Rhona kisses Paddy after they have dinner together

Rhona's at sixes and sevens, and good old Paddy, her ex-husband, is picking up the pieces. With the vet still reeling from the awful ordeal Pierce put her through, raping her on their wedding day, Paddy is vital to her recovery. In a tender moment, Rhona leans in for a kiss… What next?

Frank is busy plotting his surprise for Megan - their wedding! But he has no idea she hasn't forgiven him for sleeping with Charity and is planning to ruin him. Thing is, Megan still loves Frank - can she stay strong as he lays on the charm?

The villagers get a laugh as exercise rivals Dan and Jimmy go head-to-head in a race.

Emmerdale fans rejoiced as Pierce Harris was found guilty of rape, a decision the actor who plays him said had to happen

The actor who plays Emmerdale villain Pierce Harris says he thinks viewers will be satisfied after his character was convicted of rape.

Fans of the ITV soap found out on Friday that Harris would be sentenced to five years in prison following the brutal attack on his wife, Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry), on their wedding day earlier this year.

Jonathan Wrather, who plays Harris, told the Press Association: “I think fans or viewers will be seeking some form of retribution and yes, we’ll have that.

“Ultimately in shows like this, characters who’ve done the things that Pierce has done, they need to be seen to get some form of comeuppance, and he will. But where it then ends, we don’t know.”

In Thursday’s episodes, Rhona confronted Pierce before he gave evidence and managed to get him looking tearful and guilty enough that she felt hopeful he would admit to his crimes.

As the jury returned its verdict the following day, she broke down in relief and said on the steps of the courthouse: “So many women don’t get that.

“We have to relive the worst moment of our lives on that stand and still not be believed at the end of it.”

Talking about the dark material they had to tackle for the storyline, which has been running for a few weeks, Jonathan said: “It has been a challenge because of the subject matter, it’s quite dark and it’s complex, but I feel fortunate that we’ve been trusted with it by our producers and writers, because it’s very sensitive.

“We’ve tried to portray everything as truthfully as possible and you know we have a duty and responsibility to our audiences and people who watch it.”

In the run-up to Friday night’s finale, the actor said he did not take the material home with him at the end of a long day.

“By the time I get back from a fairly long commute… as soon as I get home, I’ve got two very young babies so domestic life takes over, so there’s no room for, I don’t find it difficult to shake off what’s happened during the day.

“We do have a lot of fun on set, probably because of the intensity of some of the parts of the story and certainly when it’s reached its peak with the rape and everything. The flip side is that the release is you are able to have a bit of a laugh between scenes and takes, you have to, I suppose.”

The Pierce Harris rape trial was left hanging on a knife edge on Thursday. Will he be found guilty?

Emmerdale viewers were left on a cliffhanger waiting to find out whether village villain Pierce Harris would be convicted of rape.

Rhona Goskirk’s (Zoe Henry) case against her ex-husband has been to court this week in the ITV soap, where fans of the programme are hoping he will get his comeuppance for abusing the popular character.

In Thursday’s episodes, Rhona confronted Pierce (Jonathan Wrather) before he gave evidence and managed to get him looking tearful and guilty enough that she felt hopeful he would admit to his crimes.

One viewer wondered whether Rhona had missed her chance, tweeting: “#emmerdale #Rhona missed a trick there. She should’ve recorded #Pierce in that room. He has to be found guilty! Has to!”

But with his mother and the villagers looking on, Pierce’s nerve failed him and he stuck to his story that he had done nothing wrong.

The episode ended as a verdict was about to be reached and fans felt anxious as they waited to see whether justice would be served.

One fan pleaded for a conviction: “@emmerdale you absolutely cannot let Pierce seem to get away with this via the law. Even if he gets another kind of ‘comeuppance’!”

Another could not take the stress: “Jesus christ, emmerdale is intense tonight.”

Whatever the outcome, people agreed that the actors involved had done a brilliant job.

One person tweeted: “Kudos to @ZoeHenry03 @jpwrather!! Such a harrowing story!!,but certainly one they’re doing justice!! @emmerdale”

Another viewer wrote: “Rhona is such a powerful and empowering character! I hope anybody that is watching #Emmerdale uses this to help them.”

Someone else paid Wrather a backhanded compliment: “You know someone is a brill actor when u can’t stand them and they make your skin crawl, well done pierce I hate u #emmerdale”

The verdict will be announced on Emmerdale on Friday, July 28 at 7pm.

Guilty Pierce is in court, accused of raping Rhona. But with the manipulative lawyer out to skew the story, will he fool the judge and jury into thinking he's innocent?

The Pierce Harris rape trial begins in Emmerdale in the coming week and the loathsome lawyer looks like may be about to slip the net.

The prosecution case founders when Pierce and his lawyers make it seem that Rhona has had an ongoing relationship with her ex, Paddy, but it really hits the rocks when Rhona's bestie Vanessa lies to the court and is ripped apart by the defence!

Will Pierce escape scot-free or will justice be served?

Guilty Pierce takes to the stand, accused of raping Rhona, but he's out to deny it…

Guilty Pierce takes to the stand, accused of raping Rhona, but he's out to deny it…

Shaky Rhona tells the tale of the awful ordeal during which Pierce raped her on their wedding day.

But the clever, manipulative Pierce plays the injured victim.

Pierce's number one enemy, Vanessa, takes to the stand…

… but the vet's lies, intended to help Rhona's case, end up harming it.

Vanessa is crucified on the stand.

Rhona's case appears to be crumbling as Vanessa's fabrications fall apart.

Being a lawyer, Pierce knows how to work the courtroom.

He skews the story, completely rewriting the history of his relationship with Rhona.

But when Rhona has a moment with him during a recess, she forces a confession out of him. Will he recant his lies and admit to the court he did it?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, July 24

When Rhona Harris confronts her husband Pierce in court, he finally admits he raped her, Jonathan Wrather reveals. But what will the court decide?

Pierce Harris is the picture of composure as he takes to the dock to stand trial for raping wife Rhona. He’s a lawyer, he knows how to work the system. It’s very different for Rhona. When she feels that all is lost, she confronts her husband and urges him to confess.

“At this point she thinks he is going to get off,” Jonathan Wrather told Soaplife. “It totally knocks the wind out of his sails and he confesses to her that he raped her.”

But will the jury see through his lies?

How is Pierce feeling about the trial? “He feels confident. He tells the court that the reason Rhona [Zoe Henry] left him was because of Paddy and here is the evidence – he has photos of them together. His story is similar to Rhona’s in terms of the chronology, but their endings are different.”

So what is his tack? “He explains that Rhona said she couldn’t go through with the marriage because of Paddy. He says he was angry and upset, but didn’t rape her. All these things are sort of layered against Rhona and it makes her case look weaker and weaker.”

