EMMERDALE viewers have been left sickened after Laurel Thomas discovered son Arthur was abusing Archie – and covered it up.
The former vicars wife – who is played by actress Charlotte Bellamy in the ITV soap – was shocked when her son Arthur confessed to being the one who had hurt Archie.
At first she decided that she would put everything right by confessing all.
Viewers know that Arthur physically and emotionally terrorised bereaved Archie in the weeks and months after his mum Rachel died.
He went on to frame Jimmy King for it and he ended up getting arrested on suspicion of child abuse.
Laurel was determined to tell Jimmy everything and invited him over but when Jai returned unexpectedly from rehab she couldnt do it.
And with Jai clearly struggling and not giving any thought to Archie getting justice, Laurel decided to keep her sons lies a secret.
She sent Jai home and told Arthur: I couldnt tell him, I didnt tell him, hes too weak and itll just push him over the edge.
Im stuck Arthur. Your lies have hurt everyone and the truth will too. Right now I dont know what to do for the best.
Viewers were sickened by Laurels decision and hit out at her on social media.
One wrote: What a coward Laurel, just tell him, this storyline’s going to drone on for months…”
A second said: Laurel needs to speak up ffs ! Arthur needs to learn his lesson.”
Another added: Laurel needs to say something maybe not right now but soon.”
