Charity Dingle

Charity Dingle (previously Tate, Sharma and Macey) is the daughter of Obadiah and Kathleen Dingle, the mother of Debbie, Noah and Moses Dingle as well as her long lost son Ryan Stocks and the adoptive mother of Johnny Woodfield, and the wife of Mackenzie Boyd.
Charity arrived in the village for the funeral of her cousin Butch, alongside village bad boy Cain and her uncle Shadrach. She would soon begin a relationship with millionaire Chris Tate while having an affair with his sister, Zoe. During her marriage to Chris, she discovered that Paddy and Emily Kirk's foster child Debbie was her daughter, stemming from a one-night-stand with Cain when she was only 13 years old. As the new-found family grew closer, Charity began an affair with Cain. However, Chris, who had just been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, found out and poisoned himself and tried to frame Charity for his murder. Whilst in custody, Charity gave birth to Chris' son, Noah, and after being acquitted of Chris' murder, began a relationship with the much older Tom King, which ended on a sour note when Tom's daughter-in-law Sadie framed Charity, making Tom believe she and Cain were having an affair. Charity exposed Sadie's deception and left the village with Noah while Debbie chose to stay behind with Cain.
Prior to her return to the village four years later, Charity got engaged to Michael Conway, but unbeknownst to her, Michael was having an affair with Debbie, unaware that she was Charity's daughter. After her and Michael's relationship broke down, Charity moved in with Debbie and pursued a relationship with Cain. Later, she got a job working for Jai Sharma and Cain's mistaken belief that they were having an affair caused the breakdown of their relationship. Charity and Jai grew closer and began to have a relationship. The pair soon married, but their marriage ended after Charity discovered he had fathered a son with Rachel Breckle. This led to her next marriage to Declan Macey that not only concluded with him trying to kill her for aborting his baby, but she would later end up in prison for over a year. During her sentence, she gave birth to her third child whose father was assumed to be one of her three previous relationships but eventually revealed as Ross Barton following a one-night stand.
Upon her release, Charity confined herself to her scheming purposes as well as her desperate attempts to restart her relationship with Cain by sabotaging his current marriage with Moira Barton. She also became co-owner of The Woolpack with her cousin, Chas, after Diane Sugden retired. After another failed attempt at a relationship with Cain, Charity pursued a relationship with Vanessa Woodfield to whom Charity seemed to fall deeply in love with. She even confessed to Vanessa that she was repeatedly abused and raped by police officer Mark Bails when she was only 14 years old. With Vanessa's support, she took Bails to court where he was found guilty on multiple counts and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. She also discovered that the child she gave birth to at the age of 14 and thought died had survived so she found and repaired her relationship with her now twenty-seven-year-old-son, Ryan Stocks. Two years later, she would gain another son when she adopted Vanessa's son Johnny Woodfield. 
==Biography==
===1976-2000: Early life, pregnancies and prostitution===
Charity Dingle was born on 9th January 1976 to Obadiah and Kathleen Dingle. Kathleen committed suicide when Charity was a little girl and as a result, Obadiah became a bitter man, blaming Charity for their problems. However, he told the family, including Charity, that she died of cancer. Charity was the subject of violence as Obadiah turned to alcohol. Aged twelve, Charity began a relationship with her second-cousin Cain Dingle. The pair often skipped school together to hang out at Almscliffe Crag. It was at Almscliffe's where Charity fell pregnant just after her thirteenth birthday. After Obadiah discovered Charity was pregnant, she was kept apart from Cain and her pregnancy was hidden from him, although Cain's step-father Shadrach Dingle was aware of the situation. On 26th October 1989, Charity gave birth to a little girl. The girl was handed over to Obadiah's alcoholic friend Pat Jones, who named the baby Debbie and registered the baby as her own child.
Charity struggled to deal with giving her baby away, and soon after, Obadiah threw her out of the house. After bouncing between relatives' houses, Charity found herself spending her fourteenth birthday in a hostel in Bradford. Soon her money ran out so she ended up on the streets. Living on the streets, a desperate Charity began working as a prostitute for money. Charity was often arrested for soliciting by twenty-five-year-old police officer Mark Bails. She was relieved when Bails arrested her as he would let her away with caution if she played her cards right. One night, an off-duty Bails found Charity and paid her just to talk to him then offered her a flat. A naive and desperate Charity accepted without asking any questions. On her first night in the flat, Bails raped her. However, Charity thought she was lucky as she had a roof over her head and there was heating and food in the fridge. The abuse went on for months and Charity tried convincing herself she and Bails were in a real "relationship". A possessive Bails pimped Charity out to his mates, stopped her from leaving the flat, and got violent when she didn't do as he said. Charity discovered she was pregnant again, but as she was sure Bails would get violent if he found out, she attempted to end the pregnancy by drinking copious amounts of alcohol. She only stopped when she felt her unborn child kick for the first time. Charity realised things couldn't continue like they were, so one day she pretended to pass out, and whilst Bails was in the toilet, she stole his keys and drove his police car to the police station to report the abuse. The police investigated Charity's complaints but nothing stuck and Bails kept his job.
After reporting the abuse, Charity stayed with a friend and soon afterwards she went into premature labour. On New Year's Eve 1990, aged just fourteen, Charity gave birth to her second child - a baby boy who was named Ryan by the hospital staff. The baby wasn't breathing so midwife Irene Stocks advised Charity to prepare for the worst. Charity couldn't bear to witness her son die so she fled the hospital, unaware that her son had survived. After fleeing the hospital, Charity returned to a squat she had found, and within a month, she was working the streets again. One day Bails turned up drunk at her patch, blaming her for missing out on a promotion and his wife leaving him. By then she had a pimp who beat him up and after that, he never came back. Charity worked under pimps named Barry, and Eugene Lacey and at some point, she used drugs although later quit.
===2000-2004: Arrival in Emmerdale and relationships with Chris and Zoe Tate===
On 30th March 2000, Charity, Cain and Shadrach arrived in Emmerdale to attended Butch Dingle's funeral. There, she stole Eric Pollard's wallet and let her cousin Sam take the blame before humiliating Pollard, who had to wade through mud to get it back. Charity returned to Emmerdale 2 months later in May 2000 and arranged to stay with the Dingles at Wishing Well Cottage as she needed to lie low for a while after fleeing Leeds as there was a warrant out for her arrest. Eric soon enlisted Charity's help so he could take some photographs of Councillor Ecclestone in a compromising position to use as leverage against him. Charity did as Eric asked but Eric refused to pay Charity for her services as she owed him for stealing his wallet at Butch's funeral. Soon thereafter, Eugene, her former pimp, came looking for Charity, demanding £500, but she couldn't pay so Eric paid him off but then insisted Charity would now need to work for him.
After paying off her debt by helping Eric with his election campaign, Charity soon turned her attention to millionaire Christopher Tate, and they came to an arrangement for Charity's 'services'. Charity and Chris' relationship grew over the next few months leading Cain and other villagers to wonder who Charity was seeing. Only Marlon Dingle and Terry Woods were aware of the relationship until December when Chris' sister Zoe found Charity in the Home Farm kitchen and assumed she was there on the rob. However, she was not pleased when she learned of their relationship and tried to persuade Chris to dump Charity but to no avail. Cain soon learned about Charity and Chris' relationship and after seeing how angry Cain was, Chris allowed Charity to stay at Home Farm for a few days, although Zoe was less than happy with the arrangement. The Dingles were furious at Charity for what they saw as a betrayal as they blamed the Tates for Butch's death and disowned her. Zoe couldn't stand Charity being around and offered her £5,000 to leave at New Year's Day. Instead of taking the money, Charity told Chris about Zoe's offer and Chris installed Charity up in his cottage in the village where she was expected to be at his beck and call twenty-four hours a day in exchange for the house and a wage. Chloe Atkinson soon began lodging with Charity.
In February 2001 after Charity helped Chris close a deal by wooing a client Charity asked him to give her a proper job in the business and he agreed to make her his PA. This annoyed Zoe even more and she soon made it quite clear yet again that she wanted Charity out of Chris's life. She threatened Charity by telling her that all it would take was one word to Chris, and she'd be out of his life. Charity claimed she wouldn't do that but Zoe told her not to underestimate her. Charity responded by kissing her, saying that she shouldn't underestimate her either, leaving Zoe speechless. The two continued to butt heads but sometime later they began an affair behind Chris' back. Meanwhile, Chris started to suspect Charity was having an affair and became increasingly possessive and jealous towards any man in her presence. 
In May, Chris put Charity in charge of organising a party for The Home Farm Stud during which all the men Chris suspected Charity was seeing were invited and Chris saw the opportunity to investigate. Chris believed he had found the culprit in Rodney Blackstock when he and Charity arranged a meeting, however, at night Charity ended up with Zoe who told her about Chris' suspicions. Following the event, Charity grew increasingly worried that Chris would find out what was going on and struggled to juggle her relationships with both siblings. In July, Zoe became enraged when Charity and Chris planned to go on holiday together and begged Charity to leave him and go away with her instead. When Charity wanted to leave anyway, Zoe tried to stop her from making it to the airport on time but Charity ran away from her and made it to the plane at the last second, leaving Zoe heartbroken. 
