Fans tuning into Thursday night’s edition of Emmerdale were in for another night of emotional viewing as the popular soap’s groundbreaking stroke storyline continued to progress.
In tonight’s episode, chef Marlon Dingle woke up following neurosurgery to remove a massive clot that had lead to a catastrophic stroke.
In a series of heartbreaking scenes, viewers saw the moment the popular character underwent some post-operative tests to establish the extent of his injury, which revealed he would now need to relearn how to walk, speak and even swallow on his own again - a process which was likely to take months.
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Overwhelmed by the news, his partner Rhona sought comfort from his ex-wife Laurel, who had also experienced a similar parallel previously, after she became the sole carer for her late husband Ashley Thomas towards the end of his battle with Dementia.
Although the emotional scenes made for some difficult viewing, fans of the soap were quick to praise the realism and sensitivity with which the story arc had been handled and celebrated the fact such a poignant issue was being addressed.
“Emmerdale is so moving to watch. Done excellently. Reminded me of Dad's stroke aged 50. Nightmare 4 everyone - but a stroke is different for all. Paralyzed down left side but ridiculous sense of humour stayed til he passed aged 90. Thanks 4 portraying this difficult subject.” Said @Lilian_Oliver1.
“I was 40 when I suffered a stroke. Believe me, it was devastating- thought only older people suffered them,” added @BiffenGlenn.
@Momrocks50 also weighed in, tweeting “Yes Rhona going to take a while I am afraid patients is key and not sure she has that in her long term. Excellent storyline raising awareness to patient and carers side”
Others were also quick to point out the difference in approach to hopes regarding Marlon’s recovery. This was particularly stark when viewing both the optimism ideal and the more realistic and brutal reality.
“Paddy is expecting miracles and they don't happen. It could be a year before he's up and going properly or could have permanent damage,” said @AD_06_x.
“Paddy is right to ask questions so he knows how best to help his mate. Ask all the questions! It's way too soon to know anything for definite” added @lil_fairy_doll
@Robron75 also agreed, saying “Hard as the answers may be to hear, I'm glad Paddy is asking the hard questions, much as Rhona doesn't want to face that possibility right now.”
User @mikepriestly13 also shared his praise for the pacing of the show, with the storyline expected to last for several months rather than any quick fix soap based magic magically curing Marlon’s difficulties.
He said: “I’m so glad this Marlon storyline will be running for months for the fact they aren’t rushing this one through where he will be better in a couple of weeks and looks like nothings happened.. it’s important to show”
Elsewhere in tonight’s episode, the news of Marlon’s devastating stroke also saw a glimmer of hope for reconciliation between Chastity Dingle and cousin Charity, as the entire Dingle clan pulled together to try and get through the difficult situation.
In tentative scenes, there was even some typical Dingle banter between the pair, with Charity revealing it would only take one little word from her cousin, for all to be forgiven and the pair to once again helm the iconic Woolpack pub, side by side.
Sadly, Chas initially shot down the idea, with fans quick to express their frustration at the dynamic duo for being so close to burying the hatchet.
“Thank god - it finally looks like we'll have an end to this ridiculous feud and the annoying bickering!” tweeted @penniless_poet.
Reece Carter also weighed in with his thoughts on Chastity’s snub of the olive branch offered to her. Without mincing his words, he said “Chas is possibly the worst person in #emmerdale and that includes Meena”
@Calzonafan2013 also shared their thoughts, adding “Isn’t it amazing how Charity is supposedly the awful dingle, but when she actually WAS ousted from the pub, she never kicked off. Meanwhile, Chas lost her pub due to her own decisions…”
A similar sentiment was also shared by Grianne Doherty who said “Chas really needs to just get the f***k over herself already. Marlon's literally fighting for his life & she still can't get past the fact Charity now owns the pub. Totally forgetting she forced Charity out in the 1st place, almost sold it to Al. She'd of lost it anyway.”