What about the testimonies of her friends? “Jimmy is a bit blundering, Marlon gets a little bit caught out and Vanessa says ‘He told me he raped her’ which he never did, so that weakens the case.”

Does Pierce have any remorse? “Well, he has this capacity to delude himself. He thinks that if he says it, it is the truth. He does know that what he has done is wrong, but cannot face up to admitting to it. He is kind of clutching at straws, but is very coherent about it.”

What happens when Rhona confronts him? “She confronts him in a side room and it surprises him. He has never seen Rhona like this before and is rather threatened by it. He cracks and confesses to her. He doesn’t say he issorry, though. After that, they go back into court. It is a great moment.”

Will he be found guilty? “You’ll have to wait and see. Let’s just say there are a number of twists to come after the verdict.”

Emmerdale, ITV

Rhona visits her rapist husband Pierce and is left more determined than ever to see him do time for attacking her on their wedding day

As Rhona's hellish life continues, she has discovered who has been sneaking inside her home and watching her every move in Emmerdale. She's so rattled by the identity of her stalker that she's decided to drop the charges against Pierce, who raped her on their wedding day.

But when Rhona fronts up to the shady solicitor's office to tell him, Pierce's smug and flippant attitude makes her blood boil. With that, she decides to leave the situation as is… She'll see her horrible husband in court.

It's a bold move on Rhona's part, but will she stay strong?

Shaken by the recent intrusions inside her home, Rhona has decided to drop the charge of rape against her husband Pierce. But the shady solicitor soon digs his own grave…

Brave Rhona fronts up to her husband's office to tell him she's decided to drop the charges…

… but the shady solicitor's flippant and casual attitude to the news makes Rhona's blood boil.

… but the shady solicitor's flippant and casual attitude to the news makes Rhona's blood boil.

Aghast at Pierce's disregard for what he's done to her, Rhona changes her mind.

Pierce cements his own demise when Rhona becomes even more determined to see her vile husband go down for raping her on their wedding day. See you in court, pal!Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, July 3.

In a startling twist, it was Pierce's mum Martha, not the rapist himself, who was revealed to be Rhona's tormentor on Tuesday

Emmerdale fans were left surprised and confused when it was revealed that the stalker who has been plaguing Rhona Goskirk in recent episodes was not her rapist husband Pierce Harris, but his mother.

While many viewers had assumed that Rhona (Zoe Henry) was being followed by her estranged husband Pierce (Jonathan Wrather), it became apparent in Tuesday’s huge plot twist that it is the sinister Martha (Elaine Claxton) instead.

Previous episodes of the ITV serial drama have seen the unknown stalker breaking into Rhona’s house and leaving messages in order to frighten her, leading many to believe it was Pierce, who raped her on their wedding night.

Rhona’s ex-husband Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) went to confront Pierce about his behaviour, only to be told that he had just returned from a business trip in Amsterdam.

His solid alibi meant it could not have been him doing the stalking, and gave Paddy a reason to believe Rhona was losing her mind.

Martha was then seen in Rhona’s kitchen in the shadows, throwing the storyline wide open.

Martha has only briefly appeared in the soap before, showing up ahead of Pierce and Rhona’s wedding much to her estranged son’s disappointment, so her reappearance certainly left viewers stunned and slightly confused.

Several Emmerdale fans were stumped as to why Pierce would have his own mother committing such an act, although it was not clear if he was aware of her actions.

One viewer wrote on Twitter: “Y wud Pierce’s mum stalk Rhona? I don’t get it…. Is it 2 try 2 set Pierce up? #Emmerdale.”

Another said: “So hes been getting his mum to scare rhona.. my god he really is a freak #emmerdale.”

“Pierce’s mother Martha is Rhona’s stalker, but why ?? Is she working wiv Pierce or doesn’t he know ?? #Emmerdale,” one asked.

Others were just flat-out floored by the turn of events, and many were just bemused as to why Rhona did not change her locks.

One viewer said: “So if Rhona has locked her doors how did Norman Bates mother get a key #Emmerdale.”

“Change the locks, Rhona. Ffs. #emmerdale,” another wrote.

One chimed in: “Simple answer Rhona change the bloody locks and also install hidden cameras just to be sure! #emmerdale.”

Emmerdale continues on Friday, June 30 at 7pm on ITV.

A series of incidents leads Rhona to realise she has a stalker. Is the vet's abusive ex, Pierce, behind it all?

This week Rhona finally tells the villagers the truth about her wedding day rape in Emmerdale. Her revelation, which leaves the locals shocked, comes after she hears them all talking about Pierce, her ex, in high regard. Knowing the truth - that he's an evil rapist - the vet flips and sets them straight.

Not long after her outburst, strange things start happening at Smithy, Rhona's home. First, an eerie message appears in her bathroom mirror – and then she finds opened pill packets in her sitting room – and then the front door is open wide.

When Marlon and Paddy see her with the empty tablet strips, they wonder if recovering addict Rhona has relapsed and is taking painkillers again.

Can Rhona convince them otherwise? And, more importantly, who is behind the strange incidents at Smithy?

Rhona is alarmed when she finds an opened packet of pills in her sitting room – someone has been inside her house…

Rhona is alarmed when she finds an opened packet of pills in her sitting room – someone has been inside her house…

Earlier, in The Woolpack, Rhona snaps when she overhears the locals talking about her ex-husband Pierce in high regard.

Finally exposing the truth, the villagers reel as Rhona reveals Pierce raped her on their wedding day.

The next day, Rhona comes downstairs to find someone has been inside her house…

… and has left an opened pill packet on the table.

Paddy and Marlon jump to conclusions when they see Rhona, who is recovering from an addiction to painkillers, with the tablet strips.

Rhona wonders who has been inside her home and assumes it's the work of her rapist ex, Pierce… But was it him?Watch Emmerdale from Monday 26 June on ITV.

Pierce returns to Smithy while Rhona agonises as she tells Leo his stepdad won't be coming back into their lives

Rhona's having a really hard time moving on from her hideous ordeal with Pierce. So when her son Leo draws a family picture, including her rapist ex, it cuts like a knife. Paddy's heart breaks when he listens in as Rhona tries to tell Leo his stepdad won't be coming back to live with them again.

Later, there's more strife as Pierce returns to Smithy, under the watchful eye of the police, to pick up some of his belongings. Is Rhona in a safe place - or is she still in harm's way?

As Rhona's ordeal with Pierce continues, Paddy feels terrible for his ex and their son Leo.

As Rhona's ordeal with Pierce continues, Paddy feels terrible for his ex and their son Leo.

Paddy's heart breaks as Rhona tries to explain to Leo that Pierce won't be coming home.

Paddy is deeply concerned about Rhona's state of mind following the sexual attacked she sustained from Pierce on their wedding day.

Rhona turns to Vanessa for support as the investigation into her rapist ex, Pierce, begins.