Whilst away, Charity realised that Chris was the one she wanted to be with but struggled with how to end things with Zoe when they returned the following month. However, before she had the chance to, Zoe revealed their affair to Chris in the packed Chez Marlon for all to hear although Charity denied it. Zoe and Chris began arguing about Charity who exclaimed that she didn't want to be with either of them. Chris soon believed Zoe had made it all up and wanted Charity back. On 4th September 2001, Chris proposed to Charity but Zoe was not happy with their engagement and secretly recorded Charity confessing to the affair on tape and blackmailed her into signing a prenuptial agreement, so she would always have a hold over her. However, Charity went on to confess it all to a shocked Chris who surprised Charity by forgiving her and ripping up the prenup.
Chris and Charity married on 27th November 2001. Zoe left Home Farm and became depressed and Chris and Charity began noticing Zoe's months of bizarre behaviour. When Charity saw the state of Zoe's house she realised she was ill. Chris initially refused to believe it but Zoe was sectioned after setting fire to the church and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Once on the road to recovery, she was shocked to discover that she was 5 months pregnant. She thought the baby's movements were a symptom of her illness. As she is a lesbian, she assumed she had been raped and planned a termination. Charity supported Zoe and when she couldn't do it, Charity confessed to her that she had given a baby up for adoption as a teenager. Zoe planned to do the same with her daughter, Jean but changed her mind.
In January 2003, when Debbie Jones, current foster-child of Paddy and Emily Kirk, showed Cain Dingle a photo of her biological mother, he recognised her as Charity. Cain confronted Charity who was shocked to realise Debbie was her daughter. Debbie's adoptive mother, Pat Jones, was terminally ill and gave Debbie a picture of her birth mother. Shocked, Charity refused all contact with Debbie. Charity soon admitted to Zoe that Debbie was her daughter but tried to hide it from her husband Chris. When Chris figured out the truth, Charity lied and insisted Debbie was not her daughter, confusing Zoe. Eventually, Charity was forced to admit to Chris that Debbie was her daughter.
Charity and Debbie met but Charity was a reluctant mother and tried to further herself from her daughter. However, when Debbie's adopted mother Pat died, Charity comforted her, making her maternal instincts kick in. She fought the Kirks for custody of Debbie and won, allowing Debbie to move into Home Farm with her and Chris. They eventually bonded and Charity was delighted when Chris and Debbie bonded as well and he suggested he adopt her. Debbie, however, wanted to know who her birth-father was and Charity was forced to reveal that Cain was Debbie's father, following a brief relationship they had as teenagers. Charity's parents were disgusted to discover her pregnancy and threw her out so she turned to prostitution. Cain, Charity and Debbie bonded as a family, making Chris feel left out. Chris then ditched plans to adopt Debbie and started becoming aggressive, causing Debbie to move out to live with Cain. Cain and Charity then rekindled their relationship and began an affair behind Chris' back.
Chris, meanwhile, was suffering from terrible headaches. Concerned, he went to the doctor and tests revealed he had an inoperable brain tumour. He also discovered Charity's affair with Cain and, devastated, he wanted revenge. Knowing he didn't have long to live, he emptied their joint account and threw her out. Charity and Cain briefly lived together however Charity wanted Chris back and a month later, went to Home Farm to discuss their marriage. She hoped for a reconciliation but Chris committed suicide by poisoning himself on 17th September 2003. She realised that Chris had framed her for murder when the police found her fingerprints on Chris's glass and her signature on an order for poison. The police didn't believe that Chris had killed himself so she blamed Cain. Cain, however, said Charity had killed Chris and she was charged with murder but released on bail. She moved in with her cousin Marlon Dingle and slept with him one night, after they'd had a few drinks, leaving him guilt-ridden as he was married. Charity blackmailed Marlon but his wife Tricia found out and left him.
In November 2003, Charity collapsed at a hearing and was rushed to hospital, where she was told that she was eight weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, she didn't know who the father was. Meanwhile, Charity was working on Zoe, who knew Chris had killed himself but claimed Charity had killed him as revenge for her brother. Not wanting to go to prison, Charity tried to persuade Zoe to tell the truth and reminded her of their past and kissed her. However, the day Charity stood trial, Zoe testified that she had killed Chris and on 22nd January 2004, she was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
===2004-2005: Birth of Noah and relationship with Tom King===
On 1st March 2004, Charity gave birth by emergency caesarean section after suffering from pre-eclampsia. She had a son three months prematurely and named him Noah. Debbie was delighted to have a brother, however, her happiness was short-lived as Charity told her she won’t be keeping the baby, convinced that she couldn't offer him a good start in life and must give him up for adoption. Cain's father, Zak Dingle, was convinced Noah was Cain's son but due to their uncertainty, Cain and Marlon did DNA tests to find out who the father was. Whilst waiting for the DNA test results Charity was informed Noah had gotten seriously ill and was diagnosed with Necrotising Enterocolitis, leaving Charity concerned for her baby's health. However, while preparing for Noah's surgery the DNA results arrived and everyone was shocked when the results revealed that Chris was Noah's father. Zoe was determined to get custody of her nephew and struck up a deal with Charity - giving her custody for £10,000 and evidence that Chris committed suicide. Charity reluctantly agreed and Zoe said this would be the last time she saw her son.
On 12th April 2004, Zoe appeared in court, presenting the judge with evidence that Chris committed suicide and Charity was acquitted of her murder charges. Now released, Charity returned to the Dingles but Debbie was furious on discovering her younger brother had been sold and threatens to shop Charity to Social Services. Charity tried to buy her affections however Debbie wanted nothing to do with her and slapped her. Debbie then burned the money, making Charity furious.
With Chris dead and desperate to get her hands on some money, Charity set her sights on the new local millionaire; Tom King. She got a job as his secretary and his attention. After working together for a few months Tom admitted his feelings to Charity, who reciprocated his compliment, and the two became an item. However, the arrival of Tom's daughter-in-law, Sadie, put a spanner in the works as Sadie knew Charity was a gold-digger and feared that Tom would leave the business to Charity when he retired rather than her husband. Charity and Sadie spent months sparing however Charity gained the upper hand when, on 1st July 2004, Tom proposed.
Zoe planned to adopt Noah, who she called Christopher, however, was not happy when she received a letter informing her that Social Services would be investigating her suitability to adopt. Charity remained adamant that she didn't want her son back but later met Zoe who refused to let her see him. Charity complained to Chas that Zoe wouldn’t let her hold the baby and Chas remarked that it sounded as if she wanted him back but Charity dismissed it. On 18th July 2004, Zoe's adoption application was turned down and Social Services asked Charity to decide if she wanted to raise the baby herself or put him up for adoption elsewhere. 
After coming across a photo of Noah, Tom asked her if she really wanted to give her son up and Charity admitted that she didn't like the thought of him being brought up by strangers, but he told her that at this time of life he wasn’t planning to raise any more kids. Charity felt conflicted, scared of losing Tom if she chose to raise Noah but later told Tom that she couldn't give up her son. However, Tom surprised her by telling her she was so important to him, so he was willing to take on Noah as well. Later, a devastated Zoe handed baby Noah over to his mother, but Charity promised her she would still be allowed to see him. In August, Debbie was delighted to find Charity at the Dingles' with Noah.
A few months later, Charity found out that her young daughter Debbie is dating the local farmer Andy Sugden. She helped Debbie keep it from Cain, however, Cain found out and exploded, punching Andy. Charity wanted Debbie to come with her, however, Debbie refused and left with the Dingles.
Sadie was determined to make sure the wedding didn't go ahead, hiring Cain to set Charity up. Cain kissed her whilst a photographer captured the moment. Charity was furious and warned him to back off but was unaware of the photo. On 4th January 2005, on Charity and Tom's wedding day, Sadie showed Tom the pictures and he called it off, subsequently jilting Charity at the altar, sparking a massive fight between the Kings and the Dingles outside the church. Charity was devastated, losing both her home and her job. She and Sadie had a fight and afterwards, Charity returned to the Dingles, vowing revenge.
In February 2005, Charity began an affair with Jimmy King, Sadie's husband and Tom's son. However, Charity taped him telling her about Sadie's plan to set her up and how she had lied for years about wanting children. After blackmailing Jimmy, Charity decided to leave Emmerdale with Debbie and Noah (despite Cain pleading with her to stay) and burst into the Kings' during Jimmy's 40th birthday party on 1st March 2005, playing the tape of her and Jimmy. Horrified, Tom threw Jimmy and Sadie out, devastated by their lies. Tom begged Charity to get back with him, despite her relationship with Jimmy, however, Charity refused. Debbie then told Charity that she didn't want to go, and after an emotional farewell, Charity drove out of the village with Noah.
