Emmerdale’s Laurel makes decision after Arthur takes action against her
We are witnessing the birth of new evil in Emmerdale as Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) quietly slips into drug lord Ray Walters’ (Joe Absolom) shoes.
Being the son of a vicar, Arthur should know all about the devils of temptation, but having stolen a bag of drugs and cash from Ray, Arthur has allowed temptation to drag him into a dark world and drive a wedge between him and his mum.
First there was the thieving of the bag, then there was the backchat to his mum Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) that saw her slap him, then there was the hiding of the cash and treating himself to goodies on the money that truly belonged to April’s family. His moral compass is spinning out of control.
April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) noticed something was up with him and worried he was getting a taste for the high life. He denied it, but secretly Arthur has been enjoying his foray into Ray’s world.
He bought himself a snazzy new phone with his stolen cash and becomes so engrossed in his new tech that his work starts slipping. Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) is forced to get all managerial on him.
After a huge row, the wayward teen throws the apron in and quits, leaving Laurel to think that it’s all her fault and wonder if she’s just a really terrible mum.
Laurel then catches her breath as she finds Arthur searching for his passport as he’s planning to do a bunk using his newfound wealth. He wants to live in Australia and when asked how he plans to fund it, Laurel finds an envelope full of cash.
Laurel fumes as Arther reveals he found it in Ray’s bag. As Laurel’s temper rises, Arthur screams that unless she lets him take the cash, he’ll tell everyone she beat him. He’s truly sunk to some low levels.
Laurel breaks down as she realises she’s losing her son, who holds her to ransom while he searches for the cash that she’s now hidden.
He begs her to give her the money so that he can travel, but once he leaves, Laurel makes a decision that may shatter their relationship for good – overhearing Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) discussing their debt, Laurel makes a decision about what to do with the money.