Emmerdale fans in tears as heroin addict Dawn overdoses and Harriet says she is to blame

EMMERDALE fans were in tears after Thursday's episode, which saw heroin addict Dawn Taylor overdose and Harriet Finch take the blame.

Viewers knew that Dawn had a secret history which she shared with the police officer turned vicar.

And Harriet (Katherine Dow Blyton) finally confessed - but only after the drug addicted prostitute injected herself and ended up in hospital.

A tearful Harriet told Charity Dingle and Ryan: "Her life turned out like this because of me.

"I was a mum to Dawn, a good one until I walked out. Which overall makes me a terrible one. Today when she was leaving I saw how upset she was but I didn't stop her.

"She threatened to tell everyone about my past but I cared more about my reputation."

The guilt-ridden vicar then revealed what happened to Dawn's dad, adding: "He went into prison because of me but he died. We got a lot of drug dealers off the streets, but he paid the price.

"(Dawn) didn't even know my real name."

Later, Charity apologised to Ryan for screaming at Dawn and driving her to use again.

Viewers were in bits over the hard-hitting episode and shared their reactions on Twitter.

One posted a string of crying emojis and said: "‘She thought I was her new mum’"

Another wrote: "Charity apologising"

Dawn – played by telly newcomer Olivia Bromley – was first introduced when she hooked up with Ross Barton and helped him track down Simon McManus, the man who threw acid in his face.

She returned recently looking for Ross after having been attacked by a punter.

She broke into the house he used to share with his brother Pete but was apprehended by Rhona, who wanted to help her.