===2009-2010: Return===
In October 2009, Debbie gatecrashed the wedding of her secret boyfriend Michael Conway, in hopes that he would leave his fianceé for her, only to find that his bride was none other than Charity herself, whom Debbie had not seen since she left the Dales four years previously. It transpired that Charity and Michael had been engaged for over a year whilst failing to mention her nineteen-year-old daughter, and having no idea about Michael's affair. Michael wanted to be with Debbie and claimed he was only with Charity because of her pregnancy. Michael put the wedding on hold as Charity spoke to Debbie, offering her money to leave which offended Debbie who knew Charity only wanted Michael for his money. Debbie realised that Charity had known Michael was about to leave her and told him that she was pregnant in a means of keeping hold of him and revealed this to Michael but Charity denied it. Cain then tried to scare Michael off by telling him of Charity's previous marriages; their wealth and their subsequent deaths. Michael finally called the wedding off when Debbie insisted Charity had been faking her pregnancy and was even more disgusted when Cain revealed her sordid past as a prostitute. The guests went and Charity was left in the church with only her young son, Noah, by her side.
Charity drove into Emmerdale in a flash car and demanded Paddy to tell her where Debbie lived. Debbie, still upset by recent events, initially refused to open the door until she learnt it was Charity who was knocking. Debbie told Charity to leave, however, Charity wanted answers, adamant that Debbie and Cain had hatched a plan to ruin her wedding. They started to argue and Charity realised they were not that dissimilar and that Debbie was telling the truth. She began to ask about Debbie's daughter Sarah but Debbie was vacant with her answers. Charity, annoyed at Debbie's constant snide remarks about Micheal's money, told her that she also used Michael for his money. Debbie demanded Charity to leave and she prepared to do so until Cain walked in. They argued and Charity walked out with Cain making snide remarks as she left. Debbie reluctantly invited Charity and Noah to live with her at Tug Ghyll, much to the distaste of Cain, although he eventually came around to the idea, still in love with Charity.
On Debbie's 20th birthday, Charity attempted to flee during Debbie's birthday meal after Cain had offered to pay her £20,000 if she left the village and never came back. When Debbie found out, she verbally attacked Charity and in a fury, launched her car keys at her. Charity then briefly left the village with Noah but returned a few days later and soon learnt of Cain's fortune, stolen from the Kings. Thinking only of the money, she teamed up with Carl King to steal the money back from Cain and split it 50/50. In order to win Cain's trust, Charity entered into a relationship with him. She discovered the storage building where Cain had been keeping the money, but changed her mind and returned the cash - just as Cain and Debbie walked in and mistakenly believed that Charity was in the process of stealing the money. Cain, feeling like a fool for falling for Charity again, kicked her out of Tug Ghyll, gave her the money in the hope that she would leave Emmerdale for good, and then left himself for a short time. Determined to win Cain back but with nowhere else to stay, Charity and Noah moved in with her cousin Marlon. 
Charity attempted to give all of the money back to Debbie who refused to take it. Wanting to get rid of the money once and for all, Charity donated it to the church. However, Debbie found out and furiously retrieved the money. Cain then returned and was displeased to find Charity still in the village. The pair decided to be civil for Debbie and Sarah's sake, but an argument transpired on Christmas Day which resulted in Debbie storming out and setting fire to the money. Realising they had nothing to argue about anymore, Charity proposed to a surprised Cain who said yes.
Charity and Cain set a date for the wedding, but an eager Cain brought it forward. On 11th March 2010, Chas, who was in on the plan, took Charity into Leeds, tricking her into thinking they're going shopping. Charity realised what was actually happening as they reached the registry office and saw the entire Dingle clan stood outside. She reacted badly and although she agreed to change into her wedding dress, she found herself unable to go through with the ceremony. Later, in The Woolpack, she explained to Cain that she does love him but isn't ready to settle down and get married. They remained together, but Debbie left for Jersey, stressed by her parents' argumentative antics.
In April 2010, Bored and looking for a thrill, Charity and Cain decided to make fast money by stealing wealthy men's cars. The first time they attempted their scheme it is a resounding success after Charity successfully stole a businessman's keys after flirting with him in the bar of a local hotel. The second time, however, they were not so lucky, after their target - Declan Macey - turned up in the village that same night and spotted Charity (minus her short black bob wig) in The Woolpack. Declan took an instant liking to Charity and decided not to take matters to the police, on the grounds that she and Cain returned the car and she went for a drink with him.
In the months leading up to Christmas of 2010, Chas became aware of her boyfriend Carl's affair with Eve Jenson, and Charity convinces her to bleed him dry of his money by organising an elaborate hoax wedding as revenge. Initially, the plan went well but after some time Chas began to get cold feet and convinced herself that Carl was in love with her, much to Charity's annoyance. The wedding day arrived and Charity remained in the dark about what Chas was going to do, but at the altar, Chas told Carl that she's been aware of his infidelity all along, and called off the wedding. Although she told Charity that she might have pocketed tens of thousands of pounds, she was still depressed.
===2010-2013: Marriage to Jai Sharma===
In December 2010, Charity started working for Jai Sharma as a property developer helping with the restoration of the barn next to the Zak and Lisa Dingle's farm. Initially, Jai had hired Charity back in September to persuade Lisa to sell the farm and move to new accommodation in Hotten, but Lisa proved impossible to win over. Instead, Jai used Charity to project manage the conversion as well as to persuade businessmen to invest in the venture using her womanly charms. Cain soon became jealous of Charity and Jai's working relationship, and despite warnings from Debbie he could not help but threaten Jai, warning him to keep his hands off Charity. Cain's warnings did not scare Jai, who bought Charity a brand new company car in the hope of winning her affections.
On 10th February 2011, Jai took Charity to a hotel in Leeds for a business trip for the evening, hoping to seduce her. Charity congratulated Jai on his cunning when he revealed that he had only booked one room for the night. As Jai told her that she could do better than Cain, the sexual tension between them became palpable and he challenged her to tell him she wasn't tempted. However, Charity made it clear that she would not cheat on Cain, despite his flaws and her attraction towards Jai. They then booked separate rooms for the night in another hotel. Later, Cain arrived at the first hotel with flowers for Charity, but upon finding out that she and Jai had already checked out and only had one room, he assumed the worst and returned to the village and slept with Faye Lamb.
Upon Charity's return to the village the following day, she saw Cain leaving Faye's house and witnessed the pair kiss. Furious, she slapped Faye, packed her bags and left Tug Ghyll. Initially, Cain acted nonchalantly as he was convinced Charity would soon be back, however, it quickly became clear that she had moved on from Cain when she moved into Holdgate Farm with Jai. Charity told Cain that it was his fault their relationship ended, but Cain was adamant that Charity had slept with Jai despite her protestations. Later, Charity made a show of kissing Jai in the pub before leading him back to Holdgate Farm, where they finally did sleep together. Jai was first reluctant, as he worried Charity was just using him to get back at Cain, but she reassured him that it was more than that. Cain tried a number of methods to win Charity back, including putting the frighteners on the Sharmas by attacking Jai's brother Nikhil and forcing him into an industrial-sized bin, where he was left overnight. He also threatened both Jai and Charity, but they continued their relationship, not scared by Cain.
On 10th March 2011, Charity received an anonymous invite to the plush Orange Grove Hotel as well as a new dress which was delivered to Holdgate Farm whilst Jai was at work. She assumed the dress and invite were from Jai and headed to the hotel wearing the dress, only to find Cain waiting for her. They had an emotional heart-to-heart but Cain blew his chances by repeatedly referring to Charity as a 'tart' and a 'whore', before attempting to smother her with a pillow and breaking down in tears. Charity explained that to Cain that he would never be able to let her forget about her past as a prostitute and told him that deep down he hated her for it, and despite his claims to the contrary he could not help but refer to her as tart once more when she told him she chooses Jai. Debbie later cursed Cain for ruining things and he told her she was letting go of Charity - for now. However, in April in another attempt to wreck things for Charity, Cain stole Jai's car. Charity realised Cain was behind it and despite Debbie's protests, she called the police who arrested Cain. Debbie was furious but Charity tried to tell her that this wasn't a game they were playing anymore and Cain had taking things way too far. Despite this, Charity changed her statement, leading to Cain's release, in order to not ruin her relationship with Debbie.
On 25th August 2011, Jai found out about Charity sabotaging the orders to make Jai's brother, Nikhil, look incompetent as she felt he was standing in the way of her and Jai's relationship. Because of this, Jai dumped Charity and threw her out, leading to her and Noah having to move into Victoria Cottage with Chas, Gennie Walker and Katie Addyman. Cain found this fact very funny and was very happy that they had broken up. Charity, however, was desperate to get Jai back and told him that she loved him and apologised for not saying it before. On 1st September 2011, she asked him to marry her, but he rejected her proposal. Chas later set Jai straight about Charity and he seemed thoughtful. Jai visited Charity and after talking through his trust issues, it looked like he might be coming round. Charity then proposed for a second time and was thrilled when Jai said yes.
