Emmerdale has been flooded with praise after Mary Goskirk came out to Kim Tate as the pair appeared to embark on an unexpected friendship. Last week viewers of the ITV soap saw Rhona's mum gravitating towards the Home Farm owner, almost forcing them into a drink together.
But during Monday night's trip to the Dales (June 13) Mary started acting evasive when Kim asked her about her love life following on from the death of her husband. "I moved here for three reasons: to fix things with my daughter, to make a new start and to use that fresh start to be more open about myself," Mary explained.
The question, however, clearly evoked heartbreaking and painful memories. "There is no such thing as my truth, there is only the truth..." Mary said to which Kim asked: "And what's that?"
After a long pause, Mary said in a powerful moment on the soap: "I'm gay..." The character, who made her debut earlier this year played by former EastEnders star Louise Jameson then burst into tears. "Oh my goodness, I've said it, it's only taken me my whole life but I've actually said it," she said with joy and relief.
During the scenes she also opened up to Kim about how she'd fallen in love with neighbour, called Louise. "The woman who would change my life forever," Mary said. "Louise Eleanor Harrison. We were inseparable. After years of the most extraordinary friendship I realised I was completely in love with her."
However, Louise tragically died with Covid before they could properly be together, so Mary has been secretly grieving her loss ever since she arrived in the village. "She never knew how much she was loved. I never even got the chance to say goodbye," she told Kim.
And with Mary's honesty and Kim's support, Emmerdale fans were left feeling emotional themselves and were quick to flock to social media to share their praise.
@LNTHabit tweeted: "Absolutely fantastic scenes from #emmerdale tonight. Mary's story will resonate with many i imagine. Older representation is important. #PrideMonth #loveislove #Pride." @RyanGSoapKing11 commented: "Love seeing the softer side of Kim . Being so supportive of Mary and Mary saying she spent so long hiding away. Good for her for coming out #Emmerdale."
@harry_shumjr shared: "Mary’s coming out was so simple and beautiful. I had tears in my eyes #Emmerdale." @@_gcm96_ praised: "Soap has the power to change lives… if you think about the majority of audiences that watch soap and what this will do for them how beautiful @emmerdale."
And now they want more Mary and Kim scenes. @itzzzo_ commented: "Who knew Kim and Mary being friends could be brilliant? More please! #Emmerdale." @runninoncaffine said: "Mary bless her love her and Kim friendship hope it stays strong #Emmerdale."
@kellyreiterman shared: "Kudos to #AdamSales for such a well-written #Emmerdale episode tonight, especially the Mary and Kim scenes. I love the friendship building there. Brilliant, lovely work from the fab @Lou_Jameson and #ClaireKing. Such a pleasure to watch you both work."
