Charlotte Bellamy, a star of Emmerdale, acknowledged that not all compelling stories find a home on television.
The character of Laurel Thomas from Emmerdale, played by Charlotte Bellamy, is currently involved in a plot with her son Arthur as they attempt to shield Marshall from Colin, Marshall’s abusive father. The soap star explained how writers weren’t keen on her idea to have female factory workers involved in a gambling ring when reflecting on the storylines she’s pitched but have been rejected.
Charlotte, 49, made her television debut in 2002 and has played Laurel for more than 20 years.
Charlotte wanted to see the employees of the candy factory where her character Laurel had previously worked develop gambling addictions.
The only story I’ve ever attempted to pitch to the writers was back when we were all employed at the factory, she said.
I proposed a story about a group of female gamblers who became addicted, which is actually quite common.
“I thought that would be quite interesting as a collective of women desperate to make a living,” she continued to Inside Soap.”
Although the writers ultimately decided against the idea, Charlotte didn’t seem discouraged and acknowledged that occasionally even good ideas don’t work out.
As actors, Charlotte and I are unable to see the bigger picture or other stories at play, so it never made it through. Timing is everything.”
After learning that Colin was physically abusing Marshall, fans have most recently seen Laurel welcome Marshall into her home.
Charlotte praised the generosity of her character, Laurel, saying, “I really admire Laurel’s generosity – that’s a lovely trait in anyone, isn’t it?
“That’s what everyone wants to be, I think. Although I suppose she can be too forgiving at times. She also occasionally puts others before herself. But isn’t that true of every mother?
The actress described herself as “pretty accepting” and “not too judgmental,” similar to Laurel.
I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I try to accept people for who they are and not have too strong of an opinion, she continued.
In Monday night’s episode of Emmerdale, the Marshall Hamston storyline will continue to develop, putting Laurel’s compassion to the test.
Marshall’s joy at living with Laurel and Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), her partner, is short-lived as he tries to return to school.
He learns that he needs his father’s permission in order to return to Hotten Academy, his former school.
In an unexpected turn of events, Marshall’s father Colin does permit him to return to Hotten Academy, though Laurel suspects this was only done to cover up the abuse.
As things continue to fall apart, Jai admits he is hesitant to welcome Marshall into their home.
Jai is concerned about the financial and practical implications of continuing to house Marshall despite Laurel’s good intentions.
Jai confides in Laurel about these worries, but a shocked Marshall overhears them and feels betrayed by the couple.
Colin will return to try to persuade Marshall to go home later this week, Emmerdale has confirmed.
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