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."