Emmerdale star James Hooton reveals Sam's response to Lydia's ordeal
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
This story discusses topics including rape and sexual assault.
Emmerdale star James Hooton has revealed Sam Dingle's reaction to wife Lydia's recent rape at the hands of Craig Reed.
With Lydia suffering in silence since Craig assaulted her, the show confirmed a turning point for the story as she begins to confide in friends and family.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, James said: "It's a difficult process to go through, and hard for anyone to talk about.
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"But Sam and Lydia have a strong bond. We'll see Sam is supportive, and obviously devastated on behalf of his wife."
He added: "This is a very sensitive subject matter and has been a difficult one to play. I think it has been really well researched and written."
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw also recently spoke to Digital Spy and other media about how Sam will react to the devastating news.
"From very early on in the research with Rape Crisis, it was obvious that the impact on partners, family, friends and the whole local community is just huge.
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"Sam is going to really struggle to come to terms with it and his feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. He just wants to help Lydia, but he doesn't know what to do or how to help."
She added: "What we'll see is how people really don't quite know how to react or what to say. They just want Lydia to be better, but how do you actually begin to help somebody who has been through an ordeal like that? We really see just how difficult it is, not just for Lydia, but for absolutely everyone around her as well."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you would like more information on real-life issues behind Lydia's storyline in Emmerdale, the soap is working with Rape Crisis — which offers a Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 24 hours a day, or online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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