Rhona tells Vanessa she's worried about what her friends and family will say when they find out what happened on her wedding day.

Under the watchful eye of the police, Pierce enters Smithy Cottage to pick up some belongings. Will he leave Rhona alone from now on?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday 19 June.

Rhona gets a shock when her rapist husband Pierce reappears in her home, reveals Emmerdale’s Jonathan Wrather

Pierce returns to Emmerdale – because Paddy begs him to! To be fair, Paddy doesn’t know Pierce raped Rhona; he just thinks Rhona could use his support because of her drugs relapse. So that’s why Rhona finds Pierce in her home.

“He’s been lying low,” Jonathan Wrather tells Soaplife. “He’s probably been trying to work out how he can spin things so he doesn’t come off as the bad guy…”

What happens when Paddy gets in touch with Pierce? "Paddy [Dominic Brunt] calls Pierce out of the blue and they meet. He says ‘Look, Rhona’s in a bad way, you need to come back, she needs you’. Pierce doesn’t give anything away, because he doesn’t know what Paddy knows. It transpires that he knows nothing about the rape, so that’s a plus for Pierce. He discovers that Rhona has been in rehab.”

Does he have a plan? “Well, he has form for manipulating situations; you saw that with the whole sex tape thing. Certainly, the whole drug thing with Rhona [Zoe Henry] could be something in his favour. It might help him wriggle his way around his current predicament.”

Do you think he intends to try and win back Rhona? “It is likely that he knows that isn’t going to happen, but we’ve seen with Pierce that he has a capacity to be almost delusional.”

Does he accept that he raped her? “No. We’ve already seen him say to her ‘I couldn’t help myself, you brought this on yourself’. He is one of those people who thinks that if he says it, then there is an element of truth to it. He has this capacity to be able to switch off from reality.”

Are there more skeletons in his closet? “His mother Martha [Elaine Claxton] is harbouring some secret and she is coming back. It could be something very big that he has done in the past. There were hints that he had a tough childhood and was obviously very jealous of his sisters.”

What does Pierce actually want from Rhona? “I think, ultimately, he probably wants perpetual control over Rhona. It is like a power trip. He needs to have someone to control in order to exist somehow.”

Will Pierce get his comeuppance? “There is scope to do some interesting things with the story. I actually don’t know what the outcome will be, so we’ll have to see.”

Emmerdale, ITV

Shock showdown! What will Rhona do when her rapist husband Pierce unexpectedly returns to the village to menace her?

Rhona's life has been a living hell since she was raped on her wedding day by new husband Pierce in Emmerdale.

Even though the village vet reported the crime to the police, she was too terrified to reveal the identity of her attacker after sinister solicitor Pierce threatened that nobody will believe her.

She sent Pierce packing, warning him she will report him to the police if he shows his face in the village again. However, the nightmare is far from over...

Worried about her strange behaviour and unaware of what really happened after the wedding, Rhona's well-meaning ex Paddy tracks down Pierce and reports his worries that former addict is popping pills again. What happens next terrifies Rhona...

You're not welcome! Rhona hoped she'd seen the last of her rapist husband Pierce.

You're not welcome! Rhona hoped she'd seen the last of her rapist husband Pierce.

Earlier, unaware Rhona has been a victim of marital rape, her well-meaning ex, Paddy, goes in search of Pierce to report Rhona's recent strange behaviour.

Pierce listens as Paddy reveals his fears former addict Rhona has turned to drugs again.

There's a nasty surprise for Rhona when Pierce unexpectedly comes to visit...

Rhona warned Pierce she will report him to the police if he came near her again. Will she stay true to her word?

Determined to see justice served, will Rhona report rapist Pierce to the police and confide in Paddy and Marlon about her terrible ordeal?Don't miss Emmerdale from Monday, June 12 on ITV

The actress Zoe Henry talks us through what's in store for her soap alter-ego, as Rhona returns to Emmerdale and names husband Pierce as the man who raped her...

The next chapter of Emmerdale's controversial rape storyline is coming our way, as Rhona returns to the village after a stint in rehab, closely followed by husband Pierce – a move that prompts the vet to finally name him to police as her rapist. Actress Zoe Henry gives us the low-down on the challenge ahead for her soap character, and reveals why, despite this dark material, she feels like one of the luckiest women in the world...

On screen, Rhona is currently in rehab for her painkiller addiction. What do you think has been going through her mind while she’s been away? "I think she’s done a lot of what she has been doing before rehab, which is trying to bury the rape and not think about it. So she's been questioning everything. Is this her fault? She's blaming herself really, for not seeing the signs and for letting Pierce in. And then, of course, there's the layered guilt of giving into her drug habit again. That was a bit of a comfort blanket when she needed it, and she feels guilty about letting her son Leo down again, and also Paddy and Marlon. "

Does she feel apprehensive about coming back to the village? "She's terrified, because she still has no real idea of where Pierce is and what he's doing. It's over a month since the rape, and he has not been heard of, and that’s quite disconcerting. She's on tenterhooks, thinking, 'Is he going to suddenly reappear, or has he gone forever?'

"She's managed to get her drug habit under control again and she's really confident that she's got that licked, but she's scared that anything can knock her off kilter again. And she’s not sure how she’ll react if she sees him again. It’s that flight or fight situation. Is she going to just lose all her senses, or is she going to find an inner strength? She doesn't know how she'll be until that actually happens."

Rhona has reported the rape to police, but hasn’t yet named Pierce as her attacker. Why is that? "I think there's a part of her that not necessarily blames herself for the rape, but takes a bit of it on – she thinks it's a little bit her fault that she got herself into that situation. She didn't see the signs. She ignored all the warnings and ploughed ahead and did what she wanted to do, and it has backfired appallingly. But also, once the name of Pierce Harris is given to the police, it’s out there, and that's a really hard thing for any woman, because you kind of have to own it then.

"Rhona’s thinking: 'I'm going to have to publicly relive what he did to me. I'm going to have to churn it all up and tell everybody. I'm humiliated enough and I feel degraded and a wreck – have I got the strength to go through with this? And what if I do go through with it, and Pierce, being this incredibly manipulative, articulate, smart guy, twists it and doesn't go down for it? Then what?'"

Would it help Rhona if Pierce held his hands up and admitted responsibility for his crime? "I think there would be a certain resolution in that, but it will never take away what he did to her and how that has made her feel. But I don't imagine Pierce will ever be able to do that. I've always said that in some ways, the day after the rape was even worse for Rhona, when there was no remorse, and no apology and a 'Come on, pull yourself together woman.'"

Pierce has proved himself to be a master manipulator. When Rhona finally reports him, is she expecting him to try and twist things? "Yeah, she knows. She can try and dress it up and pretend it will be all right and that she's brave and strong, but he's manipulated her for 18 months, so she knows what he's capable of – as does Vanessa. He knows the law, and he knows how to talk himself out of literally anything. He's a professional. He's got a clean track record and he's never done anything like this before, to our knowledge."

