prepares a picnic and music for Laurel. Laurel gets twinges at the factory and Rishi takes her to hospital, but she is told it's a false alarm. Laurel later goes into labour and their baby is delivered by Ashley. They name her Dotty Thomas after Ashley's mother. After Ashley's health deteriorates he is put into a care home and forgets who Laurel is. This causes Gabby to go on a downward spiral as well as Laurel who kisses Marlon. Laurel struggles to cope and after finding out Gabby has had unprotected sex she lashes out and slaps her. They eventually make up. Later on, Ashley is admitted to hospital. He is diagnosed with pneumonia and Laurel is distraught when she finds that Ashley only has days to live. She brings him back home. On 7 April 2017, Ashley wakes up and recognises Laurel, who is overjoyed. However, she is devastated when she finds Ashley dead a minute later. Casting In 2004, Bellamy announced she was pregnant with her first child. Laurel was briefly written out while she took maternity leave. Bellamy did not have to hide her pregnancy while filming. In 2006, Bellamy announced her second pregnancy and took maternity leave in 2007. Her pregnancy was written into Laurel's storylines. In 2009, Bellamy announced her final pregnancy to date, which saw Laurel written out of the serial again for a number of months. On an episode which aired on 20 December 2016 she was temporarily recast in an episode from the viewpoint of dementia patient Ashley Thomas (John Middleton). Character development Characterisation Bellamy said Laurel is not your "typical vicar's wife" because she acts "a bit daft and scatty". Bellamy said the best thing about Laurel is her drunken scenes. As Laurel is married to a vicar, she has to always be seen to act "nice, sweet and kind". There are no limits to Laurel when she drinks and "she really lets her hair down." Laurel's best friend is Nicola Blackstock (Nicola Wheeler). Bellamy said she is "a bit horrible to her" but Laurel really loves her. While interviewed by the Sunday Mail, Bellamy said Laurel's likeability is her "kind-hearted and unassuming" persona. However, Laurel is not afraid to speak her mind but would never "intentionally hurt someone". Laurel is often the serial's source for light comic relief. Bellamy opined that it played an important role in Emmerdale's success. Laurel