There have been some not-so-obvious and some glaring signs that Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) is

headed for some kind of breakdown over Evan’s illness in Emmerdale. The glaring was her alluding

to wanting to turn back to drugs to make the pain and angst go away – she even resorted to drinking

in the middle of the day in a bid to block out the truth. The more subtle signs saw her check a little more often than she should that the children weren’t carrying germs, and staying at the hospital every day as a concerned mother would, but in truth it was in part not wanting to leave and bring back bugs that could kill her son. In fairness to her she’s had good reason to be afraid, with Evan catching a fever which turned into an infection and threatened his survival chances. But it’s all adding up to a worrying picture for Dawn, despite the fact they recently had the good news that the little lad could finally go home. What should be a beautiful day arrives for the family – the day he is released from hospital.

For Dawn, this is the catalyst for her paranoia to consume her. She’s now terrified that if the kids come anywhere near him, he’s as good as dead, which is driving a wedge between her and her other children. Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) notices her extreme worry and becomes concerned that all is not right. Though Dawn balked at the suggestion she would turn back to drugs, could Will’s instincts end up being proven right when the worry becomes too much? Rose Jackson (Christine Tremarco) is on hand to try and use this as more leverage as she plays on vulnerability by adopting the motherly act with a few supportive words. Despite the games she’s playing, could Rose be the one to save Dawn?