What response are you getting from viewers about this storyline? Do they keep telling you that they want Pierce to go to prison? "Yes, people do want justice. And the amount of people that have stopped me in the supermarket or grabbed me on the street and said, ‘Oh my god, that guy is evil!’ is all testament to Johnny Wrather, who has played this storyline so brilliantly."

Would you say this is one of your most challenging storylines to date? "Yes. I mean, I can't say I've loved it, in that the content is so dark, but I have absolutely loved working with Jonathan Wrather so closely, and Dominic Brunt (Paddy), because we really put the hours in and have really worked hard on it. Everybody has, and let’s not forget the writers. Some of the scripts we get are just amazing; you think, 'Oh my god, how have they thought this up?'

"I love my job, and I love working on the show. I make no secret of it. I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world, and I know that Jeff (husband Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain) feels the same."

Painkiller addict Rhona bids a tender farewell to her son and loved ones as she leaves the village to go into rehab.

It's an emotional week in Emmerdale as painkiller addict Rhona packs a bag, says her goodbyes and heads off down south to go into rehab.

Elsewhere, Marlon's planning to pop the question but is blind-sided by the arrival of Carly's good-looking ex. Nell gives everyone a shock when she turns up at Amba's birthday party looking just like Holly. But the addict is soon firmly in the firing line with suspicious Priya.

There's stress brewing, too. Dan resolves to tackle bullies Josh and Jamie when they cause yet more trouble in the village. But when Dan is later found towering over motionless Josh, was he responsible for knocking the teen unconscious? Zak gets Victoria's business in deep trouble when he and Sam 'help out' at a vegan market! Uh oh…

Rhona's relapsed and become addicted to pain-killers again, following Pierce's vicious attack.

Vanessa's relieved that her best friend is confronting her problem.

With her bags loaded into the car, it's time for Rhona to say goodbye to her beloved little boy Leo.

Elsewhere, Carly gets the shock of her life when she walks in to the Woolpack…

… and is confronted by the sight of her ex, Matt, the father of her late son. What will this mean for Marlon's plan to propose to Carly?

Nell's arrival at Amba's party causes a stir as she turns up in a fancy outfit looking just like Jai's ex Holly. The addict later gets the blame when Amba is found with pills in her hand.

Dan resolves to tackle the local bullies but finds one of them, Josh, unconscious!

Will Dan do the right thing and dial 999?

Who attacked Josh... and who will get the blame?

Zak's skint so Victoria suggests he help serve in her food van at an upcoming event.

With Victoria too busy to man the van, Zak and Sam step in.

But Zak and Sam get into hot water when they start selling meat burgers… at the vegan market!

As the punters come after Zak, will he get out of the fix? And what is Victoria going to say?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, May 15.

Imagine returning to the scene of the crime, like Rhona does after her wedding day horror and 'honeymoon'. Zoe Henry has the story

Rhona comes home to Emmerdale after her nightmare wedding ordeal and Zoe Henry reveals exactly how difficult it is re-enter her home...

Rhona fled to Cornwall after being raped by her new husband Pierce on their wedding night… how does she feel about returning? “Rhona feels genuinely terrified about what she’s coming back to. Her state of mind is fragile and she feels very alone.”

Where is Pierce? “Rhona doesn’t know where he is and that’s part of the terror. Is he going to be in her house? Will he have told everybody what happened? Or has he made up a pack of lies? She’s unsure of what to expect and that frightens her.”

How does Rhona feel about being back home? “It’s very difficult for her to step into the house, let alone into the lounge where it happened. She makes herself go in with Leo and she checks that everything is locked up. Stepping into that lounge is one of the hardest things she’s ever done.”

Is the marriage over for good? “Definitely. But I suppose she’s terrified of how Pierce might manipulate her and the situation as he’s a clever man. The attack was so severe that there’s no going back in her mind.”

Will she confide in her friends? “She thinks she can deal with it on her own. She’d love to share it with Vanessa, but their relationship has broken down because of Pierce. She feels responsible… Not that it was her fault, but that somehow she brought it on and she could have stopped it. There’s a lot of guilt about how she treated Vanessa.”

What makes her trash the house? “She keeps it together for Leo’s sake, but she decides to deal with the wedding presents when he’s out of the house. She loses it big time when she sees what Pierce bought her as a wedding night gift.”

Do you think that Rhona will be able to get over this? “It’s impossible for anybody to go through an attack as violent and sustained as that without being changed. She’s a strong woman, but it remains to be seen…”

Is the nightmare over for her? “This is the beginning of it. It was an awful ordeal, but it will also be awful for Rhona to relive it in the form of other people finding out, by telling the police or going to court. I wonder if she’ll try and shut it in a box and forget about it.”

Rhona is back from 'honeymoon' traumatised by Pierce's attack on their wedding day. Will she tell Vanessa what her violent abusive husband did to her?

Rhona is back home in Emmerdale. The locals all think she has been on honeymoon in Scotland with Pierce, but really, her marriage is over, she's been raped by her husband and she's been hiding away in Cornwall with her son, Leo.

When Paddy finds out Rhona and Pierce have split, he tells Marlon and Vanessa who shoots straight round to see her friend. Vanessa's horrified to see what a state Rhona is in. The vet has trashed the house and the wedding gifts and is clearly a woman on the edge... but will she tell Vanessa why?

After hearing Rhona is home, Vanessa tears around to Smithy, which has been trashed by the vet who was horribly attacked on her wedding day by her husband, Pierce.

After hearing Rhona is home, Vanessa tears around to Smithy, which has been trashed by the vet who was horribly attacked on her wedding day by her husband, Pierce.

Vanessa's concerned as Paddy has told her that Rhona and Pierce have split up.

Will Rhona tell Vanessa that Pierce raped her, at home, on their wedding day?

Will a very concerned Marlon push his ex, Rhona, to open up about what's going on?Find out in Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, May 8

The broadcasting watchdog is to assess 62 complaints after Emmerdale's brutal attack this week

Ofcom is looking into more than 60 complaints about rape scenes shown in ITV soap Emmerdale this week.

Monday night’s episode showed Pierce Harris, played by Jonathan Wrather, brutally assault Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) after spiralling into a jealous rage just hours after their wedding.

Viewers saw Pierce grab Rhona by the arms as she tried to run away and force her to the floor.

The rape was not shown, but Jonathan said earlier this week that it was 'implied'.

The media watchdog said it received 62 audience complaints after the scenes were screened before the watershed (9pm).

It will assess the claims before deciding whether to launch a full investigation.

A spokesman said: “We assess all complaints received against the Broadcasting Code, which sets standards for the content of TV and radio programmes, before deciding whether or not to investigate.”

