A couple, who live near Maidstone who proved Down's Syndrome is no bar to achieving their ambitions for a full life have criticised Emmerdale storyline on the issue which tonight sees two characters decide to end a pregnancy.

Laurel Thomas and Jai Sharma will come to the heartbreaking decision after testing revealed their unborn child has the condition.

The scenes have drawn widespread condemnation from parents, families and charities with 30,000 signing a petition asking for the storyline to be dropped and 400 complaints made to TV watchdog Ofcom.

Actress Sally Phillips, whose son Olly has Down's Syndrome, also hit out at the ITV soap, describing it as 'thoughtless' particularly as many of the scenes take place during Disability Awareness Month, which concludes on December 20.

It has also left couple Emmie and Kieran Duffy, frrom Staplehurst, feeling sad at the idea a couple would decide not to have a baby for this reason.

The pair both have the condition, but hit the headlines last year to show how they overcame the barriers to lead a normal life, which even included planning their dream wedding to rival anything in Hello! magazine.

Emmie, 23, said: "I watch Emmerdale and think it's sad they are worried about having a baby with Down’s syndrome.

"I don't know why they would worry, except it's hard having children and they need a lot of care and work, so perhaps that's the problem.

"I don't think having a baby with Down's Syndrome is any different."

Kieran, 27, added: "People should be happy to have a baby like me and I think about all the great lives me and my friends have.

"There are many things I can do - I am independent and have been able to keep busy and happy throughout the pandemic. I've also looked after my nephew, niece, my sisters and mum. They all need me very much."

In last night's Emmerdale episodes Laurel, played by Charlotte Bellamy, talked to Rhona Goskirk, who has a nine-year-old son, Leo, who has Down's Syndrome.

Rhona explained how much joy Leo had brought her and how she had considered ending her pregnancy, before being talked out it. But things turned awkward when she realised her friend was considering a termination.

Tonight's show sees more examination of the couple's decision and ITV has defended the storyline.

Producers said it had been researched in collaboration with Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) and people with experiences of the issue. A statement said some scenes would be 'uncomfortable' but that viewers would see the discussion reflected tragic aspects of real life.

But the Down's Syndrome Association said it had not been consulted and it has raised concerns for people who have the condition.

In a statement it added: "We certainly do not welcome the upcoming storyline and have already started to support people who have Down’s syndrome and their families who are worried and will continue to do so while the story runs."

And Kieran's mum Tessa Branch said although she disagreed with the outcome of Laurel and Jai's decision, she thought the soap had opened up a debate.

She added: "I know the Emmerdale storyline will be very painful for many people because when your own child has Down's Syndrome you know the incredible joy they bring to you and all your family and how you wouldn't change them for the world.

"But anything that opens up that conversation and allows people like Kieran and Emmie to share their story can only be a good thing.

"Sometimes it's only the controversial that brings us the truth."

In 2012 Kieran celebrated picking up nine and a half GCSE passes at a mainstream school - believed to be the first achievement of its kind in Kent for someone with his condition.

The former New Line Learning Academy pupil has gone on to study performing arts, which has culminated in displays at the House of Commons and the Royal Albert Hall.

He met his future wife seven years ago at a camp for people requiring additional needs, and he proposed on Boxing Day 2016.

They married in August 2019, at All Saints Church in Staplehurst. They also live in their own home.

Down's Syndrome means being born with an extra chromosome and causes some level of learning disability. It is not as a result of anything parents-to-be did before or during pregnancy.

Kieran believes his life hasn't been any different - and cheekily says this is proved by the fact he had a stripper at his stag do - while the pair have both been to Chickenshed Theatre to study.

But he acknowledges the key to his full life is the support he gets from his family and said he'd like people to know he needed help, but 'equally I have helped others.'

"I'd like parents to know they will get lots of love from their children and children with Down's Syndrome love the very best," he said.

Emmie added: "Soaps get watched by a lot of people, but they aren't real. People should make up their own minds and not listen to the telly all the time.

The pair said: "Everyone is special and everyone deserves a good life."

Since getting married, the Duffys have had lockdown to contend with, but say they've taken this in their stride. Emmie has learnt to knit, weave and make pottery and cards and like most of us has got to grips with Zoom to video call her friends.

She added: "I feel I have coped better than a lot of people. My Down's Syndrome has not got in the way."

The couple who said: "We love it" when asked to describe married life, hope the New Year will bring new job prospects. Kieran would like to work in the new Sainsbury's being built in Staplehurst, while Emmie would like a job in a nursery.

Emmerdale starts tonight at 7pm.

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