar Ashley (John Middleton), the actress continued: "Laurel is on very shaky ground. She's falling in love with someone other than her husband and must work out what she wants.
"Nothing's happened between her and Marlon, but while it's not a physical thing, they're having an emotional affair. That's just as dangerous."
tammyy2j
31-08-2011, 20:35
I hope they dont have have an affair as I think it will ruin both characters
I like the friendship of Laurel and Marlon. I would not like to see it ruined by an affair.
I hope it dont turn physical
Morrinson'sBoii
01-09-2011, 17:37
i recon this storyline is getting silly an its only just started!
Chloe O'brien
01-09-2011, 21:34
Why can't they give Marlon some happy stories. To have him have an affair with Laurel will only lead to more heartbreak for him. It's about time Marlon has some good times. He's had his heart broken enough.
Poor guy.. When Tricia died, I cried for a week.. probably one of the saddest deaths in a soap
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has admitted that she is unsure whether Laurel Thomas's feelings for Marlon Dingle will develop into a full-blown affair.
In recent weeks, viewers have seen Bellamy's character grow much closer to Marlon, despite her marriage to village vicar Ashley (John Middleton).
The storyline takes a new twist later this week when Laurel sees Marlon (Mark Charnock) spending time with newcomer Rachel Breckle and makes it clear that she is jealous.
Speaking of Laurel's ongoing plot, Bellamy told Take It Easy: "She's a very loyal person and it's not like her to be looking for someone else. I think she feels neglected by Ashley. Marlon's giving her attention and that's always attractive, isn't it?"
Asked whether Laurel is bored of her marriage, the actress replied: "I really don't think she's as shallow as that. She's feeling something she's never felt with anyone but Ashley. I don't think she even knows it's happening.
"They start making excuses to spend time together and at first it's innocent. Then when Laurel sees Rachel with Marlon, she gets jealous and she just doesn't understand why."
She added: "This whole story is about them falling in love. I'm not sure she'll be tempted into an affair, but you can fall in love without anything physically happening."
Emmerdale airs an hour-long episode tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale's Laurel and Marlon will finally give into their feelings in the coming weeks, reports have revealed.
Over the past few months, we've seen the pair grow much closer - but things became awkward last Friday when they both finally seemed to realise what was happening - and Laurel has since decided to keep her distance.
That's not the end of the storyline, though, as All About Soap now reports that Laurel will share an illicit kiss with Marlon (Mark Charnock) in a forthcoming episode.
There's no word yet on whether the kiss could lead to something more, but Charlotte Bellamy - who plays Laurel - recently suggested that her character may not necessarily be tempted into an affair.
Will things develop further between Laurel and Marlon or will the kiss be strictly a one-off?
Emmerdale is expected to air the scenes in question next month.
Chloe O'brien
14-09-2011, 11:31
No No No Laurel don't do it.
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has admitted that she wasn't surprised when she heard that her character Laurel Thomas would develop feelings for Marlon Dingle.
Laurel and Marlon have fallen for each other over the past few weeks, but Laurel is currently unwilling to take things further as she is married to village vicar Ashley.
Bellamy spoke to TV Times about her initial reaction to the plotline, explaining: "It didn't surprise me really, because a soap has to keep evolving. I think her falling in love with somebody else was inevitable, but what's really interesting is that it's somebody she's known for a decade.
"It's not about a sordid affair, it's more about the dilemma - what do you do if you fall in love with somebody else?"
Asked whether she thinks Laurel and Marlon would make a good couple, the actress replied: "I do, but why do I feel really guilty saying that? I almost feel I wouldn't want John Middleton, who plays Ashley, to hear me. Isn't that terrible? When you're in a soap couple, you feel quite loyal.
"Marlon and Laurel have been through a lot of tragedy. They're both a bit quirky and daft and could make each other very happy."
Emmerdale fans will see Marlon and Laurel almost share a kiss in next week's episodes as the storyline continues.
Emmerdale star Mark Charnock has said that he is pleased with the viewer reaction to Marlon and Laurel's current storyline.
The actor told TV Times that many fans seem to be supporting the possibility of a relationship for the pair after they have grown so close in recent months.
Charnock explained: "From the reaction I've had on Twitter, I think three quarters of viewers want to see them together while the remaining quarter think it's wrong. I hoped there would be a mixed reaction like that."
Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) is currently struggling with her feelings because she does not want to betray her husband Ashley, played by John Middleton.
"They didn't plan this. They're completely swept away by their feelings and don't know what to do," Charnock continued.
"I'm hoping the audience will be saying, 'Oh, Laurel, just go off with Marlon!' Don't tell John I said that!"
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has predicted that someone will get "very hurt" as her character's ongoing love life dilemma gathers pace in the coming months.
Laurel Thomas has recently developed strong romantic feelings for chef Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), despite being married to village vicar Ashley (John Middleton). The storyline takes a new twist next week when Laurel and Marlon almost kiss.
Bellamy told Emmerdale's official website: "She's definitely falling in love with him, there's no doubt about that. And he's in love with her. What do you do if you're happily married and then you fall in love with somebody else?
"You don't ever plan that, do you? It's not a seedy affair, it's a beautiful love story. It's just that she's not free."
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Discussing where the storyline goes next, the actress continued: "I think this is going to be a really rocky road. I think the triangle between Ashley, Laurel and Marlon is going to be difficult for the audience, because they're all good people.
"They're good, kind people and they don't set out to hurt anyone in life. But the fact is that they're all in this together now, and somebody is going to get very hurt."
Emmerdale star Mark Charnock has said that he is pleased with the viewer reaction to Marlon and Laurel's current storyline.
The actor told TV Times that many fans seem to be supporting the possibility of a relationship for the pair after they have grown so close in recent months.
Charnock explained: "From the reaction I've had on Twitter, I think three quarters of viewers want to see them together while the remaining quarter think it's wrong. I hoped there would be a mixed reaction like that."
Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) is currently struggling with her feelings because she does not want to betray her husband Ashley, played by John Middleton.
"They didn't plan this. They're completely swept away by their feelings and don't know what to do," Charnock continued.
"I'm hoping the audience will be saying, 'Oh, Laurel, just go off with Marlon!' Don't tell John I said that!"
Who is supporting it?
Who is supporting it?
The actor told TV Times that many fans seem to be supporting the possibility of a relationship for the pair after they have grown so close in recent months.
Charnock explained: "From the reaction I've had on Twitter, I think three quarters of viewers want to see them together while the remaining quarter think it's wrong. I hoped there would be a mixed reaction like that."
There you go
Who is supporting it?
Ashley needs something to liven him up a bit. I think there may be another pregnancy on the way between Marlon & Laurel. The way it's going all the Dale females will be "with child" before long, most of 'em sired by the Marlon .
Coming up in Emmerdale, Marlon and Laurel enter into dangerous new territory as they give into temptation and share a passionate kiss.
When Rachel finally guesses the identity of the 'mystery woman' on whom Marlon has a crush, Laurel is furious that he's allowed the nosy newcomer to figure out what's going on.
With Sandy also putting on pressure by questioning the stability of Ashley's marriage, Laurel is at breaking point and when she sees Marlon, she has a go at him for letting Rachel find out.
However, caught in the moment, Marlon grabs Laurel and they soon lock lips. Although they regret their actions afterwards, it's unclear whether they can return to normal after this. Can they go back to being friends or will things develop further?
Emmerdale star Mark Charnock has claimed that Marlon Dingle and Laurel Thomas are "meant to be together".
The 43-year-old's alter ego Marlon and vicar's wife Laurel have gradually realised their true feelings for each other over the last month.
Charnock told PA: "If only they'd met before she met Ashley they would probably be together. In some way they were meant to be together. But they can't be and that's the tragedy of the situation.
"Marlon tests her out saying, 'It was just a kiss, it doesn't really mean anything', but obviously the subtext is it meant everything."
The actor continued: "He says without wanting her to agree that they should be friends and she says, 'Yeah that's what we have to be', and they're holding hands. It's a really sweet and romantic scene and they want so much more than that.
"He's hollowed out by it. I don't know what he thinks he was hoping might happen. In an alternate universe they would be together but the reality is neither of them can go away.
"They know they're going to see each other every day. He's got to see this woman that he profoundly loves each day in another relationship, in another life and he can't be with her. It's quite a tormenting situation for him really."
Fellow Dales star Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, recently played down speculation that Marlon and Laurel would have an affair.
tammyy2j
05-10-2011, 21:40
^ I find them boring myself
^ I find them boring myself
There's no fun & humour in the characters that there used to be, and I agree that's made them boring. I still think Laurel will end up pregnant , Ashley want's another child, so we might be in for another whose the daddy storyline, heaven help us !
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has promised that there are surprising "twists" on the way as her character Laurel Thomas's storyline with Marlon Dingle continues.
Laurel recently confessed to Marlon that she has feelings for him, but insisted that she could not act on them due to her marriage and family life with village vicar Ashley (John Middleton).
The pair share a kiss in tonight's episode of the soap but both agree afterwards that they should try to forget it and remain friends.
Bellamy, praising the plotline, told We Love Telly: "She's a good woman, so it's nice to be a bit naughty. But sometimes it's quite uncomfortable. I always thought she was such a pure and honest woman. Now she tells lies."
Asked whether Laurel could have a future with Marlon, she replied: "Aha! You'll have to wait and see. There are lots of twists and turns. It's not a simple case of having an affair. It's not what you think it's going to be, and a lot of other things will happen in their lives."
Bellamy added that Laurel needs to "be true to herself" as she continues to struggle with her feelings in the weeks ahead.
"There are kids involved, and she's not necessarily going to throw all that away," she explained.
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has explained why her character Laurel Thomas turns down a future with Marlon Dingle in next week's episodes.
Laurel heads to a hotel room with Marlon next Wednesday as she considers leaving her husband Ashley (John Middleton). She has felt attracted to Marlon since the summer and both have admitted their feelings for each other.
However, Laurel ultimately decides that she cannot abandon her family and returns home to Ashley, who is now well aware of her feelings for Marlon (Mark Charnock).
Bellamy told Soaplife of Laurel's decision: "Reality hits. The practicalities of leaving Ashley, losing Gaby and having to leave the village hit her like a sledgehammer. She decides she must go home. She's in love with Marlon, but what do you do?"
She continued: "[Ashley] knows she's still in love with Marlon and would have gone off with him if it wasn't for the kids. Laurel hasn't slept with Marlon, but it's an emotional betrayal and it eats away at Ashley. He becomes very controlling of Laurel."
Bellamy said that Laurel warns Marlon she has made her final choice and wants to stick with her family.
"Laurel tells him they've said all there is to say," she explained. "She can't look at him anymore because she knows how she feels about him, but she has to do the right thing and stay in her marriage with Ashley."
Emmerdale airs Laurel's choice in an hour-long special on Wednesday at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale star Mark Charnock has confirmed that his character Marlon Dingle will have a massive decision to make at Christmas.
