Emmerdale's April Windsor, portrayed by Amelia Flanagan, has captured the attention of viewers through her 'heartbreaking' recent storyline.

Tuesday's gripping episode exposed the grim reality of April's reality since she disappeared over Christmas. The audience was taken through a harrowing flashback detailing April's struggles to secure accommodation, her subsequent life on the streets, and the frightful and hard-hitting predicaments she endured as a young teenager.

During the episode, April confided to another young homeless boy that she was pregnant, which was the reason she couldn't return to the village.

As the episode came to an emotional close, fans witnessed April giving birth in a gym toilet. April sobbed and apologised to the baby after realising it was stillborn and the teenager later collapsed on a park bench, reports .

Actress Amelia, 16, who plays April, has since opened up about the storyline on Instagram. She shared a candid behind-the-scenes picture along with heartfelt gratitude: "Thank you. Feel so lucky to have been trusted with this incredible and heartbreaking storyline. So many people helped make this episode happen, and every single person put their everything into it.

"Working with @missingpeople.uk has been eye opening and such a crucial part of getting this right. Thank you to @emmerdale for this incredible opportunity. Forever grateful for being able to pursue my dream Watch tonights ep now on ITVX and tune in the rest of this week to see what happens next" with a heart emoji.

Amelia's 24K followers and fellow soap stars, both from Emmerdale and Coronation Street, were quick to praise the young actress.

Elle Mulvaney, who plays Amy Barlow on Corrie, commented with clapping emojis while Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle Dingle, sweetly commented with a star emoji.

Meanwhile, Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, did a post on her Instagram, writing: "Littlun.....You are a credit to @emmerdale a credit to your beautiful family. @ameliaflanagan08 what a fantastic performance.

"Well done beautiful #emmerdale @itv #itv big shout out to the writer Tony Higgins director Paul Copeland" with heart and clapping emojis.

The Sands National Helpline provides a safe, confidential place for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby.You can call the Sands Helpline on 0808 164 3332 or visit .

Emmerdale airs every weekday at 19.30pm on ITV1, ITV X, STV and STV Player with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. It is also available each morning from 07.00am on ITVX.

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