Emmerdale fans have been left questioning Marlon Dingle's situation at home. The chef recently came back to the village after suffering a stroke and spending time in hospital.
The ITV soap character, played by Mark Charnock, suffered a terrifying health scare after getting engaged to Rhona Goskirk. The pair had both planned to pop the question and after both betting the all-important 'yes', Marlon skipped back home to collect the engagement ring he had forgotten when he became unwell and collapsed.
After being rushed to hospital, it was confirmed Marlon has suffered a stroke and he had to undergo emergency surgery. Since then, as his recovery begins, the family have been rallying around. However, Charity Dingle dropped the bombshell that she couldn't afford to keep paying his full wages as they needed to be cut to statutory sick pay.
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So, during the latest episode, aired on Monday night (Mary 3), Marlon's fiancee Rhona returned to work at the vets but was soon left distracted and worried due to her mother Mary, who was at home with Marlon, ringing her constantly.
When she briefly popped home during her lunch, Rhona was left furious to discover that her mother had failed to hear Marlon asking to go to the toilet. She later apologised to Mary for snapping at her and Marlon was later seen asking Rhona about her day, which she lied and said was 'good' despite Moira Dingle being concerned over her work and giving a misdiagnosis.
Then, at the end of the episode, Emmerdale viewers saw him stifling a worrying cough. But they were quick to question why Rhona wasn't getting more help with Marlon's care as she struggles to manage her commitments.
But they were also left wondering if there was a simpler way for Marlon to be able to get Mary's attention as she failed to hear him. @teenamassam tweeted: "Marlon needs a bell by his bed #Emmerdale."
@bestchester276 echoed: "Why haven’t they given Marlon a bell so they know when he needs them #Emmerdale."
@Chris1968E also fumed: "#Emmerdale so again not listening to Marlon or what he wants/needs. They started off great then it's all....."
Things are set to take a turn for the worse for Marlon this week when he ends up back in hospital. After her disastrous first day back at work, Rhona is determined to have a better day but she’s a bit nervous about leaving Marlon home alone.
But back at home, Bear Wolf takes Marlon to visit the allotment. While there, Marlon's cough begins to worsen and Dr Liam Cavanagh suggests he drives him to the hospital leaving Bear panicked. Rhona is equally as worried later when she find out Liam has taken Marlon to hospital and ends up mad at Mary for allowing Marlon to go out.
In the hospital, Rhona learns that Marlon has developed aspiration pneumonia and is wearing a breathing mask. The pair are then left heartbroken when the doctor reveals Marlon's rehabilitation is likely to regress as a result of the latest health setback.