ITV shared links to information and support services for viewers affected by the hard-hitting storyline.

The channel has been contacted for comment.

Zoe Henry has earned plaudits for her devastating performance as a woman suffering rape in marriage in Emmerdale

Emmerdale star Zoe Henry has been lauded for her performance as a rape survivor in the ITV soap.

The actress plays Rhona Goskirk and appeared in a tense episode on Tuesday showing her escape new husband Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), who had raped her on their wedding day.

A barefooted Rhona fled to a police station and attempted to explain what had happened to police, before breaking down in front of nurses.

Zoe was praised by her co-stars for her emotional performance.

Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden in the soap, said Zoe was 'utterly incredible', a sentiment shared by Laura Norton.

Charley Webb, who stars as Debbie Dingle, called on fans to vote for Zoe as the best actress at the Soap Awards.

Viewers joined in on the chorus of compliments, while the creators of the episode were also praised.

Following the episode, the soap’s Twitter account shared advice for those affected by the issues raised.

Zoe Henry is such good friends with her Emmerdale co-star Jonathan Wrather that he stays at her's to learn his lines and save on travel time

Emmerdale star Zoe Henry has said that she and her on-screen abuser are great mates in real life, sharing sleepovers to run through their lines.

Zoe plays Rhona Goskirk in the ITV soap and appeared in a harrowing episode on Monday where her new husband Pierce Harris, who has been abusing her for months, raped her on their wedding day.

But the actress said she and Jonathan Wrather, who plays Pierce, get on so well off screen that he comes to stay overnight with her and husband Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle in the soap, to avoid a long commute to the other side of the Pennines.

She told This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: “He comes and has sleepovers and we have food together.”

Zoe added that Jonathan was not the only co-star she and Jeff had played hosts to overnight – Nicola Stephenson, who played Pierce’s former wife Tess, a character who was killed in a hit-and-run after having an affair with Rhona’s then-husband Paddy, was also a regular guest.

She said: “Hilariously, Nicola Stephenson, who played Tess, went to school with Jeff, so she used to come and have sleepovers as well.

“It’s quite good fun at our house, you know.

“Jeff’s a brilliant cook so Jonny (Wrather) and I just hang out and run lines, it gives us an opportunity to do more work.”

Zoe warned viewers that Tuesday’s episode dealing with the rape aftermath could be even more upsetting to watch.

She said: “It was harder because of how Pierce reacts – you expect an apology, but that doesn’t come.

https://youtu.be/vfDkhs8SzuI  

“What does come is quite surprising, there’s no more violence, but it’s worse in a way.

“Rhona feels guilty, she’s seen signs and she’s ignored them, she’s pushed her friends away, and here she is on her own.”

Emmerdale continues on ITV at 7pm on Tuesday.

Rhona’s wedding day in Emmerdale takes a violent turn when her new husband Pierce brutally rapes her, reveals star Zoe Henry

We’ve known it all along, and so has Vanessa Woodfield, that Rhona Goskirk and Pierce Harris were never going to live happily ever after. In fact, they don’t even get through 24 hours as man and wife before he turns nasty and he rapes her,while their loved ones are celebrating their nuptials in The Woolpack.

“Rhona’s shocked by what happens,” Zoe Henry told Soaplife. “It’s so awful that she doesn’t know what to do. She’ll never get over it…” Will she have the courage to report Pierce and leave him?

How’s Rhona feeling on the morning of her wedding day? “She’s anxious as Pierce [Jonathan Wrather] is doing his usual disappearing act. He’s a bit distracted, but she thinks it’s wedding nerves. She really loves him. He made her smile again after her marriage to Paddy Kirk [Dominic Brunt] broke down.”

Is Vanessa at the wedding ceremony? “No. It’s really strained between them and she doesn’t quite make it to the wedding. Rhona’s gutted, but Pierce is her priority and she and Vanessa [Michelle Hardwick] are in a better place than they have been for a while.”

How does Rhona feel when Paddy gives the marriage his blessing? “It’s amazing for her to have him on board. He gives her a necklace that belonged to his mum and it’s very emotional. Paddy was the love of Rhona’s life and she never expected them to go their separate ways.”

What’s the wedding ceremony like? “Rhona and Pierce are both a bit nervous. There aren’t many people there and that’s probably what Rhona wants. She doesn’t want a fancy do with a big old meringue of a dress. All that matters is that her son, Leo, and Pierce are there. She’s blissfully happy.”

When does it all go wrong? “Pierce says he wants to take Rhona back to the house to give her a wedding gift. She thinks it’ll be something beautiful, but things take a dark turn when he says he’s bought her a property miles away. They have an almighty row and he gets violent.”

What does Rhona think after Pierce brutally rapes her? “She always knew he had a temper, but she didn’t for one second expect this. She feels very alone. She’s pushed a lot of people away, especially Vanessa, who’s the person she’d automatically have gone to. She feels stupid and that, in some way, it’s her fault.”

Is Pierce remorseful? “His reaction is surprising. He tries to sweep it under the carpet and suggests that she asked for it, which is appalling. He tells her to pull herself together because people will be wondering where they’ve got to.”

What next for Rhona? “The attack is so extreme that it’s going to be a long and hard path for Rhona. She’s going to need a lot of support from people like Vanessa, Paddy and Marlon [Mark Charnock].”

Emmerdale, ITV

As Rhona and Pierce get married in Emmerdale she discovers her husband's dark side as he attacks her after the ceremony.

It's the Big Day for Rhona and Pierce in Emmerdale. She's nervous and excited and Pierce is... stressed. But in front of a small amount of friends, the couple get hitched.

As the guests head to the Woolpack to celebrate, Pierce takes Rhona home to give her a present. There, a row blows up between the newly-weds and to her horror, she's raped by her husband!

Will the terrified vet manage to get out of the house to safety?

Rhona and Pierce get married! But things soon take a horrific turn…

Rhona and Pierce get married! But things soon take a horrific turn…

Earlier, the guests are gathered and Pierce is in church waiting for his bride to arrive.

Leo, the best man, clutches the hand of Pierce, who's about to become his stepdad.

As Rhona arrives, to get married for the third time, her ex-husband Paddy looks on sadly while her husband-to-be Pierce appears stressed.

When the couple met at the altar, they're all smiles.

The service gets underway in front of a small selection of guests.

Man and wife! But no sooner have they tied the knot than Rhona is subjected to a brutal attack… by her husband. Can she escape Pierce's clutches?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, April 24

Pierce shows up at Rhona's hen do before a shock arrival leaves the couple gobsmacked.

The Goskirk/Harris wedding is looming so it's time for Pierce and Rhona to have their stag and hen dos in Emmerdale. But neither of them seem that up for it. While Rhona shies away from taking part in the games her friends have organised, Pierce actually ditches his mates so he can check up on his fiancee!

