EXCLUSIVE: Emmerdale star Katie Hill has opened up about her character Sarah Sugden’s ongoing storyline as grandmother Charity Dingle agrees to become a surrogate

Emmerdale star Katie Hill has opened up on Charity Dingle’s pregnancy twist as she made a “challenging” admission.

The 22-year-old actress began playing Sarah Sugden on the ITV soap back in 2017, with the character being involved in several dramatic plots.

Earlier this year, Sarah was devastated to learn that she had been diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer.

The drama soon escalated when Sarah revealed her plans to undergo IVF, with her now-fiancé Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) as the sperm donor.

Sadly things didn’t go to plan after Sarah underwent her cancer surgery. Although the cancer didn’t appear to have spread, doctors were forced to perform an emergency hysterectomy, dashing her dreams of carrying a child.

Sarah Sugden has had a difficult few months(Image: ITV)

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To try and help her granddaughter, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) agreed to be a surrogate for Sarah and Jacob.

However, she was devastated when she began bleeding soon after the embryo implantation. Charity was therefore surprised to learn that she was still pregnant, before a shocking twist was unveiled.

In a flashback, Charity was revealed to have had a one-night stand with her ex, Ross Barton (Michael Parr), who has since demanded Charity get a paternity test.

Earlier this week, Ross agonisingly looked on as a delighted Sarah and Jacob showed off their first ultrasound picture. Will he reveal his possible paternity?

Speaking on the red carpet at the National Television Awards on Wednesday (September 10), actor Katie discussed the complex storyline, sharing her own shock at the Ross twist.

Katie Hill attended the National Television Awards on Wednesday(Image: Joe Maher/Getty Images for the NTA’s)

“It’s been so exciting. When the producers came to me and told me what they had coming up, I was really looking forward to it,” she said.

“It’s been challenging with all the cervical cancer and stuff, it was tough to film but so good. From an actor’s point of view, it’s such a good chance to do things like that.

“It’s Emmerdale, there’s always going to be a twist, but I think it’s a great storyline and I can’t wait to see where it goes.”

On Sarah and Jacob’s future, Katie added: “I think right now they’re just smooth sailing and they’re really happy. They’re so excited to start this journey of being parents together.

“So, at the moment, hopefully it’s looking up for them and they’ve got a good future ahead of them.”