Marlon still has feelings for vicar's wife Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) but has recently kept his distance from her after she decided not to leave her husband Ashley (John Middleton) for him.
However, Marlon considers laying his heart on the line once again over the festive season as the day of Laurel and Ashley's wedding vow renewals arrives.
Charnock told All About Soap: "He's in bits. He goes to call Laurel, but he knows he mustn't. He just spends the day on his Xbox. Of course, Paddy and Rhona have worked it out and they confront him - and that's when Marlon breaks down and confesses all his feelings.
"Rhona goes to the ceremony but comes back and says Ashley is late, and there's a moment when Marlon thinks it's his last chance - he's got to take it.
"So he's got to decide whether to rescue Laurel from a situation she doesn't want to be in, and rescue himself from potentially a lifetime of regret."
Asked whether Marlon could live with himself if he destroyed Ashley's marriage on the big day, Charnock replied: "I think he could, actually. It would be difficult, but he loves Laurel so much that he would find a way to deal with it. But we'll just have to wait and see what happens!"
Emmerdale fans will see the day of the ceremony arrive on Thursday, December 22 at 7pm and 8pm on ITV1.
Oh dear God! Why are they pushing this?? I like the Marlon character ( he's odd and quirky), but it's not very entertaining to watch him in this cringe inducing storyline featuring repeated humiliation. What gives??
NAUGHTY but nice vicars wife Laurel Thomas nearly bedded another man but is guilty of a far greater sin.
Thats the damning verdict of Charlotte Bellamy, who plays the lovable Emmerdale character.
Laurel is convinced resisting having sex with lanky cook Marlon meant she didn't have an affair.
But Charlotte is less forgiving and believes falling in love with a fella is worse than falling into bed with him.
Charlotte, 39, has never discussed this with her boyfriend of 20 years but is sure of his views. She says: I can tell you exactly what he'd say that falling in love with someone else would be the worst thing I could do.
It would be the most treacherous, disloyal and heartbreaking thing in the world. A one-night stand could be put down to being very drunk and would be easier to cope with. Falling in love is completely different.
I'd feel the same way too. For any couple it would be extremely damaging. How do you get back on track after something like that? Can you rebuild a relationship if one of you is in love with someone else?
Millions of viewers of the ITV1 soap have been gripped as loyal Laurel is torn between her feelings for Marlon Dingle and sense of duty to husband Ashley.
Laurel and Marlon, played by Mark Charnock, 43, have kissed but she has not spent the night with him.
Beautiful
Heartbroken Ashley, played by John Middleton, 58, was devastated to find out how close they had become.
He has avoided any intimacy with Laurel but has insisted they go ahead with renewing their wedding vows at Christmas.
The storyline is also a talking point among Charlotte's pals.
All my friends say it would be terrible if their husband said they were in love with someone and that they could forgive them much more easily if it was just lust. A lot of the guys Ive spoken to have said the same thing.
Happily married Laurels love for kind-hearted Marlon seemed to have come out of the blue. Charlotte says: Laurel is a mother, coping with the day-to-day grind and suddenly Marlon made her feel beautiful.
For a woman, thats an incredibly powerful thing for a man to see her not just as a mum but as herself. Shes not fallen out of love with Ashley, shes just fallen in love with Marlon.
In real life Charlotte is happily settled with her partner Mungo Denison, an events manager she met during a performing arts course at Middlesex University.
The couple, who live in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with their sons Sunnie, seven, Herbie, four, and daughter Teddie, two, make sure they have time together as a couple at the end of every day.
She says: I lead a very manic life, it always feels slightly out of control. Its a loud, busy house but I like that. Mungo is very hands-on we work as a team and help each other out.
The two of us always sit down with a glass of wine and eat together every evening. That's when we have catch-up time which is really important. I'm very lucky. Mungo is the most fantastic person in my life. Hes a funny guy and that's so attractive and he makes me laugh like nobody else.
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Charlotte has been in Emmerdale for nine years but the children are largely unaware they have a famous mum.
She explains: I was out one night recently and Mum was looking after the kids. Herbie had gone to bed but came back downstairs while she was watching Emmerdale.
The next morning he said to me really proudly: Mummy, I saw you on the radiator last night. And then walked out, as if he knew my secret it was very cute.
Our telly and a radiator are mounted on the wall so maybe he got slightly confused.
Many people say hello to Charlotte but Sunnie just thinks its because shes popular.
He knows John Middleton plays my pretend husband but he did ask why I was on the cover of TV Times with someone else recently.
Im not married to Mungo so hes now completely confused. Im married to John but not married to Daddy. And now, who is this new guy, Marlon? Charlotte, who grew up in a showbiz family in Hertfordshire, had roles in A Touch of Frost, Casualty, The Bill and with Kevin Whately in The Brokers Man.
She even had eight months on EastEnders as religious cult member Sue Taylor.
But in 2000 she quit acting to become a casting director.
Being an actor you are never really in control of your life and I got fed up with that, she recalls. I wanted to go to work every day and have two weeks holiday when I wanted, so I gave up acting.
But when an Emmerdale writer tipped her off that the part of Laurel was coming up she had a hunch it would be right for her.
Charlotte remains refreshingly down to earth, as happy doing the school run and cooking fish fingers for tea as she is strolling down the red carpet at awards ceremonies. She is also philosophical about hitting the big 4-0 next year. I dont think: oh my goodness, lines. If I have got lines they're only because Ive been up with my kids and that's
fine by me.
Being on the telly you are under scrutiny but I'm playing a mum with kids and a busy life. I'm telling a story and I want to reach out to people who are in that situation.
Real people don't regularly have boob jobs or worry about their lines or panic over putting on weight.
I'm getting older. So what? That's life. As long as Mungo thinks I look OK and he does.
As for the future, Charlotte hopes she and Mungo will find time to marry.
Marriage is on the list, along with potatoes, onions and writing a will, she jokes. They're all things Ive got to do, its just finding time to do them.
Our friends got married in their early 20s and then got their mortgages and their children and we did it slightly out of order.
We are happy as we are and could not be more committed we have three children together and a mortgage but we will get married.
(C) Sunday People
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has revealed that the soap's Laurel, Ashley and Marlon love triangle will be turned "upside down" in upcoming episodes.
Laurel is currently preparing to renew her wedding vows with Ashley (John Middleton), despite recently considering leaving him in favour of Marlon (Mark Charnock). The pair's big day arrives at the end of next week.
© ITV
© ITV
Emmerdale bosses are currently keeping tight-lipped over whether the vow renewal will go ahead, as a tormented Ashley considers not turning up for the event - well aware that Laurel still has feelings for Marlon.
Bellamy, who plays Laurel, told itv.com of her character's future: "The story has run for about six months and it's getting more and more tense. And now it's getting to Christmas and it's a family time, and in a way it's worse because she's so not happy and she's in this family set-up.
"And she has to put on this show - that this is what she's decided, that she's wanting to stay with Ashley and it's all going to be okay. But of course, it's just not. The audience now knows that Ashley's found out, so you might think that the story's just finished there, but of course it hasn't - it carries on.
"And something else happens, which is going to be really awful and terrible, and it changes the whole thing. It turns the whole situation and the whole story upside down."
Looks like the return of Bishop George (hardly inspiring) or perhaps a bit of unfrocking of Ashley either will be stomach churning. Maybe an attempted suicide. For me this storyline has gone on far too long and is getting boring.
walsh2509
22-12-2011, 20:13
Right , end this here , vows renewed. Now in an empty pub have the drip in cooking and as he goes to put a joint in the oven the oven explodes in his face ... bye bye drip
Emmerdale series producer Stuart Blackburn has promised that the Laurel/Ashley/Marlon love triangle will continue to "haunt" the characters and their loved ones in the New Year.
Last week, viewers saw Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) and Ashley (John Middleton) renew their wedding vows, seemingly signalling the end of her 'emotional affair' with Marlon (Mark Charnock).
Blackburn has now teased that the trio will struggle to cope in the aftermath of Laurel's actions, building up to a big storyline involving Ashley, his father Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones) and Edna Birch (Shirley Stelfox) in 2012.
"Marlon and Laurel were so romantic," Blackburn commented. "Its about now whether Laurel and Ashley can genuinely rebuild their relationship, whether Marlon can move on or whether the damage that Laurel's caused is going to have ripple effects for a lot of people around them."
He added: "Life is going to get very very difficult for Ashley and the sins of Laurel's past will haunt them all."
Blackburn's comments come after Bellamy revealed that the love triangle plot will be turned "upside down" in the near future.
tammyy2j
27-12-2011, 15:52
Emmerdale series producer Stuart Blackburn has promised that the Laurel/Ashley/Marlon love triangle will continue to "haunt" the characters and their loved ones in the New Year.
Last week, viewers saw Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) and Ashley (John Middleton) renew their wedding vows, seemingly signalling the end of her 'emotional affair' with Marlon (Mark Charnock).
Blackburn has now teased that the trio will struggle to cope in the aftermath of Laurel's actions, building up to a big storyline involving Ashley, his father Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones) and Edna Birch (Shirley Stelfox) in 2012.
"Marlon and Laurel were so romantic," Blackburn commented. "Its about now whether Laurel and Ashley can genuinely rebuild their relationship, whether Marlon can move on or whether the damage that Laurel's caused is going to have ripple effects for a lot of people around them."
He added: "Life is going to get very very difficult for Ashley and the sins of Laurel's past will haunt them all."
Blackburn's comments come after Bellamy revealed that the love triangle plot will be turned "upside down" in the near future.
FFS who wants to see this continue it was lame to start with
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has admitted that she does not foresee a happy ending for Laurel and Ashley Thomas.
The couple are currently trying to get their troubled marriage back on track following the strain caused when Laurel fell for Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock).
However, Bellamy told Inside Soap that the pair could still split - especially as Laurel still has strong feelings for Marlon.
Bellamy explained: "What's going on now between Ashley and Laurel is so dark and murky. I don't know how they can ever get their relationship back on track."
She continued: "Laurel's trying to suppress and repress what she feels for Marlon, because she's focused on the future - and for her, that means her children.
"Laurel blames herself for hurting Ashley and that's why she'll do whatever pleases him now. But she won't be able to ignore her feelings forever."
The actress added that a future for Laurel and Marlon currently appears to be the most likely option.
Speaking of Laurel and Ashley (John Middleton), she commented: "I think they're doomed. Too much has happened. If they split, Laurel would go to Marlon. She wouldn't do it immediately, but what has developed between them is so strong that I believe they'd end up together. That's what the audience seems to want, too."
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
If Laurel gets with Marlon I hope they both f*ck off out of the village
LizzyBizzy
08-01-2012, 21:22
If Laurel gets with Marlon I hope they both f*ck off out of the village
Me too. I definitely don't want to see them together.
I sort of like the idea of the pair
I sort of like the idea of the pair
It seems odd having such a long story line where they ( Marlon and Laurel) fall in love only for Laurel to go back to Ashley? Makes me think that Bellamy is right and they eventually will get together. The producer seems really keen on this couple regardless of "audience" approval.