In November 2011, Jai's parents Rishi and Georgia Sharma arrived in the village to meet Jai's fancée. Rishi was impressed and he and Charity quickly bonded but Georgia remained more sceptical. Soon Cain's constant antics and threats towards Jai's family became too much for the couple to handle leading to Jai splitting up with Charity again, and calling off the wedding, despite both parties still loving each other. Charity was devastated and determined to win Jai back.
On 8th December 2011, Jai found Cain brutally attacked and left for dead, leading to Charity being a suspect. Charity insisted she would never do something like that but Debbie did not believe her. However, when Cain woke up from his coma he revealed to Charity, Chas, and Aaron that Jai was the one who attacked him. Jai insisted he did not do it and Charity believed him. They vow to stay together through this and decided that the wedding was back on. The Dingles refused to believe them though, subsequently excluding Charity from the family, believing she knew of the attack and was protecting Jai. In January 2012, Charity and Jai were furious to find out that Nikhil has called the police on Charity, after he found out Charity admitted to Jai that she found Cain by the road prior to Jai arriving there, leaving him for dead. Jai then told Nikhil that he was no longer part of his family and that if he were to go to prison, he wouldn't be signing the factory over to him but to Charity because he could trust her.
Charity and Jai's names were cleared when finally Cain's father, Zak revealed he was the one who attacked Cain to teach him a lesson for how he had been treating Charity and Jai, and after he had gotten 16-years-old Amy Wyatt pregnant and trying to force her into having an abortion. Charity got accepted back into the family, but Debbie remained hostile, still not forgiving her mother for leaving Cain for dead. On 26th January 2012, Charity and Jai finally married after a lot of turmoil. Charity was late to the wedding due to helping Debbie after her boyfriend, Cameron Murray, left her. At the end of the day, she repaired her relationship with Debbie who finally forgave her, and she and Jai got happily married.
Charity was there for Debbie through her daughter Sarah's illness and her rocky relationship with Cameron. In May 2012, Jai told Charity he wanted to have a baby of their own, however, she told him she didn't want any more children leaving him devastated. After Jai told Noah he was going to adopt him, Charity was furious as he didn't talk to her first. She agreed to change Noah's last name to Sharma as well as giving more thoughts to having another baby. After talking to Debbie, Charity was sure she did not want a baby but put off telling Jai as she knew he would be heart-broken. This angered Jai as he felt Charity gave him false hope. After learning that Nikhil and Gennie were expecting a baby, Jai had another row with Charity and went to the factory, drank too much and ended up having a one night stand with the cleaner, Rachel Breckle. Later, he found out Rachel was pregnant and despite first wanting a termination Jai begged her to keep it, promising he would provide for them. All this behind Charity's back.
In late July 2012, Charity's interest was peaked when she discovered the King brothers' desperation as their haulage company was in financial trouble and started to formulate a scheme. After confiding in Rishi she was surprised when he wanted in on the plan. Charity told Rishi how important winning the Strikes recycling contract would be for the brothers and the following day the two had a successful meeting with Bill Strikes, using false addresses, information and customer comments for their fake business and thus managed to fool him into giving them the contract. On 8th August 2012, Charity revealed to Carl and Jimmy that she and Rishi had won the Strikes contract that they so desperately needed and offered them the contract for a 25% stake of their business but Carl refused. However, as Jimmy realised this was the last hope for the survival of the business he convinced Carl to get onboard who grudgingly agreed to give her 20% for it. Charity soon settled at her new workplace but got on her colleagues' nerves as she tried to get rid of receptionist Edna Birch. However, they were impressed when she landed a good contract with Sharma & Sharma and started to warm up to the idea of her being there.
In October 2012, Carl decided to sell his 40% stake in the company to Charity who was thrilled as she would then hold the majority share. However, he didn't sign the papers before his death on 17th October so to Charity's charging his share of the company went to Jimmy in his will. However, Jimmy eventually gave in to Charity's pressure and sold her an additional 30% of the business, making them equal partners. Meanwhile, before his death Carl had sent Debbie a photo of Cameron and Chas together, revealing they'd been having an affair behind Debbie's back. Charity and Cain vowed to get revenge on Cameron and excluded Chas from the family for the pain she had caused their daughter. Charity struggled to keep her business while helping Debbie through her heartbreak and struggles with Sarah who was undergoing chemo. Chas was eventually accused of Carl's murder and stood trial while most of the Dingles, Charity included, cheered for her to be sent down. Thus, they were not happy when she was found not guilty in late December that year. However, with time, Debbie grew to forgive Chas and subsequently, Charity did too.
​​​​Charity started noticing that Jai was acting strangely but presumed that it was still the baby issue which took a toll on their marriage as Charity was upset he couldn't let that go. Additionally, all Jai's lies started to catch up with him as Charity realised that he was hiding something and grew suspicious of his relationship to Rachel's son Archie. In August 2013, Charity became convinced that Jai was Archie's father but in a desperate attempt to conceal the truth, he managed to convince her that he was Rishie's secret son. That calmed Charity's suspicions for a while and she apologised for her assumptions.
In November 2013, Charity's cousin Sam Dingle found out the truth about Archie's paternity and struggled to keep the secret even though he knew the truth would cruth Charity and Noah. However, Charity started to question his behaviour and got suspicious of Rishi as he covered for Sam. Charity's abrupt questioning proved too much for Rishi who suffered a sudden and shocking heart attack. Charity's uncertainties were strengthened when she witnessed Jai and Archie's closeness while waiting for news on Rishi. With the penny dropping for Charity, she raged with fury and punched a mirror as her suspicions got too much. Rishi recovered and Charity finally got the truth from Jai, leaving her furious and devastated with her husband's lies and infidelity. Charity moved out of Holdgate Farm and insisted on a divorce even though Jai begged her to give him another shot.
On 29th November 2013, in a final attempt to get her back Jai took Charity to a memorable place, a lake where she had promised never to leave him. Charity became increasingly frustrated and eventually, furiously threw her wedding ring across the frozen lake. A determined Jai got out on the ice to retrieve the ring to show Charity how much he cares about her and their marriage. But his demonstration backfired when the ice beneath him began to crack and he fell through the ice into the freezing water. Realising how much she loved him, Charity saved Jai from the water and reluctantly agreed to give it another go. She tried to be a family and act normal but struggled with Archie and Rachel being around and soon came to the realisation that she could not look at Archie without remembering what Jai had done. She gave Jai an ultimatum, saying he had to choose between her and Archie, leading to him choosing Archie and deciding they should get divorced.
===2013-2014: Marriage to Declan Macey===
At Christmas 2013, Charity witnessed Declan Macey having a mental breakdown at Home Farm, as he torched the place with himself still inside. However, Charity managed to get him out and persuaded Declan to frame her cousin, Sam Dingle, for the arson so that they could split the insurance pay-out. Charity thought that Sam, Rachel along with their children would go on the run and Charity would then get revenge on Jai by sending his son away but Rachel insisted that they stayed and cleared their names. Before Sam's court date, Charity told Rachel that she and Declan framed Sam and that she would clear his name on one condition, that Rachel went to the police and made a statement admitting that she started the fire or Sam would face going to prison for years. Unwilling to see Sam go down, Rachel did as Charity asked and told the police that she was the arsonist. When she got bail, Charity and Declan gave her a wad of cash and all the contacts she would need to start a new life with Archie, thus depriving Jai of his son. Charity and Declan then began a relationship, despite no one believing it would last.
In April 2014, Charity realised she was pregnant but kept it secret and planned to have an abortion, believing that she and Declan couldn't cope with a child. However, Declan found out after Megan found the positive pregnancy test in the bin at Debbie's house. He was happy and proposed to her, which she reluctantly accepted. Later, Declan announced their engagement in The Woolpack. However, Jai walked in and announced her pregnancy as well, angering Charity and Declan. Debbie insisted that she should have the aborting because she did not actually love Declan and was unfit to take care of another baby, although Charity insisted this time would be different and that the baby would come first. However, after talking to Noah, Charity later decided once again that she wanted an abortion and went to the clinic. She offloaded to her consultant, bursting into tears and telling her how she gave Debbie up for adoption when she was a teenager and almost sold Noah. She returned home to find that Declan had revealed her pregnancy to Noah who was ecstatic about becoming a big brother. However, she was still set on having the termination, having booked an appointment for the day after the wedding.
On 15th May 2014, Charity married Declan with only Noah, Megan and Declan's nephew, Robbie, present (due to Cain's wedding to Moira Barton being on the same day). Megan tried to sabotage the wedding by hiding the rings - which left Charity to borrow one of Megan's - and setting off the fire alarm. Charity realised what Megan was up to and a fight broke out. Despite all hijinks, they ended up completing the wedding but Charity panicked when Declan revealed he had booked a month's holiday to Barbados for them and Noah as she worried about her appointment at the abortion clinic. Fortunately, a confrontation with Megan a few days later gave Charity an opportunity to feign miscarriage when she was accidentally knocked to the floor, after taking the pills making her miscarry. A scan at the hospital confirmed she has lost the baby, leaving Declan devastated. Wracked with guilt, Megan told Declan that she was resigning and would not move into Home Farm, but boyfriend Jai advised her to test Charity's true intentions. Charity was shaken when Megan said she might stay after all and was later shocked when she walks in on Megan telling Declan that she caused the miscarriage and Declan threw Megan out. Charity, relieved, agreed to rearrange a late honeymoon for them and Noah, but revealed she was not ready to try for another baby, much to Declan's chagrin.
