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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Emmerdale's Ashley dies, rape horror and pregnancy twist: Five years ago on soap

Emmerdale aired harrowing and tragic scenes this time five years ago - and two of the storylines were referred to again this year.

Vicar Ashley Thomas sadly passed away following his battle with early onset vascular dementia.

His wife Laurel, children Gabby and Arthur and their loved ones said their final goodbyes at his emotional funeral service the same month.

Just recently, Gabby, who is now a parent herself, and brother Arthur reflected on how much had changed in the five years since his death.

The scenes in 2017 left viewers distraught, as the character deteriorated before passing away at home.

Emmerdale aired harrowing and tragic scenes this time five years ago (ITV)

Also in April of this year, Pierce's jealousy, and controlling and forceful behaviour towards partner Rhona took a horrifying turn.

On what was meant to be the happiest day of their lives, Pierce brutally and horrifically raped his wife after the service, leaving her distraught.

After weeks of Rhona's loved ones sharing their concerns about his behaviour, he turned on his new bride.

Rebecca White soon discovered she was pregnant with Robert Sugden's baby (ITV)

Rhona soon reported her husband to the police for his sickening crime, and the character was arrested and eventually jailed.

She had previously reported the assault but covered up the fact it was Pierce who had attacked her, and also did not press charges - until three months later when she revealed the truth.

Pierce has been back on the soap since, and after killing Rhona's partner in 2020 he tried to force her to flee with him, but the police managed to capture him.

Pierce's jealousy, and controlling and forceful behaviour towards partner Rhona took a horrifying turn (ITV)

The villain recently died in prison after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, and his son Marcus has since joined the show.

Elsewhere in April 2017, Emma Barton was still hiding the fact she caused the death of her partner James - and also caused the car accident that left many injured.

Rebecca White soon discovered she was pregnant with Robert Sugden's baby, amid her romance with Ross Barton.

As Rebecca initially claimed Ross was the father, he soon learned the truth following her decision to have an abortion - as advised by Robert.

Got any theories or thoughts on the storyline? Let us know in the comments section below

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.

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