I sort of like the idea of the pair
You must be the only one
tammyy2j
12-01-2012, 14:41
Laurel is pregnant
I sort of like the idea of the pair
It seems odd having such a long story line where they ( Marlon and Laurel) fall in love only for Laurel to go back to Ashley? Makes me think that Bellamy is right and they eventually will get together. The producer seems really keen on this couple regardless of "audience" approval.
You must be the only one
Actually I quite like them too. Laurel/ Charlotte is a very attractive woman
I like them as a pairing as well. ive gone right off ashley!!
tammyy2j
12-01-2012, 16:46
I like them as a pairing as well. ive gone right off ashley!!
So has Laurel
Laurel is pregnant
No, I think it's just a device to make Ashley even more irrational and unforgiving.Perhaps it's just another test of their relationship? I can't figure out where the hell they're going with all this. It's a bit schizophrenic.:hmm:
I like them as a pairing as well. ive gone right off ashley!!
Ashley is the best part of this crap love triangle he is playing a blinder heading for a breakdown I think
Emmerdale will be revisiting the romantic spark between Laurel Thomas and Marlon Dingle in the coming weeks.
The pair fell in love last year, but stopped short of embarking on a proper relationship as Laurel decided to make a go of things with husband Ashley instead.
Since then, viewers have seen the Thomases hit the rocks once again due to Ashley's abuse of his father Sandy.
This week's TV Times magazine has a summer preview for the soaps, in which actress Charlotte Bellamy discusses where things are heading next for her character Laurel.
Confirming that Laurel and Marlon's plot is far from over, Bellamy commented: "It's inevitable, really. I think they deserve that happiness and it's definitely what viewers want - they keep asking me when it's going to happen.
"Laurel fell in love with Marlon and she only stayed with Ashley because it was the right thing to do. Now her marriage is over, it's time for her to think about what she wants."
Emmerdale fans can expect the story to become prominent on screen again from July.
LizzyBizzy
19-06-2012, 22:04
This viewer doesn't want to see Laurel & Marlon together. I'm definitely not a fan of Marlon.
suzewebb
19-06-2012, 22:09
"Emmerdale fans can expect the story to become prominent on screen again from July."
Great - another relationship I don't buy into. Laurel and Marlon does not work anywhere near as well as Rachel and Marlon. Always hankered after this coupling.
I know what Ashley did was wrong on all levels but really the man needs help - and a bath - and some food - and some self respect - and a far better wardrobe!!!!
I know I'm in the minority, but I don't mind Laurel and Marlon. Bellamy seems to be a better actor than Mark whatever his name, so that might be arkward? But maybe it will be more interesting now that they're unattached and able to pursue a proper relationship?? Obviously, TPTB are determined to put these two together 0_0, so I'll wait and see before giving the thumbs down.:thumbsdow
Confirming that Laurel and Marlon's plot is far from over, Bellamy commented: "It's inevitable, really. I think they deserve that happiness and it's definitely what viewers want - they keep asking me when it's going to happen.
Who the hell wants this?
She is deluded
Marlon should have been axed ages ago useless character
tammyy2j
20-06-2012, 15:27
Emmerdale will be revisiting the romantic spark between Laurel Thomas and Marlon Dingle in the coming weeks.
The pair fell in love last year, but stopped short of embarking on a proper relationship as Laurel decided to make a go of things with husband Ashley instead.
Since then, viewers have seen the Thomases hit the rocks once again due to Ashley's abuse of his father Sandy.
This week's TV Times magazine has a summer preview for the soaps, in which actress Charlotte Bellamy discusses where things are heading next for her character Laurel.
Confirming that Laurel and Marlon's plot is far from over, Bellamy commented: "It's inevitable, really. I think they deserve that happiness and it's definitely what viewers want - they keep asking me when it's going to happen.
"Laurel fell in love with Marlon and she only stayed with Ashley because it was the right thing to do. Now her marriage is over, it's time for her to think about what she wants."
Emmerdale fans can expect the story to become prominent on screen again from July.
Please No!
peanutnutter
24-06-2012, 11:49
Who the hell wants this?
She is deluded
Marlon should have been axed ages ago useless character
Not me! They are a terrible, chemistry-free couple - the simpering is so annoying. Marlon is useless and should be axed pronto - or at least taken away from this terrible storyline. Personally, in order to streamline the Dingles a bit, I'd axe him.
LizzyBizzy
24-06-2012, 20:52
Confirming that Laurel and Marlon's plot is far from over, Bellamy commented: "It's inevitable, really. I think they deserve that happiness and it's definitely what viewers want - they keep asking me when it's going to happen.
The only reason I want to know when it's going to happen :( :( :( it to make sure I avoid it.
tammyy2j
16-07-2012, 14:26
How can Laurel get custody of Gaby, wouldnt Diane or Bernice or Rodney get her if Ashley isnt allowed have full custody?
Did Laurel officially adopt Gaby?
I wonder will Marlon and his dog move in with Laurel and Sandy and the kids or will Laurel and the kids move in with Lizzie, Ashley and Marlon now?
I don't think anyone would wan't to split up the children. Big kick in the teeth for Ashley if Marlon moves in with the kids and Sandy. Don't think Laurel adopted Gabby. Bernice might return to stir things up a bit.
tammyy2j
17-07-2012, 10:41
Emmerdale's Mark Charnock has outlined his belief that Marlon and Laurel could stay together for a long time.
Speaking to Inside Soap, the actor explained that he believes the new couple have a "quirky" rapport.
"I think they're really well matched," he said. "They're both quirky, romantic in an off-kilter way. They're both quite funny. I just think it's a meeting of minds really.
"They both really get each other and are people who a lot of the other villagers don't get."
Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) left vicar husband Ashley when it was exposed that he was abusing his father Sandy.
Meanwhile, Marlon lives to regret his forthcoming decision to stay with Laurel instead of joining his son in New Zealand.
Charnock added: "Marlon decides to stay with Laurel and says, 'I'll just make it work', which is a lie. His son's everything to him and there's inevitably going to be a moment when he says, 'Actually, why am I being made to choose?'"
tammyy2j
08-08-2012, 12:17
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has warned that it won't be plain sailing for Laurel Thomas and Marlon Dingle as they attempt to build a stable future as a couple.
The pair have finally become an item in recent weeks, but are currently keeping the news a secret from the rest of the village.
Laurel split from husband Ashley earlier this year as his abusive behaviour towards dad Sandy was revealed.
Speaking of having fewer scenes with John Middleton - who plays Ashley - Bellamy told Inside Soap: "It's very weird - I don't see him much now after we'd worked so intensely together. It's as if your own relationship changes, but that's the world of soap.
"It's going to be awful to see Laurel tell Ashley that she's with Marlon - though it doesn't happen as you might expect it would."
As well as having Ashley to worry about, Laurel may be disappointed by the way stepdaughter Gabby reacts to the changes in her life.
Bellamy continued: "Laurel's set to move in with Marlon, and they'll have their own family unit. I don't know if they'll get married or have a baby, but it's a big change in Laurel's life and my journey in the show. However, I don't think it's going to be plain sailing with little Gabby."
Emmerdale stars Charlotte Bellamy and John Middleton have insisted that they enjoy the viewer "debate" surrounding their characters' recent break-up.
The pair's alter egos Laurel and Ashley Thomas split earlier this year in the climax of the soap's elder abuse storyline. Laurel has since embarked on a relationship with Marlon Dingle, having had strong feelings for the Woolpack chef for quite some time.
Bellamy told Digital Spy of the ongoing storyline: "It's sad for myself and John because we don't work together as much, and we have worked together for eight years. In a way, it is like a divorce!
"But at the same time, our characters have to keep evolving and changing. Even though the audience might not like it, the story creates a debate. It's great that people have different opinions, as that means they care about the characters."
Middleton added: "One audience driver for the show is the debate around these things. You can't have debate if it's all one-sided. Instead people are taking the side of Laurel, taking the side of Marlon, or are taking the side of Ashley.
"It's all being debated over various watercoolers, and any soap has to create that national debate to keep the audience feeling they're missing something if they're not tuning in!"
Middleton confessed that while he would be surprised to see Ashley and Laurel reunite, he would not rule it out.
He said: "There's a certain destructive element in the creation of stories. You can't have stories without change. God knows these characters have gone through huge stories this year, with big consequences!
"What's good is that we don't absolutely know the direction of the story. We don't absolutely know that it's the end for Laurel and Ashley. I very much doubt they'll be getting back together, but they'll still have a connection because of the children. It's very messy and that messiness is what we're playing at the moment."
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has revealed that there is a big new storyline on the way for her character Laurel Thomas.
Life has been quieter for Laurel in recent months after an eventful 2012 saw her break up with husband Ashley (John Middleton) and settle down with Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock).
However, speaking to Inside Soap, Bellamy explained that Rhona Goskirk's ongoing painkiller addiction will have significant consequences for Laurel.
The actress teased: "Laurel's involved in Rhona's painkiller addiction because of Marlon and baby Leo. That bleeds into a big storyline for Laurel.
"I can't reveal too much, but there are consequences from Rhona's drug taking that will cause something to happen to Laurel. It'll be exciting, and I'm looking forward to it!"
Rhona's problem looks likely to get worse over the next few weeks as she remains in denial about the extent of her addiction, despite protests from her best friend Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick).
Emmerdale continues tonight (May 28) at 7pm on ITV.
tammyy2j
04-06-2013, 13:39
Emmerdale's Laurel Thomas will be brutally attacked during a car-jacking, in an upcoming storyline.
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, recently teased a big storyline ahead for her character.
The Daily Star reports that the violent confrontation happens after Laurel gets caught up in Rhona Goskirk's ongoing pain killer addiction problem.
In scenes to be aired later this summer, Laurel will be pounced on and attacked by a thug.
Bellamy said: "I can't say too much but it has big consequences for Laurel throughout the rest of the year. It's exciting stuff though, I'm really happy."
Rhona's problem is to get worse over the next few weeks as she remains in denial about the extent of her addiction, despite protests from her best friend Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick).
Emmerdale's Laurel Thomas will embark on a very dangerous plan in the aftermath of her carjacking ordeal.
Struggling to cope after being targeted outside a chemist in a rough area, Laurel decides that the only way to get closure is to confront her attacker face-to-face.
Laurel soon finds herself on a wild goose chase as she tries to track down the man responsible, but it's obvious to everyone around her that she's playing with fire.
Here, Charlotte Bellamy - who plays Laurel - reveals the reasoning behind her character's drastic actions.
How does the carjacking affect Laurel?
"It makes Laurel extremely nervous and anxious. She becomes unable to trust people, which is only natural because she's been through a very traumatic experience.
"When someone is carjacked, it's completely out of the blue. There's no rhyme or reason - it's just bad luck or bad timing. I think that totally unnerves Laurel. Another scary thing is that baby Leo is in the back of the vehicle. The carjacker wants to drive off with Laurel, so what are his intentions? What does he want? Laurel does manage to get out of the car with Leo, but she's haunted by the unknown and the fear of what could have happened."