In July 2014, after returning from their honeymoon, Charity realised she truly loved Declan and went to tell him. A vengeful Megan then set out to prove to Declan how horrible Charity was and break them up. Megan tried to convince Declan that Charity had an abortion and Declan started to get suspicious. Charity managed to get Debbie to help her cover her tracks by pretending she was the one who had the abortion and Charity was going with her for support but Declan remained suspicious. On 18th September 2014, when Noah stole a bottle of Charity’s wine, he collapsed and was taken to hospital, where it was revealed that the drink had been laced with pesticide. Charity was convinced it was Megan’s doing when Noah revealed Megan had the wine before he took it. Megan got taken in by the police for questioning. Worried about her health, Declan persuaded Charity to go away to a friend's cottage for a break and left Noah with Debbie. Before they went, Declan put the pesticide container into the boot of his car, revealing that he was involved in the poisoning.
Unbeknownst to her, Declan knew about the abortion and was planning to murder her. At the cottage, he damaged the car's engine so Charity could not escape and later stole and destroyed her phone. Megan called Declan and he told her that he believed her about Charity's abortion. When Megan begged him to not do anything stupid and return home, he told her 'a life for a life, seems fair to me', insinuating that he was planning on killing Charity. Charity overheard the conversation and terrified she ran back to the cottage. She was horrified when the car would not start, and began to panic. Declan returned and Charity played it cool while he coerced her into coming onto a boat trip. Panicked, she attempted to attack him with an axe, only for him to knock her out with a mallet. 
Believing that Charity was dead, Declan placed her in the boot of his car and attempted to bury her in the nearby woods, but when he opened the boot Charity fought back, attacking him and running away. He caught up to her though and once again tried to kill her but she managed to escape, fleeing onto a boat. To her horror, the boat got stuck in the middle of the lake, allowing Declan to swim to it. He attempted to shoot Charity with a flare gun, however, instead fatally shot his nephew, Robbie Lawson, who was attempting to save Charity. Declan then tried to pull Charity into the water but she hit him over the head with a metal box and Declan sunk into the water, seemingly dead.
However, in October 2014, Declan returned to Home Farm, spiking Charity's drink, causing her to collapse. He then told the Dingles, Jai and Megan that he and Charity were responsible for framing Sam and how Charity forced Rachel to leave. The Dingles (and later Jai) then confronted a now conscious Charity, who eventually confessed. When they all turned on her, Charity retaliated that they are all hypocrites and that she no longer wishes to be a part of the family. Zak promptly accepted her wishes by disowning her from the family before leaving with Chas and Sam, who expressed his hatred towards Charity. Jai then left as well, but not before vowing to make Charity suffer for what she did. Charity pleaded with Cain and Debbie not to leave her, but they refused and Charity was left alone. She later received a DVD from Declan that contained all the details of the crimes they had committed. Her lawyer then told her that the police also had a copy.
On 13th October, Charity emptied the Home Farm safe and proceeded to leave the village. However, she was kidnapped after she stopped to investigate an abandoned vehicle that was blocking a back road. A masked figure jumped over the wall behind Charity and hit her unconscious with a log. Charity awakened in a shipping container, chained to the wall and unable to move. Her abductor was later revealed to be Jai. He tried to get her to tell him where Archie was but when she said she did not know he left her for dead. She was rescued by Cain and Sam who brought her back to Wishing Well Cottage. She insisted she wanted to go to the police about Jai but Cain told her not to as her cousin Sam was involved. However, the next day Sam called the police himself but Charity decided to leave him out of it and not tell them what Jai had done. To her dismay, the officer that showed up was DI Mark Bails, with whom it quickly became apparent she had history. Bails saw this as an opportunity to get Charity sent down but she doubted he would be able to prove anything as the insurance fraud was all Declan's idea and she could lie on the stand that violent Declan had made her provide him with an alibi as he was threatening Noah. When she headed home, Charity discovered that Home Farm was being repossessed to cover the fraudulently claimed money that she and Declan acquired. Charity then moved into Butlers Farm with Moira and Cain, much to Moira's dismay.
In November 2014, Charity created an illegal chop shop in one of the barns at Butlers Farm. She employed Ross Barton and Aaron Livesy to help her dismantle the cars. At some point, Charity and Ross had a one-night stand off-screen which later led to the birth of Moses Dingle in June 2015. Charity ended the chop shop after the police investigated Butlers for stolen cars.
When DI Bails was unable to make anything stick to Charity, he changed his strategy and set Debbie's boyfriend Pete Barton up, accusing him of supplying a student with the pills which led to her death. After Pete was arrested and charged with manslaughter Bails made it clear that he had stitched him up, and to make this go away, he wanted evidence to send Charity down. Debbie who was upset after finding out about the chop-shop decided to help him set her mother up. They tried to get a recording of Charity confessing to her involvement in the insurance fraud but it got heated and Pete blurted out they were recording her. Desperate to heal her relationship with Debbie, Charity told her and Pete about how Bails use to arrest her for soliciting as a teenager and eventually offered her a flat where he abused her for months until she finally did a runner and reported him to the police. He got off easy but lost out on a big promotion and his wife left him so he blamed Charity for ruining his life. Later, in order to make things right with Debbie, Charity confessed her involvement in the insurance fraud and got charged for insurance fraud and perverting the course of justice.
===2015-2016: Prison===
On 20th January 2015, Charity appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. Rachel Breckle returned to testify against Charity in court which helped towards the sentencing. Charity was found not guilty on the charge of fraud but guilty to have perverted the course of justice and was sentenced to two years imprisonment. While waiting to be escorted to the prison, she told Cain that she still loved him and wanted to pursue a relationship with him once she was released but he didn't have time to answer before she was taken away.
A month later, Noah and Cain visited Charity in prison. She told him she had a get out of jail early trick but kept it vague. He reminded her that he was with Moira and that they were not meant to be together.
Debbie visited her on 11th June 2015 and had a go at her for not being in contact. She was then shocked when Charity gave birth to her son, Moses Dingle, as no one knew she was even pregnant. Charity made Debbie his legal guardian and she returned to prison as her get-out-of-jail-early-trick had failed. Cain demanded to know who the baby's father was but Charity said she couldn't tell him. 
Charity later got compassionate leave to visit Moses in hospital after she was told he may not have long to live. She then contacted Moses' father, who was revealed to be Ross Barton. Ross later visited Charity in prison the next month to convince her to not tell anyone that he was the father. She agreed on the terms of him doing a job for her. She told him that it was nothing illegal, so he agreed. It turns out she wanted him to help her wreck Cain and Moira's marriage.
In February 2016, Ross' mother, Emma Barton, visited Charity in prison and blackmailed her into putting Ross's name on Moses' birth certificate.
===2016-2018: Owner of The Woolpack===
Cain and Chas went to pick Charity up from prison but when they got there she had already left. A few days later, on 10th March 2016, she unexpectedly returned to Emmerdale with a stolen Ferrari. The police told Cain and Moira that the car had been stolen and it was around the village. On their way home, they found a group of sheep on the road. Moira noticed that the fence was broken and spotted the car. The car reversed but a tire got stuck in the mud. Someone got out of it and it was Charity asking where the nearest parking meter was. Cain and Charity pushed the car out of the mud while Moira got the sheep back to the farm. While they were all arguing, Moira got in the car and took it back to the dealership, moments before the police arrived.
To everyone's disbelief, it was revealed Charity had bought Diane Sugden's half of The Woolpack when she walked behind the bar and declared to everyone that she was the owner. However, she hadn't paid the money she owed for it yet so she blackmailed Ross into paying her. The following day, Ross went into a jewellery shop in Harrogate to do a job, but Charity got worried when she realised he had taken Moses with him. He stole a ring and a Rolex watch for her but it was still not enough so he asked her to help him get the money. Charity and Ross became partners in crime. Moira who was desperate to get money to pay of her daughter's debts agreed to let Charity and Ross use one of her barns for their illegal business. In May 2016, Charity sold her share in Home James Haulage to Robert Sugden for £36,750 and could finally pay back Diane for her share in The Woolpack.
In early August 2016, Cain confided in Charity after his break from Moira and they ended up kissing . Later, when Charity's young cousin, Belle Dingle, ran away following the revelation of her faked pregnancy the Dingles were furious to discover Charity had been aware of the situation, although Belle had lied to her, claiming that she was pregnant for real. Whilst searching for Belle in the red light district, Charity ran into Holly Barton's ex-boyfriend and drug dealer, Dean, who threatened her for getting him sent down a few months earlier and tried to attack her. Charity overpowered him and had him down on the floor when Cain walked in to confront him. Afterwards, Cain and Charity had sex in the garage, and he stood up for her in front of Zak and Lisa.