Rhona's thrilled when her bloke shows up in The Woolie, but the couple's kissy-kissy sesh is cut short when Vanessa – who is desperately trying to stop her best friend from marrying controlling Pierce – arrives with a surprise guest, who soon puts a spanner in the wedding works… How will Pierce react as he clocks the very familiar face?

Pierce lives to regret gatecrashing his fiancee Rhona's hen do…

Pierce lives to regret gatecrashing his fiancee Rhona's hen do…

A little earlier, Rhona is taken aback when she finds Pierce in the Woolpack.

He's there with 'an old uni friend' and is discussing a move to the Lakes. That's the first Rhona's heard of it!

Rhona isn't particularly enjoying her hen do and is really pleased when Pierce gatecrashes it!

M'wah!!

Rhona and Pierce's smoochy moment is shattered when a shock guest arrives - someone who horrified Pierce knows very well! How will he react?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, April 17.

Pierce Harris and his enemy, Vanessa Woodfield, have a series of arguments about Rhona and their engagement.

Vanessa has made it clear she's not into her best friend Rhona's fiance, Pierce - and the feeling is mutual. But this week, the enemies declare all out war! When Vanessa taunts Pierce about his engagement to Rhona and accuses him of being 'controlling', Pierce fumes and plots payback…

Meanwhile, unaware that her two favourite people are tearing strips off each other, Rhona chats to Laurel and is encouraged to set a wedding date… for six weeks' time! Excited, Rhona later returns home with a bag full of sexy undies. As she and Pierce get passionate, he records their intimacy on his tablet. And when Vanessa ends up annoying him yet again, he makes sure the vet 'accidentally' gets an eyeful of he and his fiancee's antics…

It's all out war between enemies, Vanessa and Pierce…

It's all out war between enemies, Vanessa and Pierce…

Rhona is excited as she returns home to see Pierce.

Not only has Rhona set a wedding date for her and Pierce, she's bought a load of sexy undies!

As passion strikes, Rhona's not too keen when Pierce records their intimacy on his tablet, but feels she has to go along with it.

Fed up with Vanessa's negativity about his relationship with Rhona, Pierce pays the vet a visit…

A huge argument blows up as Pierce wades in on Vanessa who then feels more determined than ever to stop Rhona from being with Pierce. Pierce plots a sick revenge… Watch Emmerdale on ITV from 6 March.

Zoe Henry says she believes her character Rhona consented to sex in Emmerdale's recent controversial scenes.

Zoe Henry, who plays Emmerdale’s Rhona Goskirk, has spoken out about her character’s rocky relationship with lawyer Pierce Harris, and says she doesn’t believe the village vet has been raped.

In two of the soap’s recent episodes – broadcast on January 4 and January 26 – Pierce was seen pinning Rhona to the floor. Subsequent scenes then implied that the couple had had sex and showed Rhona visibly shaken, with the latter episode also showing that her dress had been torn.

Zoe said: "Nothing was shown on camera, but in my mind, she did consent, even though she wasn’t in the mood."

She added: “Our producer, Iain McLeod, wanted this to be something people talked about, with some people going ‘I thought that was perfectly acceptable’ and others saying ‘Are you joking? That is not acceptable at all!’ And that’s kind of what we got."

Rhona and Pierce began a relationship last year, not long after discovering that their respective spouses, Paddy and Tess, had been having an affair. Viewers have since seen Pierce become increasingly controlling and manipulative.

Zoe, 43, who is married to co-star Jeff Hordley – better known as Cain Dingle – said she wouldn’t put up with a man like Pierce in real life, but acknowledges that her alter-ego is in a different mind-frame.

"When you're in the eye of the storm you never really get it," she said. "Rhona and Pierce have got a total connection, sexually and emotionally, and they get on brilliantly. She has to manage his emotions, and she thinks that's a small price to pay, because she can’t cope with the thought of another relationship going wrong.

"I've been with Jeff for 20 odd years, but before that, I've had a few boyfriends. I look back now, to when I was a young, 17-year-old, and I was in relationship that I find laughable that I put up with. But I was in a different place, with a different mindset.

‘That's what I have to think about with Rhona. She's putting up with something that in her right frame of mind – when she's strong and happy like she was two years ago – she wouldn't put up with.’

Next week, Pierce proposes to Rhona again on her suggestion. Read about that development here.

Guilty Rhona urges Pierce to pop the question again after sharing a secret kiss with her ex, Paddy

Emmerdale's Rhona Kirk is gutted when her official divorce papers come through. But with new man Pierce Harris nowhere to be found, she finds herself commiserating with her now ex-husband Paddy! As the drinks flow in the Woolpack, elsewhere, Pierce is having a traumatic day of his own as it's the anniversary of his late wife Tess' death. Unaware of what Pierce is going through, and angry at him for disappearing on her, Rhona gets plastered and ends up sharing a lingering kiss with Paddy!

Riddled with guilt about the kiss, and after finding out where and why Pierce went AWOL, Rhona feels terrible. To ease the tension between her and Pierce she comes up with a plan and urges her man to propose to her. Pierce doesn't hang about and pops the question. After Rhona accepts, Vanessa wonders why her friend is in such a hurry to get hitched again. Will Rhona tell anyone about her moment with Paddy?

But Pierce has no idea Rhona earlier went and got drunk with her ex-husband, Paddy…

…nor does Pierce realise that Rhona and Paddy's booze up to 'celebrate' their divorce, ended in a lingering kiss!

After a huge row with Pierce, Rhona comes up with an idea to appease her man.

Guilty Rhona urges Pierce to try proposing to her again…

Their row about Pierce's late wife Tess is soon forgotten when Rhona accepts Pierce's hand in marriage!

When Vanessa hears about the engagement, she asks Rhona why she's in such a hurry to get hitched.

Rhona and co celebrate the engagement, unaware new fiance Pierce has heard every word of their conversation and her words of warning…Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday 13 February

As life with Pierce becomes ever more unsettling, Rhona makes a harmless confession which has unpleasant consequences in Emmerdale…

Pierce is bang into his girlfriend, Rhona, in Emmerdale – and not in a good way. He professes to love her so much and tells her he's fine about her not having accepted his proposal of marriage, but he's not fine.

Pierce wants Rhona all to himself, and the likes of her ex, Paddy, kept at bay. But life doesn't work like that and as his grip on Rhona starts to slip, his 'nice guy' persona seems to be fading fast, too.

With Rhona becoming unnerved by her boyfriend's change in behaviour – which has recently seen him force himself on her and patrol her every move – she's drawing away. Soon things take an uncomfortable turn when a game of truth or dare sees Rhona confess to Pierce the identity of her fantasy one-night stand – Cain Dingle – a statement which goes on to have consequences for the vet when the couple gets home…

Chas is gutted to learn from Pierce that DS Wise is backing down from their plan

Chas quizzes Pierce and from his reaction concludes it was Paddy who told Pierce about the plan and she’s furious

Closer to home, Pierce is getting aggravated by Rhona, who has been rejecting his advances.