Laurel is only outside the chemist because she's giving Rhona a lift. Does Laurel blame Rhona for putting her in that position?
"Laurel doesn't blame Rhona at all, because of course she doesn't know the reason that Rhona wanted her to wait outside the chemist in the car. Obviously the audience will know that Rhona just wanted to get her fix, but Laurel isn't aware of any of that. It's actually quite tough for Rhona, because she knows the reality of the situation and that her actions put Leo in danger."
Do Laurel and Rhona talk much about the incident afterwards?
"They don't, because Laurel doesn't really want to talk about it. She's dealing with it in her own way, and of course Rhona doesn't want to probe her. Rhona is just obsessed with getting her next fix."
Laurel later spots her car in Cain's garage. How does she react?
"Laurel is really freaked out by that, and she wonders if Cain might have something to do with the person who attacked her. She can't understand why he's got her car. Laurel starts to wonder whether the attacker is close to home."
Does Laurel share her suspicions with the police?
"Yes, Laurel makes a decision to tell the police, which of course opens a massive can of worms. In true Cain form, he feels that Laurel has broken the Dingle code of silence. He'd told her that he would deal with the situation himself, but Laurel wasn't going to be bullied by him and spoke to the police. Unfortunately, that means Cain will no longer help Laurel out, because she didn't do it his way."
Why is Laurel so keen to find the carjacker herself rather than having faith in the police?
"Well, Laurel finds out that Cain has got rid of the car, which will make all leads difficult to follow, because there's no evidence. Laurel becomes totally driven by finding the attacker, because she wants to tell him how he's affected her life."
Does Laurel realise that she might be putting herself in danger?
"She does, but she's so driven by this and she wants to protect her children. It's like tunnel vision and she's not seeing the bigger picture. Laurel thinks that if she confronts him, it'll make the situation better because she'll be able to face her fears."
Does Laurel suspect anyone in particular?
"She becomes very paranoid and keeps thinking that she can see the attacker in the village. She goes on a bit of a goose-hunt and she keeps getting the wrong man.
"One important thing is that there was a DS in the car which has also gone missing, so Laurel starts looking on the internet for it, in case anybody's trying to sell it. She's aware that it's full of scratches and she thinks she's found it online. It belongs to a local boy. But Laurel keeps getting it wrong, and the audience will think that she's never going to find the attacker, and also that she's gone a bit loopy-loop. However, she does find the attacker eventually…"
What happens when Laurel follows the DS lead?
"Laurel tricks Paddy into taking her to the house of the seller, but it's not the right person. When Marlon finds out what's gone on, immediately he starts to become concerned with Laurel's behaviour. She's so focused and determined to find this man. She just can't move on until she's faced him."
Marlon seems a lot more content to just let it go. How does Laurel feel about that?
"Laurel thinks that Marlon is frightened of Cain and his possible involvement, but she just can't deal with that."
Is Laurel suffering from post-traumatic shock?
"Well, her behaviour is certainly erratic and it gets worse and worse, but we'll have to see. She's just becoming more agitated, but she has to see this through. With the car being in Cain's garage, it's tough for her to think that the carjacker could be closer than she thought, or have connections with Cain.
"Laurel has never done anything wrong in her life, so she's also trying to understand how she became victim to such a terrible attack. Carjacking is so common - more common than people think. We might not think about it when we're sitting at a traffic jam, but you're very vulnerable in a car."
What are Laurel's plans for what she'd do if she did find the carjacker?
"I think Laurel never thought she would react in this way, but she's so determined to protect her family and her children that she'd just do whatever it takes.
"If she did find the attacker, she'd be putting herself in a very dangerous position, so it wouldn't be a wise move. But she's not really thinking long-term. She's thinking about getting him back and getting him to say sorry. However, of course he's not going to see things the same way Laurel would, because he's a pretty heartless character."
Is Laurel and Marlon's relationship under threat?
"They've been through a lot anyway, but it's frustrating when something like this happens to a couple and one party doesn't feel as though they're being understood. It's that miscommunication which puts a massive strain on their relationship, so we'll have to see whether they can make it through this."
Emmerdale's Laurel Thomas will embark on a very dangerous plan in the aftermath of her carjacking ordeal.
Struggling to cope after being targeted outside a chemist in a rough area, Laurel decides that the only way to get closure is to confront her attacker face-to-face.
Laurel soon finds herself on a wild goose chase as she tries to track down the man responsible, but it's obvious to everyone around her that she's playing with fire.
Here, Charlotte Bellamy - who plays Laurel - reveals the reasoning behind her character's drastic actions.
How does the carjacking affect Laurel?
"It makes Laurel extremely nervous and anxious. She becomes unable to trust people, which is only natural because she's been through a very traumatic experience.
"When someone is carjacked, it's completely out of the blue. There's no rhyme or reason - it's just bad luck or bad timing. I think that totally unnerves Laurel. Another scary thing is that baby Leo is in the back of the vehicle. The carjacker wants to drive off with Laurel, so what are his intentions? What does he want? Laurel does manage to get out of the car with Leo, but she's haunted by the unknown and the fear of what could have happened."
Laurel is only outside the chemist because she's giving Rhona a lift. Does Laurel blame Rhona for putting her in that position?
"Laurel doesn't blame Rhona at all, because of course she doesn't know the reason that Rhona wanted her to wait outside the chemist in the car. Obviously the audience will know that Rhona just wanted to get her fix, but Laurel isn't aware of any of that. It's actually quite tough for Rhona, because she knows the reality of the situation and that her actions put Leo in danger."
Do Laurel and Rhona talk much about the incident afterwards?
"They don't, because Laurel doesn't really want to talk about it. She's dealing with it in her own way, and of course Rhona doesn't want to probe her. Rhona is just obsessed with getting her next fix."
Laurel later spots her car in Cain's garage. How does she react?
"Laurel is really freaked out by that, and she wonders if Cain might have something to do with the person who attacked her. She can't understand why he's got her car. Laurel starts to wonder whether the attacker is close to home."
Does Laurel share her suspicions with the police?
"Yes, Laurel makes a decision to tell the police, which of course opens a massive can of worms. In true Cain form, he feels that Laurel has broken the Dingle code of silence. He'd told her that he would deal with the situation himself, but Laurel wasn't going to be bullied by him and spoke to the police. Unfortunately, that means Cain will no longer help Laurel out, because she didn't do it his way."
Why is Laurel so keen to find the carjacker herself rather than having faith in the police?
"Well, Laurel finds out that Cain has got rid of the car, which will make all leads difficult to follow, because there's no evidence. Laurel becomes totally driven by finding the attacker, because she wants to tell him how he's affected her life."
Does Laurel realise that she might be putting herself in danger?
"She does, but she's so driven by this and she wants to protect her children. It's like tunnel vision and she's not seeing the bigger picture. Laurel thinks that if she confronts him, it'll make the situation better because she'll be able to face her fears."
Does Laurel suspect anyone in particular?
"She becomes very paranoid and keeps thinking that she can see the attacker in the village. She goes on a bit of a goose-hunt and she keeps getting the wrong man.
"One important thing is that there was a DS in the car which has also gone missing, so Laurel starts looking on the internet for it, in case anybody's trying to sell it. She's aware that it's full of scratches and she thinks she's found it online. It belongs to a local boy. But Laurel keeps getting it wrong, and the audience will think that she's never going to find the attacker, and also that she's gone a bit loopy-loop. However, she does find the attacker eventually…"
What happens when Laurel follows the DS lead?
"Laurel tricks Paddy into taking her to the house of the seller, but it's not the right person. When Marlon finds out what's gone on, immediately he starts to become concerned with Laurel's behaviour. She's so focused and determined to find this man. She just can't move on until she's faced him."
Marlon seems a lot more content to just let it go. How does Laurel feel about that?
"Laurel thinks that Marlon is frightened of Cain and his possible involvement, but she just can't deal with that."
Is Laurel suffering from post-traumatic shock?
"Well, her behaviour is certainly erratic and it gets worse and worse, but we'll have to see. She's just becoming more agitated, but she has to see this through. With the car being in Cain's garage, it's tough for her to think that the carjacker could be closer than she thought, or have connections with Cain.
"Laurel has never done anything wrong in her life, so she's also trying to understand how she became victim to such a terrible attack. Carjacking is so common - more common than people think. We might not think about it when we're sitting at a traffic jam, but you're very vulnerable in a car."
What are Laurel's plans for what she'd do if she did find the carjacker?
"I think Laurel never thought she would react in this way, but she's so determined to protect her family and her children that she'd just do whatever it takes.
"If she did find the attacker, she'd be putting herself in a very dangerous position, so it wouldn't be a wise move. But she's not really thinking long-term. She's thinking about getting him back and getting him to say sorry. However, of course he's not going to see things the same way Laurel would, because he's a pretty heartless character."
Is Laurel and Marlon's relationship under threat?
"They've been through a lot anyway, but it's frustrating when something like this happens to a couple and one party doesn't feel as though they're being understood. It's that miscommunication which puts a massive strain on their relationship, so we'll have to see whether they can make it through this."
tammyy2j
30-07-2013, 00:17
Emmerdale's Marlon Dingle faces a desperate race against time next week after his partner Laurel Thomas puts herself in serious danger.
When Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) tracks down the carjacker and confronts him at his home, it proves to be a terrible decision as her attacker becomes threatening all over again.
Marlon later realises where Laurel is and recruits Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) to help him rescue her, but can they get there before any further damage is done?
Here, Mark Charnock - who plays Marlon - previews the dramatic scenes ahead.
How is Marlon coping in the aftermath of Laurel's carjacking ordeal?
"Badly! I think Laurel's reaction to it has taken Marlon by surprise. I don't think he realised how profoundly it would affect Laurel. That may seem naïve, but she's just become so obsessed and unpredictable. Marlon doesn't really realise that Laurel is suffering from post-traumatic stress. He can't put a label on it like that.
"Marlon is trying to be as supportive as he can and he's doing all of the obvious things, but Laurel is rejecting a lot of that support. Everything he says, Laurel takes the wrong way."
So is it causing strain for their relationship?
"Yes it is, and that's especially the case later on in the storyline when Ashley comes into play. Ashley gives Laurel some really good advice and suggests that she should seek therapy. Marlon feels like the ground that he's fought so hard to get is shifting from under him. He doesn't understand why - that's the worst thing about it.
"Marlon has been through a lot of things in his life, but this is psychological distress on a level that he hasn't really encountered before. He thinks that love, care and tenderness will be enough for Laurel, but it's not. She needs proper help."
Next week, Laurel thinks that she sees her attacker in the café. How does Marlon react?
"Marlon's initial thought is that it must be another slightly delusional moment for Laurel. She's already been suspicious in the past and got it wrong. However, this time Laurel seems so convinced and so Marlon decides that she must be right. Marlon has a mixed reaction - one is absolute fury and wanting to get this guy. The other is that it's an opportunity for Laurel to get the closure she needs."
What happens to the guy in the question?
