Emmerdale raised awareness of an important issue in tonight's episode.
Marlon Dingle, played by Mark Charnock, had been planning to propose to Rhona Goskirk, played by Zoe Henry, but had second thoughts after so many prior failed marriages. Laurel found him looking sad on a swing as she reassured him that getting married again wasn't a crazy idea. She told him not to think to them as failures as they all brought something to his life.
In a poignant moment, she told him to live every day as if it was his last. He thanked her as he said: "Let's go do this" and headed off to plan the engagement.
READ MORE: Emmerdale star shares health update after Liverpool Women's Hospital stay
Little did he know that Rhona had already been planning her own proposal to him for weeks. They both asked the question at the same time, before Marlon exclaimed that he forgot the ring. He said nothing was official before he got a ring on her finger as he dashed home to find the engagement ring that he had planned to give to her.
However, back at his house while rooting through the drawers, Marlon's sight started to blur and his world slowed down. He looked in the mirror and saw one side of his mouth dramatically droop before he dropped to the floor.
The episode let viewers listen to Marlon's inner monologue as he tried to think of the FAST signs of a stroke. Inside he was begging for help as his daughter found him awake but unable to respond.
Rhona came out of the pub to see her new fiancé being wheeled into the back of an ambulance. A doctor later told her that Marlon would need surgery as he had suffered a stroke and the outcome would be unknown.
Viewers on Twitter praised the actor and the soap for raising awareness of strokes. Vanity said: "Marlon. Already such an emotional yet incredibly well acted episode, well done to @emmerdale for portraying the signs of a stroke #Emmerdale."
Greg said: "The #Emmerdale stroke story line is important in raising awareness." Brett also complimented the ITV soap, as he said: "Mark Charnock - absolutely brilliant in #emmerdale tonight. Such an important issue to highlight and done by such a wonderful actor. #marlon @markcharnock @emmerdale"
What are the FAST stroke signs
Helping to spread awareness and educate on the most common signs of a stroke, Emmerdale posted a clip to their social media platforms with actor Mark Charnock explaining the key things to look out for. He explained that stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant.
The most common signs of a stroke are:
- Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time to call 999: if you see any of these signs.
Acting FAST will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery. Always call 999 straight away.
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