The last few months have taken their toll on Emmerdale’s Laurel Thomas, and her visits to see Ashley at the care home are getting more and more difficult.
When she discovers he’s not eating anything, Laurel fears the worst.
But what’s the REAL reason behind his refusal to accept food?
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Laurel’s struggling when she goes to see Ashley and can’t help but feel pushed out by her hubby’s growing closeness with fellow resident Maggie.
It’s clear he’s more comfortable spending time with his new ‘girlfriend’ than with his wife and barely even remembers who Laurel is any more.
Forced to accept it and put on a brave face, Laurel pays another visit to him and this time takes their son Arthur.
But she can tell something’s up and soon her worst fears are confirmed when she finds food stuffed into the pockets of his bathrobe. But why isn’t Ashley eating?
When Laurel eventually realises what’s going on and why her husband is refusing food, she’d forced to face the terrifying reality that her life – and her marriage – has now changed forever.
Just what is going on? Is Ashley trying to starve himself to death? Or does he simply not like the food he’s being given?
Can Laurel convince her husband that he needs to eat?
Arthur’s also getting increasingly upset by his father’s condition and Gabby is struggling to cope too.
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When Laurel goes back to the care home on her own the next day, she feels completely alone as Ashley and Maggie are so cosy together they don’t even notice she’s there.
Returning home to a chaotic household, is this latest development finally going to make Laurel crack?
Can anyone give Laurel the support she so desperately needs?