"Everyone rushes to the café, where Bob and Dan are already restraining this man a little bit. Marlon rushes through the door, grabs the guy and shoves him onto the sofa. The other guy is a lot bigger, but Marlon is fuelled by a momentum in these scenes. They've got the guy, and once the police have taken him away, it's great because Laurel has finally got closure.
"Unfortunately, then it's all turned on its head, because it turns out that the guy has got a perfectly good alibi and is completely innocent. That just doubles the original problem…"
How does Laurel feel about that?
"At first it's just utter disbelief. She's so sure it's him and she's so desperate to find that person, so she'll put it on anyone. However, in the end it just sharpens her drive and accentuates all of the feelings that she has. Laurel fears that she's never going to find her attacker, but she's determined to try harder. It makes her more obsessive and she drives Marlon further away from her."
Laurel also fears that Marlon is ridiculing her at one point, doesn't she?
"Yes, Laurel overhears a conversation between Marlon and Diane where he says, 'Well as long as Laurel isn't looking for more baddies!' It's quite a light remark, but Laurel completely overreacts to it because she thinks that Marlon is mocking her. It looks like the most terrible social betrayal, but it's not, as Marlon just needs someone to talk to and is confiding in Diane."
Later in the week, Laurel tracks down the real attacker at his home and confronts him with some scissors. How aware is Marlon of what's going on?
"At first Marlon is not aware at all, because Laurel admits that she's been difficult and promises to move on. She's really convincing, but it's all just an act. However, there's a real turning point when Marlon hears that she hasn't been at work. He immediately knows that something is wrong.
"It turns out that Dan has given Laurel a list of the garages that Cain has been dealing with, and she's found the attacker that way. Dan takes the list and goes to Cain, needing his help. Cain sees that Marlon is so desperate that he's got to help out. Cain also knows that if he'd stepped in to help earlier, the situation might be a lot different. The Dingle loyalty kicks in, and Cain is great as he's actually quite heroic in the scenes coming up."
Marlon and Cain try to find Laurel and save her before it's too late. How are they feeling?
"It's utter desperation at this point. The more the day goes on, Marlon becomes more and more hysterical. He knows that Laurel is all alone and in danger. This carjacker could be a murderer or anything, so it's blind terror."
Will Marlon show a tough side when he tracks down the attacker?
"Well, when Marlon first joined the show, he was quite a puncher! He used to punch a lot of people, so he wasn't quite as wimpy as he is today. With age has come increased wimpiness!
"At the back of all this is the fear of losing someone like he did with Tricia. That motivates all of this. Marlon has never been through anything worse than that. If he went through anything similar again, it would absolutely destroy him. You'll see that any fear in Marlon is taken away by his absolute desperation to save Laurel…"
What has the storyline been like to film?
"Fantastic and really exciting. There's been a lot of action, a lot of scrapping and massive emotional turmoil. Those are the stories that you want to be doing. It's been a belter, actually.
"With these scenes, it was great to work with Jeff Hordley because we're good friends off-screen but we don't always have many scenes together. You sometimes forget they're cousins, so it should be nice for the audience to watch."
Do you think Laurel and Marlon can cope with the aftermath of this?
"I think they are strong enough to. It's definitely shaken the ground under their feet, but they do love each other. Once they come out the other side of this, it might strengthen them more. I'm not sure Ashley will see it like that, but upheavals can really cement long-term relationships."
Do you think they'll get married?
"Maybe! It's certainly possible. I think they're set, barring any absolute disasters. I think there's a very strong future with them, with lots of possibilities. I'd like them to stay together, but you can never second guess these things. They've come through a lot and they're a good match. Me and Charlotte get on really well, so that's always a help. We really work hard on our scenes to make them as interesting and textured as possible."
tammyy2j
30-07-2013, 00:17
.
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has revealed that her character Laurel Dingle will go into denial after her drinking problem leads to the loss of her job.
Laurel has become increasingly reliant on alcohol in recent months, and she finally starts to face the consequences next week when her bosses at the factory notice her erratic behaviour.
The problems start for Laurel when hangovers in the morning lead to her arriving late at work, which doesn't go unnoticed by her supervisor Ali Spencer.
Things get worse when factory boss Jai Sharma also notices Laurel's lack of commitment to work and confronts her. When Laurel bites back with a comment about the businessman's son Archie, Jai sacks her on the spot.
Speaking of the drama to come, Bellamy commented: "Alcohol is numbing the pain for Laurel at the moment. She's finding life very difficult and hard, as would any working mum with a family that is not all her own. There's the extra pressures of stepchildren and everything that happened with Donna.
"I think drink has become a bit of a crutch for Laurel. She thinks a glass of wine at 5pm is fine and it just helps her through."
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Laurel lies to Marlon
© ITV
Laurel lies to Marlon
She continued: "When Laurel loses her job, she has to come home and tell Marlon. Laurel thinks that what happened is a shame, but she convinces herself that Jai is overreacting. She thinks she is never late and what's the problem if she made a little joke?
"Of course, in reality it's a case of denial, which does happen with people who have got drink problems. Laurel doesn't give Marlon the true version of the story, because I don't even think she believes the true version herself!"
Laurel does get a chance to redeem herself when she quickly lines up an interview for another job, but her alcohol problem ruins this opportunity too.
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Doug offers Laurel a sneaky drink will she be tempted?.
© ITV
Laurel has been developing a drink problem
Bellamy commented: "Laurel starts to get very nervous about the interview, so she decides to have some vodka to steady her nerves. It does make her calmer, but then she's late for the bus! She misses the interview, but she lies to Marlon that it went really well. Laurel is just becoming entangled in this web of lies, deceit and denial.
"I think the writers have tackled the storyline really well because it's been so subtle. You've seen it happen over a period of nearly six months. Even in the 40th anniversary live episode, Laurel was drunk!
"This could become a big problem for Laurel because she's not really happy. She wasn't even happy on her wedding day and she's not coping with her situation."
Emmerdale producer Kate Oates has revealed that Laurel Dingle's current drinking problem is the beginning of a much bigger storyline.
Viewers have seen Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) develop a worrying reliance on alcohol in recent weeks, but the plot will head in a surprising direction in the longer-term - focusing on much more than just her addiction.
Oates confirmed that the unexpected developments ahead in the story will set it apart from Emmerdale's most recent addiction plot, which saw Rhona Goskirk become hooked on painkillers.
"The audience will have to wait and see how this story will be different, because what is different about the story is where it goes in the long-term," Oates explained. "It will be a much, much longer journey.
"It's not just about Laurel's alcoholism. It's not just about what that does to Laurel in the here and now and how she and her family deal with that, it's about where it goes beyond that. People will have to be patient and wait and see what happens with that one!"
Oates refused to reveal what the twist in the story's direction will be, but she promised that there is much more to come as the troubles within Laurel's marriage to Marlon (Mark Charnock) continue to take their toll.
She continued: "It's a long journey for Laurel and what we're seeing is that her marriage is really flawed. She's really struggling, but she thinks she has a 'life problem' rather than a drink problem and she's drinking to cover that life problem.
"It's nice to explore that and the problems in Laurel's relationship with Marlon, and also to use Duncan Preston as her dad Doug, because Doug is absolutely devastated to see his little girl in this situation. He's desperately trying to help her and she's just fighting all the way.
"One person who Laurel will come to rely on massively is her ex-husband Ashley through all of this, so the people who enjoyed Laurel and Ashley back in the day will hopefully enjoy this."
Next week's episodes will see Marlon's young daughter April become unwell after she accidentally drinks Laurel's secret glass of vodka and orange at home. A horrified Laurel has to rush April to hospital, before stooping to new lows to hide what happened from Marlon.
LizzyBizzy
04-03-2015, 22:21
I didn't mind the character of Laurel when she was with Ashley, but have never liked the pairing of her and Marlon, and consequently now dislike her character. I hope she doesn't spoil Ashley's relationship with Harriet, but won't hold my breath.
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has revealed more details of April Windsor's upcoming hospital dash, admitting that it won't be a wake-up call for her troubled character Laurel Dingle.
Next week's episodes see the youngster become unwell after she mistakenly drinks Laurel's glass of vodka and orange at home. The worrying incident takes place after Laurel starts to drink spirits during the day.
While it's clear that Laurel's problems with alcohol are escalating, she refuses to admit this to herself and instead focuses her attentions on hiding what happened from her husband Marlon.
Speaking of the dramatic scenes, Bellamy commented: "It's not good at all. Laurel's drinking is starting to get out of control and that has consequences. That's when she has to do the terrible thing of trying to cover it up, because children talk.
"There's a terrible scene coming up for Laurel and April which I found difficult to film. Laurel has to tell April to lie. April even has this little sticker from the hospital to say how brave she is, but Laurel has to tell her to take it off. It's awful!
"Laurel feels absolutely terrible, but like with any alcoholic, she thinks she can have another drink and it'll just be okay. The audience will think 'just stop drinking then' but she keeps getting herself into worse situations and then trying to cover it. You know that it's going to unravel."
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April is taken to hospital after drinking Laurel's drink
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April in hospital
The cover-up helps to keep Marlon in the dark over his daughter's hospital visit, but Laurel's father Doug Potts does find out what happened.
Bellamy continued: "April tells Doug that she drank bad juice and went to hospital, so obviously he clicks on and confronts Laurel. Laurel is still in complete denial and says she doesn't have a problem. He knows it's something more sinister so he pursues it.
"This story goes further, so I think there will be a point of no return." Lets hope it is sooner rather than later
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has admitted that her character Laurel Dingle is still in denial when she returns to the village next week.
Laurel has taken a short break with her husband Marlon (Mark Charnock) after her constant drinking left their marriage in crisis.
The couple appear to be back on track when they finally arrive home next week, but it doesn't take long for the cracks to show once again.
Speaking of the upcoming scenes, Bellamy explained: "The break was amazing. Laurel and Marlon had a great few weeks and she hasn't drunk any alcohol during that time. They reconnected, so Laurel is feeling extremely positive that life is going to be okay.
"I don't think Laurel thinks she's 'cured' as such, because she doesn't really think there was that much of a problem in the first place. She thinks she just needed to reset, and she had said before she left that it was a life problem, not a drink problem.
"Laurel comes back in a really great frame of mind, but she's in denial that it was anything sinister or long-term. She just thinks that she maybe had a few binge drinking moments but it was nothing more than that."
The troubled character's latest breaking point comes when Jimmy King (Nick Miles) offers her a new job, only to later change his mind after hearing the extent of her recent problems.
Bellamy continued: "It's a really sad moment. Laurel is feeling so positive about everything and she feels that honesty is the best policy. It's a massive downfall that she is honest with Jimmy and then he doesn't give her the job after leading her on.
"Laurel comes crashing down and the first thing she reaches for is the drink. She drinks three bottles of wine, which leaves her unconscious. It was really hard to film because it's in front of the kids. It was a really brave move of the writers, but a really raw experience that lots of people have been through.