In late September, Cain and Charity started dating and Debbie called Charity, informing her she and the kids planned to stay in France permanently, prompting Charity and Cain to decide to leave the village and stay with Debbie in France. However, Cain changed his mind last minute, still in love with Moira, and a devastated Charity faked her suicide by crashing his car in a quarry. She turned up back in the village a few days later and vowed to Noah that from now on he would be her number one priority.
On 24th January 2017, Debbie surprised Charity and Cain by turning up at Wishing Well Cottage after being spotted on the news driving a stolen car. She asked for their help and revealed that she left the car at the side of the road with a lot of money in the back. When Charity, Cain and Debbie were out trying to retrieve the car, two men forced their way in looking for Debbie but kidnapped Jack and Sarah when they realised she was not there. Debbie panicked and questioned where they are, while Sam explained the two men wanted their money back and left a phone to tell her where and when to give it to them. In a desperate attempt to get the money, Charity stole a tranquillizer gun from the vets and headed to the bank in a brown wig to withdraw a substantial amount of cash from Chrissie White's bank account. She managed to get out with the money but accidentally shot herself in the face with the gun and got high off the tranquillizers. With the money Charity got, the others managed to get the kids back and Debbie admitted that the reason she needed the money was that Sarah's cancer had returned and she needed to pay for the costly treatment as she would die without it.
In February 2017, Charity was forced into helping Frank Clayton with a diamond scam to get money for Sarah's treatment which took place inside Home Farm, without the Whites knowing. Following the scam, Charity and Frank slept together, and afterwards, he demanded a share of what they would make from the scam but Charity threatened to tell Megan, Frank's girlfriend, what happened. Months later in July, Frank's daughter Tracy overheard Charity and Frank discussing their one-night-stand. She revealed her findings to Frank's now-fiancée Megan, and Charity and Megan had a fight in the middle of the pub. Wanting revenge, Megan planned to frame Frank for fraud, whilst fleeing the village with her daughter Eliza. However, Charity caught wind and forced her way in on the plan. A few weeks later, the wheels were set in motion for their plan to go ahead, but Megan got cold feet and prevented Charity from calling the police. However, Charity decided that this was what Frank deserved and locked Megan in the cellar while calling the police, resulting in Frank being arrested whilst aware that Megan had set him up.
Meanwhile, Charity and Debbie had gone into business together back in June 2017, buying cars to rent to people. Charity remortgaged The Woolpack to buy a Bentley and their business was a success. In September, When Debbie planned to buy a house for her and the kids, Charity wanted to help her get the money and booked a meeting with Graham Foster who wanted to rent the Bentley for his boss. During the meeting, the Bentley was stolen and they were about to cancel the contract, but Graham's boss, Tom Waterhouse, developed a soft spot for Debbie and bought them a new Bentley.
In October 2017, Charity wound up Frank, and when she went into the cellar to change a barrel, Frank's daughter, Vanessa Woodfield followed her, unintentionally locking themselves in when she closed the door. Knowing that nobody would come to get them, the pair began talking, which turned into a romantic moment, and they shared a kiss. The following day, Vanessa confronted Charity about the kiss, saying it was a mistake and would not happen again. But just a few moments later they kissed again and Vanessa followed Charity to the bedroom. The day after, Vanessa brought Daz Spencer to the pub as her date, determined to prove she was straight. This wound Charity up so she blurted out to everybody in the pub that they had slept together. Vanessa later denied having feelings for Charity, however, a few weeks later, Charity sent Vanessa a text message asking her to come over, leading to them starting to sleep together. In December, their relationship became public when Paddy Kirk accidentally walked in on them in the cellar.
Charity began to find herself in debt at The Woolpack, and with Chas due to return, Charity knew she had to do something. With Debbie refusing to ask Tom for money, Charity decided she would go herself. Tom, knowing from Debbie and Graham what Charity was like, convinces Graham to pose as himself. When "Tom" refuses to give in to Charity, Charity met "businessman" Hugo, who turned out to be a conman after she caught him robbing the till at The Woolpack. Threatening to stab Charity with his screwdriver, Charity told him to go and never come back. Luckily Debbie managed to get the money to cover what he stole and paid off the debt.
Charity met Tom in person but failed to recognise him. In January 2018, Debbie discovered Tom was behind the Dale Woods Golf Course project which was trying to force the demolition of the Wishing Well Cottage. She forgave him, but Charity was still suspicious and sneaked into his office building and searched his drawer. She found his passport and discovered that Tom was lying about his identity. He then revealed himself to be Charity's former stepson Joseph Tate and publicly humiliated Debbie as revenge on Charity who he blamed for his father's death. Joe also revealed that he had paid Hugo to steal the pub's takings. Charity and Joe became sworn enemies, consequently, Charity was forced to tell Noah the truth about his father's death and that Joe was his half-brother. Joe told them he wanted to get to know his brother but Charity disapproved.
===2018: Relationship with Vanessa Woodfield and abuse trial===
Charity went into a panic when Rhona jokingly referred to her as Vanessa's girlfriend and started frantically flirting with other people and acting nonchalant towards their relationship. Vanessa got sick of Charity's childish behaviour and told her to leave her alone, rendering Charity speechless. Charity tried to get back on Vanessa's good side by chasing her down the street one night, revealing that she did care about her and even though she was not looking for something serious they could still have a bit of fun. They kissed and Vanessa invited her back to hers. On 22nd February 2018, Charity and Vanessa made their relationship official after months of teasing and denying their feelings for each other. Charity admitted she felt ‘sick and panicky’ after Vanessa went to a gay bar with Robert Sugden and some of the village girls. Vanessa then called Charity her girlfriend and Charity didn't run but kissed her new girlfriend.
In March 2018, after Vanessa's sister Tracy Metcalfe, who was also a former prostitute, reported one of her former clients, Phil Webb for blackmail and harassment, Charity was there alongside Vanessa to support her. When Phil's conviction made the news Charity was distressed to see DI Mark Bails was the one who handled the case and even more so to hear him talking about working with vulnerable people. On 10th April 2018, Charity opened up to Vanessa about the repeated rape and abuse she suffered at the hands of Bails when she was only 14-years-old. She told her how he used to arrest her for soliciting and earned her trust by giving her food and paying just to talk. He offered her flat to live in which she happily agreed to as she was homeless. The first night she got there he raped her and the abuse continued until she finally managed to escape, stealing his police car and attempting to report him at the police station. Vanessa was horrified and told her she should go to the police, but she refused as they didn't believe her then and she reckoned they wouldn't believe her now. 
An oblivious Tracy partnered with Bail to launch an initiative to help sex workers which left Vanessa fearing for her sister's safety and begging Charity to do something about it. Charity went after Bails and demanded that he stayed away from Tracy but he insisted she had no power over him but offered her £20 000 to not mention their past to anyone again, stating no one would believe her anyway. Charity accepted the hush money much to Vanessa's disgust. However, Charity was unable to let it go and started obsessing over Bails, even following him to his house where she was horrified to see he had a good life with a new wife and two kids.
On 8th May 2018, on the day of the launch of The Hotten District Campaign to support Sex Workers, Charity realised she could no longer sit back and let Bails continue working with vulnerable women. She packed up the hush money and arrived at the conference just as Bails was making his speech. Although unnerved by Charity's presence, Bails continued his speech, finishing by insisting sex workers weren't worth less than anyone else and that all women count. Charity, not being able to keep it in anymore, went up towards him exclaiming 'All women count. Except me, yeah? Because if I would have counted for anything you wouldn't have hurt me'. Despite Bails' attempts to discredit her, Charity blurted out that Bails repeatedly raped her and pimped her out to his mates when she was just a kid. She was then dragged off by the police to the station where she was convinced they'd try to silence her claims but shocked when they asked her to make her accusations official. With the lack of evidence, Charity was told her case was rather weak but admitted to vicar Harriet Finch that the abuse had led to her giving birth to a child who died shortly after birth. However, with the police's help Charity soon learned that her son was still alive and had gotten adopted by the midwife who helped deliver him, Irene Stocks.
After much back and forth Charity got in contact with Irene who agreed to meet her. However, on 5th June 2018, she was shocked to instead come face-to-face with her now twenty-seven-year-old-son, Ryan Stocks. Charity attempted to make up for lost time with Ryan and he agreed to submit a DNA sample to the police which proved Bails was Ryan's father. With this new evidence, Bails changed his statement, claiming that the sex was consensual as in 1990, sex with a minor had to be reported within a year for the perpetrator to be prosecuted. Charity and Ryan eventually started building a relationship but he got upset when she didn't want to introduce him to the rest of her family yet, thinking she was ashamed of him. However, she was forced to reveal who he was when he was asking for her at the pub and it started to kick off between him and the Dingles. Most of the family was accepting of him but Noah struggled to take in the news, although, he eventually came around and he and Ryan attended the trial together.
