Emmerdale star confirms "there's always potential" for Charity and Vanessa reunion

But the couple are about to reach crisis point, when Mack finds out that Charity has offered to be a surrogate for her granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), without even telling him!

The twist follows on from Sarah undergoing a hysterectomy to treat cervical cancer. And while Charity's momentous suggestion puts her marriage on the rocks, Vanessa has been drawn back into the story after being Sarah's initial confidant in her IVF plans.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press, Atkins was asked whether Vanessa's recent involvement could pave the way for a renewed romance between her and Charity.

"When they do have scenes together, there's always that potential for an opening again, of reconnection. They get on so well as friends, there's always that spark," she explained.

"And you never know in soap, what they choose to do from one moment to the next, and it's always a joy to work with Michelle.

"So either way, it's gonna be a win-win, even if they just have a lovely friendship, because there is a friendship there to be had, and you never know."

The actress added that she has no idea whether 'Vanity' will ever rise again, but it's clear that the lines of communication will be kept open between Charity and Vanessa.

"I just don't know at this moment in time what they'll do with the pair of them. But I can definitely see an opening happening already because there's been dialogue between them – but of what nature, I don't know."

As for Mack, his hurt stems from Charity's previous refusal to carry his baby – a decision she made after suffering an ectopic pregnancy before the pair wed.

Soon after, Mack had a fling with Chloe Harris (Jessie Elland) that conceived baby Reuben, who he has since been blocked from seeing.

After a bitter split, Mack and Charity got back together, and he accepted that Charity did not want any more children. So, the news that she is willing to carry a child for Sarah stings.

"Mack feels on the sidelines; he's very much an observer looking in on a situation that he has no control over," said Atkins.

"Certainly because she kept it from him and chose to go and get the tests, the psychological tests, all done without his knowledge.

"So I think that, in a way, is such a huge deceitful thing to do when you're married to someone, to not discuss that beforehand."

Does the star think that Charity and Mack's marriage can survive this massive setback?

"Considering the amount of strain it's been under with other things as well, such as the secret baby with Chloe, I'd like to think it could withstand the test of time and this amount of pressure.

"But then sometimes you go 'something's got to give, here'. How much more can they actually take?'"

Read more:

• 5 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Will John Sugden confess as tensions rise at Nate's funeral?
• Emmerdale finally returns to ITV1 – with a brutal attack against soap villain
• 6 Emmerdale spoilers: Robert Sugden in deadly danger from John Sugden after shock spiking
• Emmerdale airs ominous John Sugden cliffhanger in ITVX release
• Emmerdale teases Robron future in emotional Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden scenes
• Emmerdale star opens up on future of Matty and Amy's adoption story
• Emmerdale newcomer Joe Absolom opens up on his dark storyline involving April

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

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