"It just shows you suddenly how vulnerable the children are and how vulnerable Laurel is too. The kids find her, so they call the ambulance and Arthur runs to the pub and tells everyone there. Laurel is unconscious at that point and rushed to hospital."
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Marlon finds Laurel being treated by the paramedics
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Marlon finds Laurel being treated
Marlon will be horrified when he learns of Laurel's latest relapse, but viewers will have to wait and see whether it is the final straw for their marriage.
Asked about portraying the dark storyline, Bellamy replied: "I'm really enjoying the challenges, actually. There are so many different lights and shades I wanted to bring to it. When drunk, people have different sides of their personality that come out. Sometimes you're an angry drunk, sometimes you're aggressive, sometimes you're weepy, sometimes you're silly or funny.
"As an actor it's been a real challenge to find all those lights and shades while telling a really poignant, raw, real story."
Two Emmerdale couples could be facing heartbreak this summer as their relationships come under severe strain.
In a new summer preview released by the ITV soap, series producer Kate Oates confirmed that Marlon Dingle will consider leaving his wife Laurel as her drinking problem spirals further out of control.
Life won't be much happier for Dan Spencer, as he is left to question his relationship with Kerry Wyatt.
Discussing the turmoil ahead for the Dingles, Oates told Emmerdale's official website: "One of the things I've really been enjoying since before Christmas is the Laurel alcoholism story. What people are going to see over spring and summer is that even though Doug knows that she's an alcoholic and has brought Marlon in on that secret, the one person who can't admit that she's an alcoholic is Laurel herself.
"We're going to see her move further down that slippery slope and whereas before she was getting people like April in jeopardy, this time it's going to be Laurel herself that's at risk.
"So Marlon's going to have some really tough decisions to make about how long he can stay in this marriage when he's got a little girl who really needs his help and support. We're also going to be seeing Ashley get more involved and really try to pull that person that he once loved so much out of this terrible, terrible problem."
Emmerdale star Charlotte Bellamy has warned of much worse turmoil to come for her troubled character Laurel Dingle, describing her next big mistake as "totally unforgiveable".
Laurel's drinking problem nearly killed her this week as she suffered a major relapse, but future episodes will see her continue to hit the bottle regardless.
Scenes airing towards the end of next week will see Laurel's husband Marlon (Mark Charnock) finally cut ties with her after he catches her doing something shocking, although exact details of what he sees have been kept under wraps.
Teasing the dramatic moment to come, Bellamy told Emmerdale's official website: "Laurel's feeling so angry that everyone is saying that she's got this problem, when she feels that she hasn't. She thinks that she's completely in control, but what happens next is something that is totally unforgiveable and very shocking, which proves that she is anything but in control.
"The consequences of this event are huge and the audience will think, 'How will she ever move on from this? How will she ever be forgiven?' You think that she's reached an all-time low, but in fact it's only just beginning."
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Cain and Marlon are horrified by what they witness.
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Marlon is left devastated
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Marlon spots Laurel doing something shocking
Marlon's cousin Cain (Jeff Hordley) will also be particularly vocal over Laurel's bad behaviour in the next few days, as it reminds him of his own family's experiences with alcoholism.
Bellamy added: "His dad Shadrach was an alcoholic, so it brings up huge memories of his past and he knows exactly what's going on in [Laurel's] mind."
Serena Williams
08-05-2015, 17:22
I find this laurel storyline to be getting too much screentime.
maidmarian
08-05-2015, 17:51
I find this laurel storyline to be getting too much screentime.
It possibly is Serena. But in a way that is
realistic. People with serious alcohol
problems do/ can disrupt a lot of other
peoples lives for a long time.
Way beyond family circle and it is very
upsetting if children involved- as in this
story!
Serena Williams
08-05-2015, 17:53
It possibly is Serena. But in a way that is
realistic. People with serious alcohol
problems do/ can disrupt a lot of other
peoples lives for a long time.
Way beyond family circle and it is very
upsetting if children involved- as in this
story!
This is true but I find laurel so irritatin. I wish aaron and robert got the same amount of screentime. Does Kate oates not realize how popular robron is worldwide?
Serena Williams
08-05-2015, 17:53
It possibly is Serena. But in a way that is
realistic. People with serious alcohol
problems do/ can disrupt a lot of other
peoples lives for a long time.
Way beyond family circle and it is very
upsetting if children involved- as in this
story!
This is true but I find laurel so irritating. The actors are doing a good job the actor who plays marlon and laurel are giving 100 percent to their performances. I just wish aaron and robert got the same amount of screentime. Does Kate oates not realize how popular robron is worldwide?
You can't rush showing a person becoming an alcoholic and the effect this can have ... A lot of storylines on cancer, addiction of any kind, rape etc can make feel viewers uncomfortable and upset, which is why there is usually the advert for helplines at the end. But if you want to tell a story that is so multi faceted like alcohol dependency, you can't do this in a couple of weeks transmission time :nono:
Troubled Emmerdale character Laurel Dingle finally admits that she is an alcoholic next week - but actress Charlotte Bellamy has warned that her alter ego's problems aren't over.
Laurel's life has slowly spiralled out of control this year as she has grown increasingly reliant on alcohol to make it through the day, but she has always stopped short of admitting the extent of her problem.
Next week's Emmerdale episodes see Laurel's resolve finally crumble as she faces up to the truth in an emotional heart-to-heart with her ex-husband Ashley Thomas (John Middleton).
The big moment comes after Laurel's current husband Marlon (Mark Charnock) discovers that she has stooped to a new low by sleeping with a stranger in her quest for her latest fix.
Speaking of the upcoming scenes, Bellamy commented: "At this point Laurel is at her lowest ebb. She turns around to Ashley and says, 'I don't want your help - I don't deserve anyone's help now. I deserve to be on my own'.
"Ashley then gets Laurel to admit that she is an alcoholic. That is a real milestone in the story. It's a huge turning point because it's the moment where Laurel says, 'I know what I'm doing here and yes I'm an alcoholic'. It's the moment that she's not in denial anymore."
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Ashley spends time with Laurel and she finally makes a big admission.
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Laurel makes a big admission
Asked what the future holds for Laurel afterwards, Bellamy continued: "Our producers and writers have really managed this story so well. Just when you think it's going to be okay, it will have another twist.
"Of course with alcoholism you can't just get better overnight and it is a long journey for Laurel. But this story then takes lots of twists and turns too. You need to stay with it - it's not a simple happy ending."
Bellamy has been widely praised for her performances in the tough storyline, which has been running since the beginning of the year.
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Laurel realises she's slept with a total stranger
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Laurel sleeps with a stranger next week
Reflecting on the experience, she added: "I've welcomed the challenge and I've really enjoyed all the different aspects of playing an alcoholic. It's the different lights and shades and trying to find new subtleties in playing a drunk. The reactions of people have also been really interesting. It's been a great opportunity for me as an actor."
marlon should f*ck her out of the house, he has the kids, change the locks move back in with april and leo
Telly Watcher
28-11-2015, 01:27
Emmerdale spoilers: Laurel Dingle will realise she still loves her ex Ashley Thomas
Will the former couple be brought back together?
By Daniel Kilkelly, Digital Spy
28 November 2015
Emmerdale could be about to reunite one of its best-loved couples, as Laurel Dingle realises that she may still have feelings for her ex-husband Ashley Thomas.
Laurel has been growing closer to her ex recently and their connection won't go unnoticed by Ashley's outspoken father Sandy in scenes which air next month.
Viewers will see Laurel become annoyed and defensive when Sandy voices his suspicions, but she soon starts to accept that maybe she does want to get back with Ashley despite his relationship with Harriet Finch.
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, revealed: "Laurel knows that Ashley was always there for her, especially when life got really tough with the alcohol. She's also dealing with the feeling of being on her own when Marlon is now dating again. She wonders where her life is going and finds herself looking back at Ashley.
"Laurel knows that Ashley loves Harriet, so it's a lose-lose situation. She doesn't want to ruin things for them, because that's not who she is. Laurel is quite defensive when Sandy challenges her over it, because he's got it bang on! It's obvious from the way Laurel talks about Ashley that she's back in love with him."
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Laurel denies having feelings for Ashley, but Sandy doesn't believe her
Both ladies in Ashley's life are currently unaware of the fact that he's recently been diagnosed with dementia.
As Laurel struggles with her feelings, she's shocked when Harriet confides in her by revealing that she's going to propose to Ashley.
Bellamy continued: "Laurel feels totally gutted about Harriet's plans, but she kind of sets up the situation herself almost to help her own feelings. She decides that if she convinces Harriet they're a great match, that will help Laurel to move on herself.
"If Laurel found out about Ashley's diagnosis, I think her reaction would be disbelief. She wouldn't be able to comprehend what he's saying. I hope Laurel will be closely involved in the storyline because they've been through so much. To see his last months out feels like the right story."
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Ashley tells Harriet he was confused and never wanted to break up with her
John Middleton, who plays Ashley, recently announced that his dementia storyline will ultimately lead to him leaving Emmerdale. He's currently contracted to stick with the soap throughout 2016.
Revealing her own reaction to the story, Bellamy admitted: "I was quite shocked really, because I'm losing a colleague. But John's really positive about it and he's happy. At the end of the day, we are actors - it's a great story for him and it will be a great way out.
"I also love getting my teeth into stories that have a real depth and will have an effect on people. Everyone knows someone who will have suffered from some form of dementia. It's so rife and I'm hoping this story will show how people do cope, because I think a lot of it is kept behind closed doors.
"We've been to care homes that specialise in different forms of dementia and we've been in touch with charities, so we've done a lot of research. It's great to be armed with as much information as you can, so you can give a truthful portrayal. It will be emotional, but of course we'll have to find some light moments in it as well."
Source:
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a775526/emmerdale-spoilers-laurel-dingle-will-realise-she-still-loves-her-ex-ashley-thomas/
Telly Watcher
29-11-2015, 15:38
Emmerdale’s Charlotte Bellamy: Laurel will be with Ashley to the bitter end
SoapSquawk
28th November 2015
>Why do you think Laurel’s started to have feelings for Ashley again?
I think it’s a feeling that he was always there for her, especially when life got really tough with the alcohol. Being on her own in a house with Marlon who is still dating, she’s feeling like she doesn’t know where her life is going and finds herself looking back at Ashley.
>Ashley has always loved her, is she aware of his feelings?
No, she’s not taken that for granted and knows that he loves Harriet. It’s a lose/lose situation, she doesn’t want to ruin things because that’s not the kind of person that she is. She’s just coming to terms with the fact she’s in love with him and he loves someone else.
>Sandy works out how she’s feeling about Ashley, how does she react when he challenges her about it?
She’s quite defensive when he challenges her because he’s bang on and he can see that she’s back in love with Ashley.
>Does she feel guilty when Harriet tells her she wants to marry Ashley?
She’s feels totally gutted because she kind of sets up the situation to sort of help her own feelings. If she convinces Harriet that they are a great match then Laurel won’t be in that situation of being in love with Ashley, she’ll try and move on. Of course, she makes things worse!
