Emmerdale star confirms ‘sexual awakening’ for Laurel – but has one fear

Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) could really do with something – or someone – to put a smile on her face after the year she’s had in Emmerdale.

Life has been less than blissful for the café worker in recent times. From a miserable marriage and contentious divorce from Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), to shacking up with human trafficker Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), capped off with violent son Arthur (Alfie Clarke) abusing her.

What she could do with is a good dose of Netflix and chill.

There was a bit of light relief amongst it all when she had a little dalliance with vicar Charles (Kevin Mathurin) but it wasn’t an ideal match, being one of her besties’ ex and it all fizzled out like damp firework. That said, it won’t be the only time she shares a man with Manpreet (Rebecca Sarker).

*Ross Barton enters the chat *

It’s a small village, it’s hard not to have crossover.

Ross is mostly led by what’s in his pants. He recently tried to get it back on with Manpreet, who told him in no uncertain terms that he was punching. But when did that ever stop him – he simply turns his attention to someone else.

Not Gabby, definitely not Gabby.

As the dancing gets underway, Ross starts to have flirty thoughts towards Laurel.

‘Unbeknown to anyone, [Ross] is a really good dancer and so that’s how I get in with him,’ Charlotte reveals. ‘We sort of Salsa and it all gets a bit steamy, but it’s all really lighthearted and fun, which we need.’

Good old snake hips does it every time.

It’s quite the controversial storyline, because Ross and Laurel is a pairing no one imagined, but also Laurel is sleeping with the guy her step-daughter wants to bed.