Nicola in Emmerdale is currently embroiled in a huge storyline, but what exactly is wrong with her?
Nicola was subjected to a terrifying attack on the ITV soap earlier this month.
But the councillor is finding it hard to recover from her assault and is also struggling with fears of reprisals.
Nicola has also admitted she worried she might die after she was set upon by a group of teens in a car park.
It appears Nicola has undergone a significant amount of trauma and seems to be suffering with PTSD.
But will she rally and rebound? Or could this prove the end of Nicola King’s time in Emmerdale?
What happened to Nicola in Emmerdale?
A couple of weeks ago, horrified Emmerdale fans saw Nicola pounced upon by a gang of teenage girls.
She had been out to a bar with sister Bernice and Laurel. But with tensions high between the siblings over council business, their night out was a bust.
Read more: Emmerdale star Nicola Wheeler reveals secret surgery before filming car crash stunt
Nicola went home early. However, before she could drive her motor out of the car park, she encountered a gang.
They proceeded to taunt her, leaving her phone and keys strewn across the concrete floor.
But as Nicola eventually made to go, she was hurled to the floor and kicked viciously. The rampage left her knocked out and bloodied.
What is wrong with Nicola in Emmerdale?
Following her mugging, Nicola woke up in hospital.
However, Nicola was too ashamed to admit to Bernice, dad Rodney and husband Jimmy about how youngsters were responsible for her injuries.
And even as the many bruises on her body start to fade, Nicola’s mental health continues to dip.
Nonetheless, the true circumstances about her attack were ultimately revealed. Gabby saw it with her own eyes after phone footage, captured by one of the thugs, appeared online.
Jimmy was despondent trying work out why Nicola has been playing down her ordeal.
And although she eventually admitted what happened to Harriet, Nicola remains petrified of further consequences.
During her mugging, one of Nicola’s assailants noted her address while rifling through her handbag.
Now she worries the gang might come looking for her again – and next time, she fears, they could hurt her kids.
Furthermore, Nicola is scared to be on her own. She also struggles to leave the house.
Is Nicola leaving Emmerdale?
The future of Nicola King – played by Nicola Wheeler – is a big discussion point for fans on social media.
They have also pondered theories whether Nicola’s daughter Angel may know more about the attack than she is letting on.
Another fan theory concerns whether Nicola might be able to recognise one attacker’s shoes.
And Nicola’s decline looks set to continue as she is taken advantage of by David.
Read more: Emmerdale viewers have shock theory about Nicola’s attack
However, does all of this indicate Nicola could leave the village?
Actress Nicola isn’t offering too many assurances about her character’s future, it seems.
She didn’t rule out taking time away from the soap on This Morning earlier today (Tuesday June 28).
Want more spoilers from Emmerdale? Entertainment Daily has a dedicated Emmerdale spoilers section for you to get your fix before the latest episodes air.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
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