On 11th September 2018, Bails was put on trial. In court, Charity was forced to retell her entire history with Bail. Charity told the court how Bails raped her on her first night in the flat and when she asked him to stop he had just laughed. The defence tried to paint a picture of what Charity went through as the two being in a relationship with Bails caring deeply for her, suggesting Charity was a confused woman, seeking to rewrite her past. The next day, after some persuasion from Ryan Charity went to hear Bails' verdict when he was found guilty of unlawfully imprisoning Charity, living on her earnings from prostitution, and raping her. Consequently, he was sentenced to thirty years imprisonment.
After the trial, Charity struggled to cope and started spiralling by drinking too much a lash out at her family. However, she soon realised that her dad, Obadiah Dingle, was at the root of all her issues and decided to go see him. On 26th September 2018, upon arriving at his place, Charity was shocked when Obadiah revealed that he had lied about her mother's cause of death, stating it to be cancer when in actuality it was suicide, and destroyed Charity's only happy memory of him taking her to the beach every day by revealing that he was searching for her mother's body. She returned to the village and told Zak and Vanessa that the visit made her realise that she will never be like her father and that her children would know that they are loved and wanted no matter what. Later that day she thanked Vanessa for all she had done for her and told her she loved her, and Vanessa reciprocated her feelings. In December, Vanessa moved in with Charity at The Woolpack.
In October 2018, Charity was arrested after Kim Tate got pushed off a balcony at the mascarade ball at Home Farm. When the police questioned the people at the ball their focus quickly turned to Charity, as she had a motive after Kim cruelly revelled in how she had run step-grandson Joe out of town, thus making him jilt Debbie at the altar on their wedding day. Charity's very vocal hatred for the victim coupled with her lack of alibi landed her a night at the police station. However, she was confused when after hours of questioning she was released without explanation and even more surprised to see Vanessa waiting for her outside. Vanessa revealed she had lied to the police, saying they were together at the time of the incident. Charity called her stupid for risking prison by lying to the police but thanked her as her lies had worked.
===2019-2020: Engagement and Vanessa's cancer===
In January 2019, in an attempt to target Belle Dingle, Donny Cairn set fire to The Woolpack with Belle and the Dingles still inside. Vanessa caught him in the act and whilst trying to stop him they fought and he grabbed a broken bottle and stabbed Vanessa in the abdomen before taking off in her car, unaware that Vanessa's three-year-old son, Johnny, was in the back. Charity found Vanessa bleeding outside and shouted at the others to call an ambulance. Per Vanessa's request, she drove off after Donny to get Johnny back. Charity spotted them at the side of the road and rescued the toddler before having it out with Donny and beating him with a metal pole, restraining him until the police arrived. At the hospital, Charity was distraught upon finding out Vanessa had taken a turn for the worse on her way in and was now in need of surgery.
Luckily, Vanessa's surgery was successful and she recovered but Charity confessed to Chas how her girlfriend's near miss made her realise that she couldn't cope without her and wanted to propose. However, she was stressed about how to do it, as she could not think of anything worthy enough. On 17th January 2019, Charity proposed to Vanessa in an extravagant ordeal at Home Farm. However, Vanessa rejected her when she realised Charity had hijacked someone else's proposal but later said yes when Charity proposed for a second time with just the two of them.
In March 2019, Charity received a phone call from Lisa and went to visit her in Scotland. She revealed that she was terminally ill and asked Charity to write her a eulogy. When Charity returned to the village she was forced to keep her mouth shut as she had promised Lisa not to tell anyone. Charity struggled with keeping it all to herself and confided in fiancee Vanessa. When Lisa returned in May, she finally revealed the truth to the family, making Belle furious with Charity for not telling her. The Dingles were left devastated when on 23rd May 2019, Lisa passed away after remarrying Uncle Zak. On 6th June, Charity read her eulogy at Lisa's funeral and received a personal letter from her.
In August 2019, Charity was devastated when Debbie revealed her plans to move to Scotland. On 13th August 2019, not ready to let go of her daughter that easy, Charity started a huge row just before Debbie was set to leave, causing her to miss seeing her off. However, after some encouragement from Ryan, she ran after Debbie's car and they had a heart-to-heart by the side of the road where Charity admitted she was afraid that if she let her go she wouldn't come back, however, Debbie reassured her that everything was good between them now and they could still visit all the time. Following Debbie's departure, Charity, Vanessa and their kids moved into Jacobs Fold to look after Sarah who chose to stay behind. However, that turned out to not be the easiest task as Sarah started getting rebellious, skipping school to hang out with Danny, an older boy she had met online. She later opened up to Charity that her behaviour was due to her knowing she would die young because of her illness and she wanted to feel like a normal teenager for once in her life and Charity decided to cut her some slack. However, that would not be the last trouble Danny got her into.
In late October 2019, Charity was revealed to have assisted her cousin Mandy Dingle and her son Vinny in a scam at a casino, going under the aliases of "The Little Mermaid" and "Red". She managed to get her hands on thousands of pounds that she used to put a deposit down on a house for her, Vanessa and the kids. However, Vanessa was furious when Vinny revealed that the money did not come from earnest work but rather a scam. On 11th November 2019, she confronted Charity who apologised and tried to convince Vanessa that she was only thinking of her and their family when she did it but she couldn't get past being lied to for months and broke up with Charity who was left devastated.
Charity tried to convince Vanessa to take her back, saying she couldn't live without her, but to no avail. A few days later, when Charity was working a late shift at the pub, Noah and Sarah took the opportunity to throw a party at the house, with Danny invited. Despite still being mad at her, Vanessa who had caught wind of the ongoing party informed Charity and they shut it down together. The next day, Vanessa came over to check on the teens and tried to reassure Charity, who was worried about Sarah drinking alcohol with her severe heart condition, that she was doing her best. However, when Charity blurted out how much she missed her, Vanessa made her excuses and left. Charity found her in the café and made another attempt at getting her back, declaring how much she loved her, saying that what they have is real and if she gave them another chance she would try to be better. Vanessa initially refused but later came back to the house where she finally gave in after Charity swore to never lie to her again.
In late December 2019, Charity was horrified when Noah was rushed to hospital after suffering an overdose. He recovered but Charity was furious upon discovering that Graham Foster had found Noah with the pills before the incident and not informed her and on top of that, told him that Joe would have been disappointed in him which among other things prompted him to take the pills. Charity and Graham's feud escalated, leading to its conclusion in late January 2020, when Charity was set to marry Vanessa in an intimate ceremony with just their kids and Tracy. Charity was forced to cancel last minute after Ryan went missing and she found he had been locked in a shed by Graham. A furious Charity confronted Graham, attacking him for how he'd hurt her children, including when he and Joe first arrived in the village and used Debbie to get at her. Graham insulted her, finishing off by emphasising how she left Ryan at the hospital as a baby and calling her a dirty prostitute, leaving Charity reeling and vowing revenge. The following day, they were shocked to discover that Graham had been murdered and Charity was forced to reveal to a disapproving Vanessa that she and Ryan stole Graham's money from his trunk to get back at him.
Charity and Vanessa's relationship went through a rough patch as Vanessa was convinced Charity had to tell the police about the money to help provide evidence to catch Graham's killer while Charity refused, convinced it would only result in her and Ryan facing prison. On 13th February 2020, after a particularly bad row, Vanessa went out and didn't return. Charity desperately tried to get in contact with her but was crushed when Tracy got a text explaining she'd gone away on their honeymoon alone with Johnny to get some space to think. However, unbeknownst to them all, Vanessa was actually held captive by Pierce Harris, her old foe and rapist of her best friend Rhona Goskirk. Meanwhile, Charity though Vanessa ghosted her as she didn't reply to any of her multiple texts and voicemails and feared she would dump her upon her return.
On 25th February 2020, Charity's worst fears came true when she found Vanessa's boarding pass and passport still at home, realising she hadn't gone to Paris. Charity soon discovered that Vanessa and Johnny were being held captive at Mulberry Cottage and stormed off to save them but was stopped by police. However, they were saved by Rhona and Vanessa was reunited with Charity in hospital the following day. Their happiness was short-lived though, as Vanessa shocked Charity by revealing she'd been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Charity struggled to handle the news and initially freaked out. However, after confining her fears in Chas, she soon pulled herself together. In the coming weeks, Charity did her best to be there for Vanessa but struggled as there was nothing she could do to really help her and despite a successful surgery, Vanessa's outlook remained bleak as she prepared for the worst while Charity wrestled with facing that possibility.