>Ashley is hiding his dementia diagnosis, how will Laurel take that news?
She wouldn’t be able to comprehend what she’s saying, it would be complete disbelief. It’s early onset dementia so it’s very rare, but I don’t think she will be able to comprehend it.
>Would you like to see them reunited?
Yeah, I think they have been through so much and to see his last few months out, it feels like a right story.
>Was Ashley always the one for her?
Marlon did say that he couldn’t cope with her disloyalty and her alcoholism so he did finish that relationship. But fate has a weird way of putting people together and Laurel’s going to nurse Ashley to the last few days.
>How did you feel about Ashley’s illness?
I was quite shocked because I am losing a colleague. When you have been working with someone for decades it’s quite shocking. John’s really positive about it, he’s happy and at the end of the day we are actors so we have to move on. It’s a great story for him and it’ll be a great way out.
>Are you pleased to be a part of such an issue-led storyline?
Oh yeah, I love getting my teeth into something that has such depth, truth and will have an effect on the audience. Everyone knows someone who have suffered from some form of dementia, it’s so rife. I’m hoping this story will show how people do cope because a lot of it is kept behind closed doors. I’m talking about the people looking after people with dementia and how tricky and heart-wrenching it can be.
Source: (news link liable to change but active right now)
http://www.soapsquawk.co.uk/news/emmerdales-charlotte-bellamy-laurel-will-be-with-ashley-to-the-bitter-end/
(Link to be updated to a more stable one in due course)
Looks like Laurel comes through near the end for Ashley. True love always lasts to the end and beyond for the ones you really love, of course.
Telly Watcher
03-12-2015, 00:55
Nicola will play cupid after Laurel reveals her feelings.
By Sophie Dainty, Digital Spy
3 December 2015
Emmerdale's Nicola King will attempt to play cupid later this month when she realises that Laurel Dingle is still in love with her ex-husband Ashley Thomas.
Laurel still has strong feelings for Ashley, but has been forced to put them to one side due to his relationship with Harriet Finch.
However, Ashley and Harriet will split in an upcoming episode, leaving Laurel with renewed hope of a reconciliation.
Although Laurel is keen to keep her feelings under wraps, Nicola rumbles her secret after clocking the fond way that she looks at her former husband.
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Nicola clocks Laurel's fond look towards Ashley
After Laurel is forced to confirm that she's still in love with Ashley, an excited Nicola vows to get the couple back together by the end of the year.
Despite instructions from Laurel not to interfere, Nicola is soon pushing forward with her plan and engineers a reason for the pair to have a coffee together.
While Nicola is busy playing cupid, Laurel and Ashley are brought together on their own accord after she has unpleasant situation with Mat, the man she spent a drunken afternoon with at a bar a few months ago.
Laurel decides to be honest with Ashley after he saves the day, but he has an even bigger confession for her...
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Mat comes on too strong with Laurel
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Ashley defends Laurel and punches Mat
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Laurel decides to be honest with Ashley, but he has an even bigger confession for her
Emmerdale airs these scenes on Wednesday, December 16 and Friday, December 18 on ITV.
Read more at:
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a775980/emmerdale-spoilers-nicola-king-vows-to-reunite-laurel-and-ashley/
Telly Watcher
08-12-2015, 01:25
Emmerdale spoilers: Ashley and Laurel will reunite before Christmas
The pair will vow to stay together throughout Ashley's dementia battle.
By Daniel Kilkelly, Digital Spy
8 December 2015
Former Emmerdale couple Ashley Thomas and Laurel Dingle will have an emotional reunion in the build-up to Christmas.
The popular pair are finally brought back together after Laurel decides to confess that she still has feelings for Ashley.
Laurel makes her bold move after Ashley splits from his current partner Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton).
Ashley is initially hesitant and reluctantly breaks the news of his recent dementia diagnosis, but a shocked Laurel refuses to be deterred and vows to stand by him every step of the way.
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Laurel tells Ashley about her feelings for him
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, revealed: "Laurel confesses her love to Ashley, but he says that she can't fall in love with him and then tells her why. It's an absolute shock - she can't understand it because he is only 54.
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Ashley tells Laurel about his dementia
"She's also seen Ashley around the village and he seemed fine. She knows he's been a bit forgetful, but she can't believe that he's been dealing with this all on his own. She's not going to leave him."
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Laurel can't believe what Ashley has told her
She continued: "Before you know it, they're back together and it feels like they haven't even been apart. When Laurel's alcoholism got really tough, Ashley was always there for her. He was the one who never judged her, and I think that was true love. That's what she quotes when they get back together.
"Ashley never really fell out of love with Laurel, and I think probably she didn't with him either. She was also in love with Marlon and he's funny and so different to Ashley, but her heart's really with Ashley, isn't it?"
While Laurel and Ashley's reunion will be welcomed by most, an upset Harriet will be stunned when she first sees them back together.
"Ashley does like Harriet and he respects her, but he doesn't want to put that burden on her. It doesn't feel right," Bellamy added. "She was fine as a girlfriend for him at that moment, but we're talking about something much bigger now and really the history lies with Laurel.
"Laurel doesn't try to split them up or anything like that. She actually tries to keep them together at first, but it kind of backfires. It's only after Ashley finishes it with Harriet that Laurel confesses her love. But yeah, poor Harriet!"
Ashley's dementia storyline is expected to run all the way through 2016, but John Middleton - who plays the vicar - has confirmed that it will ultimately be an exit storyline for his character as there is no cure.
Emmerdale airs Laurel and Ashley's reunion on Monday, December 21 at 7pm on ITV.
Read more at:
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a776526/emmerdale-spoilers-ashley-and-laurel-will-reunite-before-christmas/
Telly Watcher
19-01-2016, 00:43
Emmerdale's Laurel Dingle will face a life-changing decision next week when she discovers that she might be pregnant.
The troubled mum is still reeling from the news of her partner Ashley's dementia diagnosis when she receives the baby bombshell too.
Laurel finds out when she accidentally falls off a ladder while making the final preparations to move back into Mulberry Cottage with Ashley (John Middleton) and their family.
When Laurel has to be checked over, Emma Barton lets her know that she may be expecting a baby - which immediately leaves her worrying about how on earth she'll cope.
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Emma asks Laurel if she might be pregnant
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, revealed: "It was the last thing she ever expected. At first, Laurel just knows that it's going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back. She'll be dealing with a baby as well as Ashley's illness.
"Laurel feels that she has to abort, even though it goes against what she stands for. For both Laurel and Ashley, this would never have been an option, but she feels she has to make a decision.
"Ashley is very much against Laurel's decision. She eventually tries to make out that it's because of her alcoholism that she wants to terminate the pregnancy, but it'll be evident to the audience that it's actually because Ashley's not going to be there forever.
"Laurel will be bringing up a child while Ashley's going to be getting worse and worse with his dementia. By the time the baby is born, he may not even be alive."
After much discussion with Ashley, Laurel starts to come around to the idea of becoming a mum again - but the decision may be tragically taken out of her hands when she suddenly starts bleeding.
Laurel is rushed into hospital, but then faces an agonising wait as the sonographer admits that she cannot say for sure whether she has lost the baby or not until more time has passed.
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Laurel faces an anxious wait
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Laurel sees the scan at hospital
Bellamy continued: "By the time Laurel thinks she's miscarrying, she's decided that she actually wants this baby. She realises this may be her last opportunity to be a mum.
"We're left unsure whether she's pregnant or not, so we'll have to wait and see. If she is, it will throw a massive spanner in the works. How on earth are they going to cope with Ashley, a baby and Sandy who's in his late 80s? She'd be a carer for all of them.
"It's not even that Laurel has taken on too much - it's the way things have unravelled and it's really out of her control."
By Daniel Kilkelly, Digital Spy
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a780478/emmerdale-spoilers-laurel-dingle-receives-life-changing-baby-news-but-how-will-she-cope/
Telly Watcher
24-01-2016, 14:46
Charlotte Bellamy gave a Star Interview for TV Soap magazine
"Laurel has got so much on her mind that the possibility of being pregnant is the last thing she had thought about. How would she cope? She would end up being a carer for a baby, Ashley and Sandy, who is in his 80s, and their children.
"Laurel tells Ashley that she wants an abortion because of her alcohol problem, although it's more down to Ashley's illness. But by the time she thinks she's miscarrying, Laurel's realised that she does want this baby.
"The doctors say they have to wait 10 days to be sure if they have lost their child or not. Things are completely out of Laurel's control."
TV Soap, The Sun on Sunday, 24-30 January 2016
Emmerdale airs the scene where doctors suspect Laurel has miscarried her baby on Thursday, January 28 on ITV
Telly Watcher
07-02-2016, 14:27
Laurel Dingle and husband Ashley Thomas are set to have a war of words later this month, over her continued denial about her pregnancy.
When she disappears to the shop for headache tablets, her spouse grows suspicious and confronts her upon her return.
In scenes set to air on February 16, the pair are not getting on well due to Laurel's (Charlotte Bellamy) attempts to forget about her condition.
ITV viewers will see the worried character fly into a rage and deny everything Ashley, played by John Middleton, is claiming.
The argument leads to Laurel informing him that she will attend the scan alone, which concerns him even more.
"Getting pregnant was the last thing Laurel thought was going to happen," actress Charlotte revealed.
"And she knows that it's going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back. She's not going to be able to cope with a newborn baby and Ashley's illness."
The soap star also told the Radio Times: "So Laurel feels that she has to have a termination, even though it's against everything she stands for. Ashley certainly doesn't agree with abortion either, but Laurel has to make that decision."
Her comments come after it was reported that the fictional pair were planning to recommit themselves to one another by remarrying.
Producer Iain MacLeod said: "The next big chapter in that [love story], incidentally, is their wedding which is coming up in about six weeks' time. That has a really interesting twist within it, but at its core it's a really poignant, sad, joyous, complicated day."
By Jessica Earnshaw, Sunday Express
http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/641719/Emmerdale-spoiler-Laurel-Ashley-denial-baby-pregnancy
Telly Watcher
07-02-2016, 15:00
Luscious Laurel is definitely within my top 3 Emmerdale favourite characters right now. :love:
Telly Watcher
08-03-2016, 01:31
Laurel and Ashley Thomas's Emmerdale wedding will descend into chaos next week when the vicar is too hungover to carry out the ceremony.
It could only happen in the soap world, but Laurel's friends will mistake vicar Ben for a stripper when he turns up at her hen night - which leads to havoc when they start plying him with booze.
The next morning, it becomes clear that Ben is in no fit state to conduct the wedding as he wakes up worse for wear.
This forces Harriet Finch to step in to save the day, promising to marry the pair herself even though she's Ashley's ex. So you can forgive everyone for looking a little bit awkward in these pictures...
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Harriet is put in a difficult position
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Harriet prepares to marry Ashley and Laurel
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, revealed: "The vicar doesn't turn up because the girls get him so drunk that he can't actually get out of bed. It turns out that Harriet takes over and marries them.
