Emmerale bosses have assured viewers that character Maya Stepney will be dealt with ‘properly’ amid her sex abuse storyline
Producer Kate Brooks, who got engaged to Emmerdale cast member Michelle Hardwick last year, has said that Emmerdale has a “responsibility” to handle the controversial storyline sensitively and accurately.
"We’ve got a responsibility,” she told the Metro. “A lot of people watch the show, a lot of teenagers watch the show, and also we would never just tell one of these stories lightly. We have a duty to make sure the right protocol is carried out, and the right outcome.
"It can make for uncomfortable viewing but I think it’s a really important storyline to tell. There’s still a long way to go, it’s not going to be as straightforward as you’d imagine, there’s going to be other obstacles thrown into the mix.
CHECK OUT Emmerdale spoilers: Kim Tate returns to Home Farm
Emmerdale spoilers: week 11
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As Graham hits the road with Megan and Eliza, he's shocked when he receives a call from Kim demanding to be picked up from prison.
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When they break down at the side of the road on the way home, a passing Cain offers to help with the engine.
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But when Cain works out exactly who Kim is, the atmosphere quickly turns hostile between them.
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It's not long before news of Kim's return starts to spread through the village. Enjoying her notoriety, Kim continues to push buttons.
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But really, her sights are set firmly on seducing Graham. With things finally going well between him and Megan, will he be able to resist Kim's advances?
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Continuing her reign of aggravation, Kim approaches Cain and tells him that she'll help the police with collecting evidence against him...
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... unless he agrees to promise Faith she'll get her back on learning she pushed Kim over the balcony. Cain is torn.
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Meanwhile, with another date night on the horizon for Maya and David, Jacob is determined to get in the way of their plans again.
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He tells his dad that Priya is struggling to find a babysitter for Amba. His plan works when David is guilted into stepping in for the evening.
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Maya gets jealous and storms out, determined to reap revenge by sleeping with Jacob at the town hall. But before long they're interrupted by the sound of David.
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A furious David has worked out that Jacob deliberately ruined his date night, and goes to confront him. Panicking, Jacob takes the line of defense – accusing David of never putting his family first.
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Avoiding being caught by the skin of her teeth, Maya hides outside and anxiously listens in on the altercation in the hall.
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The explosive argument ends in Jacob storming out. But as David gathers his thoughts, he finds an earring on Maya's on the floor. Is it game over for Maya and Jacob?
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Rhona has been growing increasingly scared about her hysterectomy. But when she comes round, she's greeted by Pete and Vanessa.
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Pete is desperate to be with Rhona, and Vanessa encourages him to fight for his relationship.
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Pete tells a groggy Rhona that he loves her, and that she and Leo are all the family he needs. Can he win her round?
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Bernice is excited to finally be moving Liam into Brook Cottage, but sacrifices will need to be made, space-wise.
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Gabby and Leanne are less enthusiastic when they're told that they'll now have to be sharing a room.
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Seeing how subdued Paddy has been after his meeting with Bear Wolf, she decides it's not the best time to tell him her news.
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"We want people to be yelling at the TV, 'Please tell somebody. This is not right! You’re a young lad. Please speak out about this'."
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Maya has been embroiled in the divisive storyline for months now, having first become romantically involved with her boyfriend David Metcalfe’s teenaged son Jacob Gallagher in November last year.
With Jacob recently celebrating his 16th birthday on the soap, Maya has taken things to the next step, inviting him to meet her in a hotel room initially meant for her and David, and initiating sex.
The scenes have attracted dozens of complaints to Ofcom, but Kate’s promises of the appropriate consequences for Maya will come as a relief for those who believe the grooming storyline is too much for a pre-watershed show.