During a game of truth or dare, Rhona confesses her fantasy one-night stand would be Cain Dingle…

Determined to show Rhona he's all man, Pierce pins her to the floor, trying to be macho and pretending to be Cain…

But is Rhona into Pierce's 'game'?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, January 23 at 7pm

But is Rhona into Pierce's 'game'?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, January 23 at 7pm

Not everyone's happy when a group of male strippers descend on The Woolpack! Pierce and Carly, in particular, are down in the mouth...

Charity plans some money-making fun to pack in the punters and organises a special Hunk Night in the Woolpack in Emmerdale. But not everyone is happy about it...

Things get off to a flying start and everyone is having a great time, but as the booze flows events get increasingly raucous.

Insecure lawyer Pierce is simmering with jealousy when he catches Rhona enjoying the attentions of the male strippers just a little too much.

Whoo hoo…it's Hunk Night in The Woolpack. Time for some muscley fun!

Whoo hoo…it's Hunk Night in The Woolpack. Time for some muscley fun!

But Pierce is already rattled that Rhona has even gone to the event.

The controlling lawyer keeps trying to phone her but she's ignoring her mobile. When he turns up at the pub, he's livid to to see her enjoying the raunchy attentions of one of the male strippers!

Is Pierce going to make Rhona regret ever going?

Meanwhile , someone else who might regret turning up is Carly...

She's mortified when her dad Bob decides he's going to get in on the stripping!

As a merry Bob starts flaunting his middle-aged pecs, Carly wishes the ground would swallow her up. Is anyone else going to go a little too far at Hunks Night?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, January 9.

Paddy's racy gift leaves Chas Dingle speechless in Emmerdale!

There are crossed wires and embarrassed faces when Chas opens a gift that Rhona was intending to give Pierce and thinks it's a pressie from Paddy in Emmerdale. Oops!

Will bumbling Paddy be able to explain the mix up?

Chas is a little taken aback to open a lacy cerise basque from her ex Paddy!

Earlier, Rhona is proud of Pierce when he doesn't react to Liv's taunts.

The tearaway teen loves whipping up trouble and has already sent Rhona a bunch of flowers that looked like they'd come from Paddy.

This time Pierce, who recently went to counselling for his anger and jealousy issues, manages to stay calm despite Liv's stirring.

Later, Rhona confides in Vanessa that she's missing being intimate with Pierce. She decides she's going to book them a weekend away and goes off to buy some sexy lingerie in anticipation.

Rhona presents Pierce with the bag containing her saucy early Christmas gift, but is horrified to discover something very different in the package.

Rhona presents Pierce with the bag containing her saucy early Christmas gift, but is horrified to discover something very different in the package.

Meanwhile, Paddy gives Chas the bag, but she's floored to be presented with the lacy lingerie. As Pierce looks on, will Paddy be able to explain the mix up? And are Rhona and PIerce right in thinking there's definitely still a spark between Chas and her ex?Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, December 5

Swarthy lawyer Pierce Harris is furious and takes revenge when he discovers Rhona's lied to him in Emmerdale's super soap week...

Rhona's relationship with Pierce has been intense to say the least and in the coming week the pair get into heated argument over his ongoing jealous feud with her ex, Paddy, in Emmerdale.

Failing to resolve their issues, an angry Pierce storms out and announces he's going away on business.

In desperate need of some comfort and a friendly face, an upset Rhona decides to visit Paddy and Marlon, who have gone camping overnight with Leo in the woods.

However things take a turn for the worse when Pierce later calls Rhona only to discover she's lied to him. What is he going to do?

Earlier, Paddy and Marlon are on high alert when events take a sinister turn on their camping trip.

Who or what has scared them?

Rhona turns up unexpectedly and is pleased to get a comforting hug from Paddy after her nasty row with Pierce.

Unbeknown to Rhona, Pierce hasn't gone on his business trip to Brussels after all...

He's come home to Smithy Cottage to apologise for their row. He rings Rhona to ask where she is, but when she lies that she's at home his blood boils. He knows she's stayed the night with her ex Paddy and he's not at all happy about it. What is PIerce going to do next?

As the week ends, one of the villagers is going to die. Is ruthless Pierce capable of bringing harm to his love rival Paddy? Just how far will his bitter jealousy push him?Watch the dramatic events in Emmerdale, ITV, from Monday 17 October.

As Pierce and Rhona grow closer the chemistry between them sizzles...

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Pierce leans in for a kiss with Rhona in a stunning romantic development

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Earlier in the week Pierce is intrigued when he spots a photo of Kirin on Vanessa's phone...

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...and when her back is turned, he slyly pockets the vet's mobile thinking it might help him track down Kirin

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Meanwhile, the attraction between Rhona and Pierce grows stronger. When he tells her he's found a flat he can move into....

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...it's obvious she doesn't want him to leave Smithy Cottage and in a charged moment the pair lean forward and are just about to kiss

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...when they're suddenly interrupted. Rhona is shocked when she hears from Vanessa that Pierce has muscled in and taken Rakesh's job

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Despite Vanessa's words of warning, Rhona can't help being drawn to Pierce...

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Meanwhile, Vanessa sees the scary side of the newcomer when he confronts her with her stolen phone and lets rip, demanding answers about Kirin

EMMER%E2%80%93WEEK20%E2%80%93PIERCE%E2%80%93HARRIS%E2%80%93VANESSA%E2%80%93WOODFIELD%E2%80%93RHONA%E2%80%93GOSKIRK10

Vanessa's shaken to see just how aggressive Pierce can be. Rhona on the other hand has a completely different outlook and puts the widower's outburst down to grief...

EMMER%E2%80%93WEEK20%E2%80%93PIERCE%E2%80%93HARRIS%E2%80%93VANESSA%E2%80%93WOODFIELD%E2%80%93RHONA%E2%80%93GOSKIRK11

But how will she react, when, after a heart-to-heart, Pierce looks her in the eye and says he's falling in love with her? Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, May 16

Paddy and Rhona are leaving Emmerdale on a six-month trip to Germany

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In a bid to put their marriage back together, Paddy and Rhona are taking Leo and moving to Germany for six months – but no one wants to see them go…

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Marlon can't bear the thought of letting son Leo go and Vanessa and Pearl are losing their good friends…

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Paddy admits to Marlon that they're leaving because it's what Rhona wants, not him. He's doing it because he feels he owes her after cheating on her

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Vanessa, Marlon and Pearl are all Rhona's friends but she finds it hard to face them after being humiliated by Paddy's affair with Tess

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Rhona wants to believe that leaving with Paddy is the best thing for them to do. But is it? Watch Emmerdale on ITV, from Monday, April 18

Zoe Henry talks to Soaplife about Rhona's fight with her addiction in Emmerdale - a fight she’s losing and a fight that could cost her her life!