"I don't think Laurel minds that too much. She's only thinking about one thing and it's Ashley. It's probably more awkward for Harriet than Laurel.
"It's the perfect, beautiful and most wonderful wedding. It's a real heart-melter, but that makes a subsequent twist of what happens next even more traumatic and shocking..."
Laurel has committed herself to Ashley after hearing the devastating news that he's been diagnosed with dementia. Even though the pair are facing a very uncertain future, they're determined to live life to the fullest and enjoy their big day.
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Ashley waits for Laurel
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Doug walks Laurel down the aisle
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Ashley and Laurel's wedding begins
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© ITV
Ashley and Laurel's wedding begins
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/09/640x427/gallery-1457015136-18-03-emmerdale-13.JPG
© ITV
Ashley and Laurel get married
Bellamy continued: "Laurel is not going to keep thinking about problems which could crop up. She's going to take it in her stride, but inevitably there are going to be issues, which the audience will see.
"We're going to really show how when you're living with dementia, even the smallest things can be so disruptive, shocking, disorientating and frightening. It's the simple things that you don't even think about."
Laurel's father Doug is present to walk her down the aisle on her big day, but it's touch and go as she even considers banning him from the ceremony when she realises that he disapproves of her nuptials.
Doug fears that Laurel is making a big mistake by getting caught up with Ashley's troubles, but she can't believe that he'd be so insensitive about it.
"Laurel notices that Doug seems to be avoiding her in the lead-up to the wedding," Bellamy explained. "There are also a few comments he makes here and there, so she gets the feeling that he's avoiding being anywhere near the two of them.
"Laurel is furious, really. She does understand that he's only doing it because he's worried about her, but she thinks that he has tunnel vision when it comes to this.
"Doug does eventually admit to her that he doesn't think their wedding is a good idea. Once he says it, that's it. Laurel thinks that if Doug can't support her, she doesn't want him there.
"But Doug does later make it up to her by coming to see her at the salon. He reads his wedding speech to her and she just melts. Laurel does hit out a bit when she's angry, but I think you've got to have your dad there walking you down the aisle, haven't you?"
By Daniel Kilkelly, Digital Spy
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a785988/emmerdale-spoilers-laurel-and-ashleys-wedding-will-be-threatened-by-a-hungover-vicar-yes-really/
There’s trouble and strife as Laurel again prepares to become Ashley’s wife, Emmerdale’s Charlotte Bellamy reveals to Soaplife…
How is Laurel feeling about the day?
“She’s happy. She knows things will be tough, but their wedding is the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s something really positive for her to cling to. They have a lot of history together and getting married now seems right. She wants everything to be perfect.”
So why is she keeping her pregnancy secret?
“She wants to make sure that everything is okay. She also doesn’t want her dad, Doug [Duncan Preston], to find out because she knows he’ll worry and think she’s taking on too much.”
He’s definitely against the wedding…
“Yes. He makes it clear he isn’t happy about it. He avoids Laurel and Ashley [John Middleton] and he doesn’t even bother showing up to the wedding rehearsal. Laurel sort of understands he’s only doing it because he cares about her. But when he admits that he thinks their wedding isn’t a good idea, she tells him, ‘If you can’t support me, I don’t want you there!’.”
How does he change her mind?
“Doug comes along to her hen do to try to make it up with her, but she pushes him out. He ends up reading his speech about her through the letterbox and she melts because it’s so heartfelt and lovely.”
Then Harriet guesses Laurel’s pregnant, doesn’t she?
“Yes and Laurel’s thrown. She feels she has to justify why they’re keeping the baby and she says the child is like a little miracle. She still feels kind of awkward with Harriet.”
So why is Harriet marrying them?
“On the hen night, the male vicar gets so drunk with the girls that he can’t get out of bed the next day and Harriet [Katherine Dow-Blyton] has to take over. Laurel doesn’t mind too much as she’s only thinking about Ashley.”
How does the wedding go?
“It’s the most perfect, beautiful and wonderful wedding, but there’s a traumatic twist. We’re going to really show how living with dementia can be shocking, disruptive, frightening and disorientating. It’s the simple things you don’t even think about if you’re living with somebody with the condition.”
Watch the events leading up to Ashley and Laurel's big day in Emmerdale from Monday 14 March on ITV.
Telly Watcher
12-03-2016, 13:44
Expect disaster as Ashley and Laurel wed for the second time, say actors Charlotte Bellamy and John Middleton
As dementia-hit Emmerdale vicar Ashley prepares to wed the love of his life, ‘In sickness and in health’ is more poignant than ever.
There are emotional scenes this week as the confused curate, played by John Middleton, and Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) get set to marry for a second time.
But the man of God’s debilitating medical condition is a ticking timebomb that could explode at any time. Will they successfully tie the knot – or will it be a day of tears and tragedy?
We Love TV visited the Emmerdale set in Yorkshire to watch the wedding being filmed.
Between downpours, we chatted to John, 62, and Charlotte, 42, about this heart-rending storyline. Here’s what they had to say...
How do Ashley and Laurel feel on their big day?
JOHN: Ashley is thrilled and ecstatic. At this stage it’s all positive because they’re both optimists at heart. They’re going to have a baby and now they’re remarrying. It’s perfect.
CHARLOTTE: Laurel is very excited. Since Ashley’s dementia diagnosis they’ve decided everything should be about creating happy memories to hold on to. And what could be more positive than a wedding?
How is Ashley’s health at this point?
JOHN: He doesn’t know how long he’s got to live. It could be months, or years. As this is vascular dementia, there is a risk of strokes. There are some awful things that could happen, but at the moment everything is fine.
It’s ironic that Ashley’s former lover Harriet leads the wedding service...
CHARLOTTE: That’s definitely a bit weird! But Harriet wants the best for them and respects Laurel for taking on so much with Ashley’s condition.
JOHN: It’s a pleasant surprise for Ashley. He’s really bowled over by Harriet’s magnanimity.
What’s the mood like at the wedding service?
CHARLOTTE: It’s euphoric, beautiful and romantic. Plus Laurel [who’s to be given away by her dad Doug] wears a lovely outfit. A huge amount of work goes into Emmerdale weddings.
It seems too good to be true – will there be nasty twists?
JOHN: Viewers will be put through the emotional wringer.
CHARLOTTE: Expect disaster. It’s going to be absolutely awful. Some events later in the week come out of nowhere.
This dementia storyline will touch a lot of people...
JOHN: It affects so many people in such a devastating way that it would be incredibly insulting if we didn’t get it right. This storyline is the most challenging opportunity I’ve ever been given as an actor.
CHARLOTTE: We’ve both done a lot of research and met people with dementia. It’s very important as it gives us a real insight into the condition.
By Neil Batey, Daily Mirror
Have a sneak peek at behind the scenes pictures from the making of a soap wedding and read more at:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdales-week-ahead-ashley-laurels-7533602
Telly Watcher
12-03-2016, 13:44
Dales actress Charlotte Bellamy lifts the lid on big days, big obstacles and why Laurel is right to say "I do" again...
"If you love someone, there's no question that you stick by them," explains the star, who is married to television producer Mungo Denison.
"It's an impossible situation, but Ashley and Laurel have so much history, and that's why this is such a tragic love story. For the moment, though, Laurel's feeling really positive about this wedding. She knows there will be problems here and there, but she's just planning on taking all that in her stride.
"She's really furious with Doug," sighs Charlotte. "He misses the wedding rehearsal, and he keeps avoiding talking to them or being anywhere near them. When he eventually admits that he thinks the wedding is not a good idea, Laurel tells her dad that if he can't support them, then she doesn't want him there anway!"
After Doug discovers his daughter's pregnancy, he has a change of heart...
"Doug turns up at Laurel's hen party at the salon to make amends," shares Charlotte. "She ends up shoving him outside, so he pushes this wedding speech he's written through the letter box for her to read. It's a really lovely and heartfelt speech, and Laurel completely melts. It's her wedding, so of course she's got to have her dad walk her down the aisle!"
With this hurdle out of the way, as well as a fun hen do and a silly stag night - where Ashley asks Bob to be his best man - it's a relaxed morning on the day itself, and Laurel is looking forward to becoming Mrs Thomas again. What she doesn't realise is that the vicar who is supposed to be marrying them is so hungover, he can't perform the ceremony!
"Harriet takes over!" reveals Charlotte. "I don't think Laurel minds - she's only thinking of one thing, and that's Ashley. She's made the decision that she's going to live life to the full with him.
"It's the most wonderful and perfect wedding day," she grins. "Laurel's dress is gorgeous and quite 1920's. It was made and designed by our team at the show."
With a baby on the way, and two other children causing chaos - not to mention Ashley's dad Sandy! - this is a lot for any couple to cope with, let alone one who are already facing an illness like Ashley's.
"We're going to show how, when living with dementia, even the smallest things can be disruptive, shocking, frightening and disorientating," says Charlotte. "In their daily life, anything could have that effect for Laurel and Ashley. The fact that this wedding is so lovely makes the subsequent twists even more dramatic and traumatic."
By Kate White
Inside Soap, 12-18 March 2016
Telly Watcher
12-03-2016, 13:45
Harriet lost her job as local vicar (8 Dec 2014) after she had married Ali and Ruby without permission from the bishop. She was also charged by the police on the same day with burglary at a police station, after commiting the crime 2 Dec 2014. Latest spoilers say that she gets special permission from the bishop on the morning of the wedding day to perform the wedding ceremony herself. Harriet and Ashley were in a relationship together up to Dec 2015, of course, until Ashley and Laurel got back together on 22 Dec 2015.
The latest spoilers and soap interviews suggest that something goes badly wrong after Laurel and Ashley get married during the Friday 18 March 2016 episode. After the wedding, the guests go to the reception but Laurel and Ashley are missing for a while. Exactly what happens next is being kept a secret for now though by ITV.
I for now am guessing that the stress of the day causes Ashley to have a stroke (a mini one maybe though?) and he either has a form of paralysis or, more likely I think, Ashley forgets something. Perhaps is unable to afterwards recognise just who someone close to him from the village is (someone like best man Bob or even someone from his own family, so that would be out of Laurel, Sandy, Gabby or Arthur?) or even that the wedding has even happened?
Even if what I've suggested here for now just doesn't happen on Fri 18 March 2016, these are still just the kind of things which we should all expect to happen to Ashley over the next 12 months or so.
John Middleton's acting contract as Ashley in Emmerdale is due to end by December 2016 with his final scenes being aired during early 2017.
The reveal episode about what really happens after Ashley and Laurel's wedding is due to to be aired on Friday 18 March 2016 at 7pm on ITV.
a twist would be Amnesia for Ashley after a stroke and forgetting he and Harriet had ever split up........
:thumbsup:
Telly Watcher
21-03-2016, 13:51
"Ben Haenow - Something I Need", 3m 51s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLBaaN2sqlc
For Lovely Laurel. Best wishes for the future with Ashley. I'm sure though that there is going to be a brilliant and beautiful love story for you both to come.
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