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Emmerdale's Emma Atkins says 'it all went out the window' in birth admission
Reach Daily Express | May 13, 2026 9:40 PM CST

Emmerdale legend Emma Atkins has made a rare revelation about her son, Albert.

The actress rose to prominence when she joined the ITV soap in 2000 as Charity Dingle - and it is fair to say she has become one of the programme's most cherished characters.

Emma has also been at the centre of numerous major storylines throughout her tenure. From Charity's various relationships to the appearance of her long-lost daughter Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), her time in the Dales has been filled with drama.

Particularly of late, as she faces blackmail from villainous Dr Todd (Caroline Harker), who has exposed her baby deception. Todd is now extracting thousands of pounds from Charity, with the payment deadline fast approaching.

Beyond the soap, Emma has enjoyed a happy, long-term relationship with her partner, Tom, for numerous years and they welcomed a son named Albert shortly before her 40th birthday in March 2015, reports the Mirror.

While Emma typically maintains privacy around her personal life, during a recent appearance on ITV's This Morning, Emma discussed Albert's birth in a frank admission.

Speaking about filming Charity's recent on-screen birth, Emma said: "It was fun but it was exhausting! I had to make these birth noises and I was thinking is it realistic?" She then recalled her own birthing experience and shared: "Because when I was having Albert it all went out the window."

This is not the first occasion Emma has discussed her son. Speaking to The Mirror in 2025, she revealed her "worry" for Albert. She said: "I'm fiercely loyal. My love for Albert runs very deep but at the same time, I want him to be his own person.

In that regard, Charity and I are similar." For Emma, raising a child is about striking a balance between keeping her son safe while allowing him to find his own way in the world.

"I want him to stand on his own two feet and grow up knowing that I have given him that freedom to make decisions for himself, even at an early age," Emma shared.

"I don't want to be telling him what to do all the time. I try not to be possessive over my own child. I'll be there to steer him and encourage him in the right direction."

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX


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