Emmerdale viewers are still reeling after one of the most emotionally brutal storylines the soap has delivered in years, and many fans are united on one powerful point:

Charlotte Bellamy should have won a BAFTA for her portrayal of Laurel Thomas in the aftermath of Daniel’s tragic death. The heartbreaking storyline,

which unfolded over several harrowing episodes, saw Laurel plunged into unimaginable grief after losing Daniel in sudden and devastating circumstances.

While Emmerdale is no stranger to tragedy, fans say this time felt different — not because of shocking twists or explosive drama, but because of the raw, painfully real performance at the heart of it.

From the moment Laurel received the news, Bellamy delivered a masterclass in restrained devastation. Viewers watched as Laurel struggled to process the words being spoken to her, her face draining of colour, her voice barely audible. There were no over-the-top theatrics — just shock, disbelief, and a woman whose world had stopped turning.

As the episodes continued, Laurel’s grief deepened, and Bellamy’s performance became even more haunting. Scenes of Laurel sitting alone in silence, clutching Daniel’s belongings, or forcing herself to function for the sake of others left viewers emotionally exhausted. Many fans admitted they were in tears, calling the scenes “unwatchable in the best possible way.”

Social media quickly filled with praise. Viewers described Bellamy’s acting as “Oscar-level,” “career-defining,” and “criminally overlooked.” Some fans said the performance mirrored their own experiences of grief so accurately that it felt like watching real life unfold rather than scripted television.

What made the storyline particularly powerful was the way Bellamy portrayed the complexity of loss. Laurel wasn’t just sad — she was angry, confused, guilt-ridden, and numb, often cycling through all those emotions within a single scene. The writing gave Bellamy space to let the silence speak, and she used it devastatingly well.

Fans were especially moved by scenes surrounding Daniel’s funeral and the quiet aftermath. Laurel’s barely-contained sobs, her attempts to remain composed in public, and her eventual emotional collapse resonated deeply. Viewers praised the subtle details — trembling hands, distant stares, moments where Laurel seemed to forget how to breathe — as proof of Bellamy’s exceptional skill.

Many fans have also pointed out that soap performances are too often dismissed during awards season, despite requiring extraordinary emotional range and consistency. Charlotte Bellamy’s work in this storyline, they argue, proves that soap actors deserve the same recognition as their counterparts in prestige dramas.

Long-time Emmerdale viewers noted that Bellamy has always been a strong performer, but this storyline elevated her to another level entirely. Some even called it the best acting the show has seen in decades.

While Daniel’s death marked a heartbreaking chapter for Laurel, it also delivered a moment of undeniable brilliance for Emmerdale. And for fans, the verdict is clear: Charlotte Bellamy didn’t just play grief — she embodied it.

Whether awards bodies take notice or not, viewers agree on one thing. These scenes will be remembered for years to come, and Charlotte Bellamy’s performance has already earned its place among Emmerdale’s most iconic moments.