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."

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

i recon this storyline is getting silly an its only just started!

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.

No No No Laurel don't do it.