The soap vicar’s condition had worsened leaving Laurel (played by Charlotte Bellamy) worried about how she would care for him in the future.
Eventually realising that she could not dedicate the time that Ashley (John Middleton) needed, she decided that it would be best if he lived in a care home.
And tonight, the family helped him settle into his new room at the facility, leaving many of those at home in tears.
Viewers also took to social media to praise actress Charlotte for her portrayal of Laurel as she had a heart-to-heart with Gabby (Rosie Bentham) about Ashley’s dementia.
One viewer tweeted: “Watching Ashley and Laurel is heartbreaking #Emmerdale.”
While another added: “I think Charlotte Bellamy is doing an amazing job personally. I hope she gets some recognition tbh #emmerdale.”
“Ashley’s storyline in @emmerdale is so sad! Brings a tear to my eye #Emmerdale,” a third shared.
Someone else continued: “#Emmerdale #Dementia storyline is both insightful and Heartbreaking. Well done John, and to you at @emmerdale. This has to be a soap award!”
A fifth wrote: “How magical has @MissCBellamy & @Rosie_Bentham been tonight? Beautifully written dialogue stunningly executed. #Emmerdale.”
As the episode came to a close, Laurel crawled into bed alone as she spent her first night apart from her husband, with their daughter Dotty lying in the cot next to her.
How will she cope without Ashley in upcoming episodes?
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV at 7pm.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
