Emmerdale fans were left shocked earlier this week when Nicola King suffered a brutal attack, the shocking scenes, which saw Nicola end up in hospital, have left viewers wondering why Nicola fell victim to the assault.
Nicola King, played by actress Nicola Wheeler, was was set upon by by a gang of teens in a deserted carpark after enjoying a night out with half-sister Bernice Blackstock and Laurel Thomas.
One of the girls boldly asked her for booze before they got into a verbal sparring, he conversation soon turned ugly when more teenage girls turned up and cornered Nicola.
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She was mugged, beaten and left bloodied on the ground before losing consciousness in the horrifying scenes which saw the girls kick her as she lay defenceless of the ground.
Nicola begged them to stop as one member of the gang continued to kick her while the others laughed and filmed the disgusting attack.
Wednesday night's episode saw Nicola, who was recovering in hospital, deny any recollection of the attack. However, a video of the assault has gone viral and soon became news in the village when Gabby Thomas got wind of it and showed it to her mum and Laurel.
They later showed it to Nicola's husband Jimmy who went back to the hospital and revealed to Nicola that they knew what happened.
In harrowing scenes Nicola was forced to recall the event to PC Harriet Finch after being discharged to continue her recovery at home. Nicola expressed her fears that her attackers could come and find her as they had her driver's licence. Nicola broke down in tears to her husband Jimmy after the police left. The scenes left Emmerdale fans feeling emotional many of which took to social media to share their views.
@RyanGSoapKing11 tweeted: "Poor Nicola hopefully she'll get the bottom of who attacked her. The attack has changed her forever #Emmerdale. Massive Congratulations to @nicola_wheeler for last night's episode." @mishybabez_ wrote: "Aw nicola. So heartbreaking and bravo to @nicola_wheeler #Emmerdale."
@BenthamFans commented: "My heart is truly broken for Nicola how she broke down in jimmy arms #emmerdale." @perfectmanda added: "So sad to see someone who's usually strong like Nicola so broken #emmerdale."
And it wasn't long before viewers started to piece together the incident as they tried to figure out who the attacker is.
During the brutal scenes during Tuesday night's episode, a single girl walked up to Nicola, with the camera focusing on her feet, and whispered an apology before running away and some fans think it could be a vital clue in figuring out who it is.
Clair Thompson wrote on Facebook: "Who was the mystery voice when the group walked off. I thought it sounded like Kathy saying sorry." Rose Kennedy replied: "Me too, I think those girls were going to that 18th that Cathy and Samson was going to." Nikki Petters shared: "Could it be Chloe or Cathy wearing the white trainers?"
Jean Henly said; "But who was the girl at the end that said SORRY with the tattoo on the Ankle, sounds like she knew Nicola." While @Jamal06122771 tweeted: "I have a feeling Nicola will bump into the one who said am sorry and remember the trainers she wore. #emmerdale."
However, as the mystery voice was heard saying 'sorry', the camera was focused in on her trainers, showing a tattoo on her ankle. This has led others to think that it couldn't be Bob Hope's daughter. One said: "Was it not the tattoo on her foot that Nicola might remember to tell the police?”
As another fan replied: "Good thinking, but then it can’t be Amelia or Cathy [because] don’t they have to be 18 for a tattoo?"
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars. There you'll also find our Emmerdale features and news about the show's 50th anniversary plans.
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