Rhona Goskirk has been popping pills like a child eats Smarties and her habit finally takes a terrible toll… "The addiction has grown and her need for drugs has got bigger with it. It’s turned into a monster, but all Rhona wants is to get hold of the drugs and keep taking them,"  Zoe explains to Soaplife.

And then she vomits blood…

"Yes. Rhona gets some tablets from a dodgy dealer called Gary - she’s so desperate she’ll take anything."

She must be terrified!

"She is and thankfully Vanessa is with her. At one point, she thinks she might die, but sadly, once the need for drugs kicks in, any sense goes out the window."

She ends up in hospital - do the doctors realise she’s addicted to drugs?

"Yes because she has the classic symptoms. They ask Rhona if she intended to take an overdose and she tells them to leave her alone and discharges herself, thinking that she can cope on her own, even though she’s told she’ll end up dead if she carries on doing what she’s doing."

Does Paddy hear this?

"No - he doesn’t even know she’s been to the hospital because she lies to him and says she has gone to her mum’s. But Paddy calls Rhona’s mother and finds out that she isn’t there."

How does she get out of that one?

"She cries and apologises and tells him that she needs space. She turns it into something that’s about their marriage, which isn’t fair on him."

And poor Paddy books a holiday to try and repair their marriage!

"Rhona’s horrified. The last time they went away, she got hammered on wine and insulted everyone. Vanessa won’t be there, so how will she get the drugs she needs? The idea of going away is horrendous."

And then Vanessa announces that she’s leaving the village…

"Yes and Rhona is distraught. Vanessa’s the only one who knows what Rhona’s going through and, of course, she’s giving Rhona drugs."

Does Vanessa leave?

"No, because Rhona manipulates her into staying. She puts her marriage in jeopardy to keep Vanessa onside and almost chooses her over Paddy."

What?! Why?

"Paddy tells Rhona it’s over because she has hurt him so much and Vanessa feels like the chosen one because Rhona tells her she loves her to get what she needs, but it’s all lies."

Where’s this going to end?

"What Rhona’s doing could kill her. I hope she can come back from this, but something has got to give. There will be consequences - whether it’s her job, her marriage or her friendship, somehow this will cost her dearly."

Zoe Henry reveals to Soaplife that Rhona goes on the rob for pills in Emmerdale - and doesn’t care who gets hurt as long as she gets her fix...

Rhona’s desperation escalates when her online order doesn’t arrive - and she drags Laurel on a drugs hunt, right?

"Rhona has a flat tyre so she makes out she needs to buy teething gel for Leo and Laurel offers to drive them. They go to three chemists with Rhona telling Laurel they don’t have the stuff she needs. Eventually they go to a rough part of town and Rhona takes ages to come out of the chemist’s because she is trying to get the drugs into her system. When she finally emerges, Laurel and Leo are sitting on the side of the road and the car has gone."

What’s happened?

"They’ve been car-jacked and if Laurel hadn’t bundled Leo out of the car, goodness knows what would have happened. Rhona has endangered her friend and her son! But she is so far into her addiction, she’s not thinking rationally."

You’re not kidding! The next thing she does is rob her own surgery…

"Rhona reaches a point where the withdrawal is so bad, she is blinded by her need for drugs and that takes over. She smashes the medical cabinet to make it look like a robbery."

Then she panics when Paddy calls the police…

"Yes. What if they see that it is a dodgy job she has done herself?"

Vanessa sees exactly that, doesn’t she?

"Vanessa finds Rhona’s stash of pills and is shocked at the extent of her addiction and lies. They argue and Rhona gets angry, then apologises. Vanessa begs Rhona to admit her addiction to Paddy, but Rhona pleads with her, telling her she loves her. She’s become quite manipulative."

Does Rhona realise that Vanessa has feelings for her?

"Rhona doesn’t see that one coming at all. They have been friends for 20 years and went to uni together, why would she think that? But Rhona isn’t thinking about Vanessa – she is being vile and taking advantage to get what she wants."

Where does Rhona go from here?

"It gets so much worse…"

Zoe Henry reveals to Soaplife how Rhona takes drastic action to satisfy her need for drugs in Emmerdale...

Cut off from painkillers by her doctor, Rhona gets desperate. What does she do?

"She steals meds from the veterinary surgery's drugs cabinet… Just once and just one tablet... but Vanessa catches her."

Uh-oh. Does Rhona admit her problem to Vanessa?

"No. She swears it will never happen again and firmly believes at that point that it never will. She tells Vanessa she had a bit of pain and had had a bad day, that it was a one-off."

But Paddy notices the missing drugs and questions Vanessa. Does she cover for Rhona?

"Initially Vanessa says, ‘I’m telling Paddy’, but then she comes up trumps in terms of being a friend and doesn’t tell. That makes Rhona feel even more guilty!" 

How are the withdrawal symptoms affecting Rhona?

"It’s like a roller-coaster. When she’s taken the drugs she can pretty much function like normal, but then the withdrawal starts and she loses concentration, becomes snappy, sweaty, dizzy. She vomits when it gets more extreme and finally she can't even get up and move about."

Does Rhona realise how addicted she is?

"I think she’s frightened by what’s happening to her, but doesn’t really get how bad it is. She thinks she has it under control and the reality is that when she has the drugs she is in control, but she certainly isn’t when she doesn’t have them."

She’s not at the stage where she’s ready to get help then?

"No and like anyone who has an addiction she does need to reach that point first. Right now, she’s on a downward spiral."

The winters can be harsh in the Yorkshire countryside, but it's not the cold or the snow that has killed Katie's horse, Wilson… it's Vanessa the vet! Well, that's what Katie thinks, anyway - and she's going to make Vanessa pay. Katie returned from holiday to find Wilson clearly unwell and Steve told her he'd called Rhona. But Rhona's bad back has put her out of action so Vanessa stood in for her. The big question is: was Vanessa in a fit state to be working? She had been to her godmother's funeral and was very upset. So, when she got to Home Farm and diagnosed mild colic, was her mind really on the job? Katie says it wasn't and is taking legal action. 

Debbie takes rather harsh action against Cain when he fixes Moira's car for free. Who does he think he is, giving his girlfriend freebies? Well, Debbie tells him who he is: he's her mechanic and if he doesn't do what she says - and that means making Moira pay for his work - then she'll find another mechanic.

Brenda's desperate for Dan to do what she wants, which is keep her brain tumour a secret from Bob. Dan finds out accidentally about Brenda's illness and feels he has to do what Brenda wants, although he thinks that what she should do is tell Bob.