Emmerdale spoiler: Laurel Thomas devastated as dementia sufferer Ashley enters care home
LAUREL THOMAS will make a heartbreaking decision this week on Emmerdale as she sends her husband Ashley into full time care.
Emmerdale: Laurel Thomas is heartbroken as Ashley moves in to full-time care
Emmerdale: Ashley has a breakdown in hospital
Viewers have seen the former vicar (played by John Middleton) become more and more confused as his health declines.
By the end of this week, his loyal wife Laurel will face breaking point and decide she cannot care for him alone.
As well as Ashley, Laurel has two young children to care for as well as her teenage stepdaughter, Gabby (Rosie Bentham).
Understandably, Laurel decides Ashley would be happier in a residential home.
Emmerdale: Laurel Thomas is heartbroken as Ashley moves in to full-time care
Emmerdale: Ashley forgets he is moving away and becomes distressed
The night before he is due to leave, Ashley gets distressed and thinks he is being kicked out of his home.
But, the hardest part for Laurel comes the next day when she drops Ashley off.
In a bittersweet moment, the mother-of-two will see her husband is much happier living away from the family home.
Actor John is expected to leave the soap this year, with a departure date still
Emmerdale: Later on Ashley is happy again, away from the confusion of the family home
Emmerdale: Laurel is torn as she misses Ashley but knows he cannot live with her anymore
Last month, Emmerdale producer Iain MacLeod discussed how Ashley's storyline might progress.
He explained: "One of the things we're trying to do between now and the summer is find ways to make this a joyful story.
"Something that really warms the cockles as well as breaking your heart."
Emmerdale continues on Monday at 7pm on ITV.