On 24th April, Charity was shocked when Vanessa told her she would want her to have Johnny if the worst would happen. When Charity took a few seconds to reply, Vanessa got upset at her hesitating and became convinced Charity didn't want him despite her pleas to differ. Charity was extremely hurt when Vanessa informed her she'd asked Rhona be Johnny's guardian instead but tried to go along with it. However, a few days later, Charity finally snapped and angrily told Vanessa that she loved Johnny and view him as her own kid, and now Vanessa was trying to rip him away from her. She exclaimed that she only hesitated because she couldn't bear the thought of her dying. With some encouragement from Rhona, they finally made amends and Vanessa asked Charity to adopt Johnny. Charity soon found out that was easier said than done as her solicitor informed her she would need consent from the father, Kirin, who was currently on the run.
In October 2020, the adoption officially came through but the day was less than happy as Vanessa was acting coldly towards Charity and without explanation decided to stay with her mother instead of returning home. Charity got paranoid, believing Vanessa would leave her or even had an affair, and in a lapse of judgement ended up kissing a stranger she met at the side of the road. However, soon after Vanessa called and explained she had been distant because she had another scan and didn't want Charity to worry but was no happy to say she had gotten the all-clear and would return to the village the following day. However, their happiness was short-lived as Vanessa soon found out about the kiss and after a misunderstanding with Tracy, became convinced it was a full-blown affair. Charity desperately tried to convince Vanessa to hear her out but to no avail, and soon found out through Tracy that she had decided to not come back to the village at all.
===2021 to present: Relationship with Mackenzie Boyd===
In 2022, Charity spots Amelia Spencer outside of the baby clinic. Amelia tells Charity that she was with a friend who was unsure weather or not to she wanted to keep her baby but Charity sees through Amelia's lies and eventually Amelia comes clean that she is the one who is pregnant. Charity hugs Amelia and tells her everything will be okay. Charity then goes with Amelia into the doctors office while they discuss what Amelia is going to do; however Charity is shocked to discover how far along Amelia is in her pregnancy and informs her that a termination would be a medical procedure. The doctor then asks how Charity and Amelia know each other and Amelia says she visits Charity's son in prison. A socked Charity then believes that her son is the baby's dad, but Amelia tells her that Noah is not the father. Charity then gets distressed and asks Amelia if she became pregnant due to assault, however Amelia reassures her that the sex between her and the baby's father was consensual. In October 2022, Amelia gives birth to a daughter - Esther Spencer with Charity and her former step-mother Kerry Wyatt by her side.
==Other information==
*Charity's date of birth appears to have been retconned. In Episode 2985 (17th August 2001), Zoe tells Paddy that Charity is 22 years old which would make her year of birth somewhere from 1978 to 1979. In Episode 3044 (9th November 2001), Charity says that she is 23 years old, confirming that she was born in 1978. However, her birthdate would later change to 9th January 1976 in .in Episode 3359 (23rd January 2003) her age she gave birth to Debbie Dingle age 13
==Background information==
*Suranne Jones auditioned for the role of Charity but lost out to Emma Atkins.
*On 26th July 2004, it was reported that Atkins had quit Emmerdale, claiming that it was time to move on. She made her on-screen departure in Episode 3987 (1st March 2005).
*On 18th March 2009, it was announced Atkins would be returning to Emmerdale as part of the ongoing overhaul of the show by series producer, Gavin Blyth. Charity and her five-year-old son returned in Episode 5414 (1st October 2009).
*On 20th January 2015, Atkins confirmed that she would be taking temporary maternity leave from the show, thus Charity was written out of the show by receiving a prison sentence for perverting the course of justice, although she made sporadic appearances throughout the rest of 2015. Charity returned permanently as of Episode 7446 (10th March 2016) when she was released from prison.
*Charity was portrayed by Mica Proctor in flashback scenes in Episode 8162 (29th May 2018).
==Quotes==
"I uh, don't suppose you sell flowers?" (first line, to Viv Hope in the shop)
----
"Unless you want your teeth introduced to your throat, I suggest you shut it." (to Shadrach Dingle)
----
"I never thought I'd find myself in this sort of mess. I never thought I'd... fancy a woman." (to Zoe Tate)
----
"I want you to take it." (to Debbie Dingle, last line from her departure in 2005)
----
"Leave this to me." (to Michael Conway, first line from her return in 2009)
----
"You were never a match for me." (after 'killing' Declan Macey in 2014)
----
"Don't suppose you know where the nearest parking meter is." (to Cain and Moira Dingle, after returning in March 2016 with a stolen car)
----
"The people you give your love to, it's their job to make your burden a little bit lighter." (to Tracy Metcalfe) 
----
"Why's everyone so happy? Did Joe Tate die?"
----
"I don't have it! I had it. Him" (to Harriet Finch, revealing that her abuse at the hands of DI Bails led to her giving birth to a child)
----
"Of course I do! I make you drink, I made you hit me when I was a kid! I force men to beat me, to rape me, because I'm too gobby, too demanding, too attractive. Every time a man sins, I take the blame. Well, not anymore." (to Obadiah Dingle after he blames her for his drinking)
----
"This is for Vanessa! (to Donny Cairn, before hitting him over the head with a metal pole)
----
"I want him! I love him! I mean, he's my kid. That's how I see him. And you want to rip him away from me!" (to Vanessa, about Johnny)
==Gallery==
Charity2000.jpg|Charity's first appearance in March 2000
17th May 2001.png|Charity's secret lover is revealed as Zoe Tate
226_50lovers_christate_charitydingle.jpg|Charity and Chris Tate get married
Episode 3366.png|Cain confronts Charity about Debbie being her daughter
Episode 3368.jpg|Debbie shows Charity a picture of her as a teenager, revealing she is her daughter
Debbie acin.jpg|Young Debbie with Charity and Cain
Debbie sees Cain and Charity kiss 2003.jpg|Debbie witnesses Cain and Charity kissing while Charity is married to Chris
charity-1.png|Charity tries to seduce Zoe
EMMERDALE 22ND JANUARY 2004.png|Charity is sentenced to life in prison
Charity Zoe and baby Noah.jpg|Charity and Zoe with baby Noah
EMMERDALE 11TH MAY 2004.png|Sadie King pushes Charity down the stairs at Holdgate Farm
EMMERDALE 12TH MAY 2004.png|Charity, Sadie and Tom
4th January 2005.png|Charity's failed wedding to Tom King
11th February 2005.png|Charity's affair with Jimmy King in February 2005
EMMERDALE 1ST MARCH 2005.png|Charity's departure in March 2005
Episode 5414.png|Charity's return in October 2009
Episode 5415.png|Charity and Noah at her wedding to Michael Conway
25th December 2009.png|Charity and Cain get engaged in December 2009
Episode 5553.png|Charity and Cain almost get married in 2010
5865.jpg|Cain holds Charity hostage in a hotel room in March 2011
6145.jpg|Charity and Jai Sharma get married
Episode 6870.jpg|Charity and Declan Macey's wedding in 2014
Episode 6982.jpg|Charity runs away from Declan trying to murder her
Episode 7084&7085.jpg|Charity is sentenced to 2 years in prison in January 2015
Episode 7446.jpg|Charity returns from prison in a stolen car in March 2016
Episode 7652.png|Charity and Cain plans to leave the village together
Charity empty.jpg|Charity tells Debbie she's really empty
Episode 7960.7961.png|Charity and Vanessa's first kiss
Episode 8118.8119.png|Charity tells Vanessa about her past with DI Bails
Episode 8143.png|Charity publicly accuses DI Bails in May 2018
Episode 8162.png|Charity recalls her life being imprisoned by Bails at 14
Charity and Ryan first meeting.png|Charity and Ryan's first meeting
charity dingle in court.jpg|Charity testifies against DI Bails in court
Episode 8370.png|Charity and Vanessa get engaged in January 2019
Episode_8565.png|Debbie and Charity have a tearful goodbye in August 2019
==See also==
*Full list of appearances
Category:Emmerdale characters
Category:Current characters
Category:1976 births
Category:2000 debuts
Category:Dingle family
Category:Tate family
Category:Sharma family
Category:Macey family
Category:Residents of Holdgate Farm
Category:Residents of Mulberry Cottage
Category:2014 marriages
Category:Convicts
Category:Home James Haulage employees
Category:Residents of Wishing Well Cottage
Category:Factory workers
Category:Haulage Drivers
Category:Residents of Tug Ghyll
Category:Businesswomen
Category:2012 marriages
Category:2001 marriages
Category:Prostitutes
Category:Home Farm employees
Category:Residents of Home Farm
Category:Sharma & Sharma employees
Category:Residents of Butlers Farm
Category:Residents of Victoria Cottage
Category:Residents of Pear Tree Cottage
Category:Residents of The Woolpack
Category:Woolpack employees
Category:Pub landladies
Category:Guests of The Grange B&B
Category:The Dingles: For Richer, For Poorer characters
Category:Tate Haulage employees
Category:Characters played by different actors
Category:Residents of Jacobs Fold
Category:Woolpack licensees
Category:Owners of Home Farm
Category:Residents of Connelton View
Category:Residents of Brook Cottage
Category:Residents of Dale View
Category:2023 marriages
Category:Boyd family
Category:Residents of Tall Trees Cottage