Donna and Marlon: A history

...Donna had a huge crush on Marlon but he had recently lost his wife, Tricia. There was also a bit of an age gap.

Marlon developed feelings for Donna and they got together. And what a lovely couple they made!

Donna and Marlon announced they were engaged around the same time Viv and Bob decided to marry for the second time. 

Not everyone liked the idea of a double wedding - despite the grins on their faces!

On the morning of the wedding, Donna confessed to Marlon that she'd had feelings for Max King, who had recently died in a car crash. But Marlon forgave Donna and they tied the knot.

Not quite. When the couple's plans to build their own home resulted in them living in a caravan in the middle of winter, their relationship suffered. Donna moved back in with Viv and Marlon thought he was going to lose her.

Determined that Donna would have the house of her dreams, Marlon and Eli robbed the bookies - although it was actually money Marlon was owed from a bet. The bookmaker had refused to pay him as his business was going under. Eli accidentally shot Marlon, who almost lost his life.

For weeks, Donna was oblivious to the fact that Marlon had organised the robbery with Eli. Everyone assumed he was a passer-by who had tried to save the day. When Donna found out, she told Marlon their marriage was over.

Donna and Marlon eventually got their marriage back on track, but soon after, along came the lovely PC Ross Kirk. Living and working together (Ross lodged at Tall Trees) Donna and Ross became good friends, but then Ross confessed he had fallen in love with Donna.

While pursuing Freddie Yorke, the man who had framed Viv, Donna crashed her car and almost lost her life. Ross was with her and dragged her to safety just before the car exploded.

Donna's bond with Ross grew stronger as he was the only one who understood what she'd been through. When Marlon failed to cheer Donna during her recovery in hospital, Ross was always making her smile.

The pair stepped over the line when Donna kissed Ross on the day she was released from hospital. Having tried to deny her feelings for her colleague, Donna slept with Ross on the night of the policeman's charity ball. 

Despite Donna's protestations, they ended up having an affair and Donna then decided she would leave Marlon. But when Paddy caught her and Ross kissing, he told Ross to leave the village and begged Donna not to end her marriage.

Donna decided she loved Marlon too much to risk losing him and ended it with Ross.

When Shane Doyle's body was found in the lake and the finger pointed at Ross, Donna knew she'd have to tell Marlon about the affair - before someone else did. Predictably, Marlon was devastated.

Marlon eventually decided to give Donna another chance, but she couldn't let Ross rot in prison for a crime he didn't commit. So, despite assuring Marlon she wouldn't talk to or see Ross again, she helped to prove his innocence. Marlon felt betrayed all over again and ended their marriage.

Donna decides to leave the village and start a new life elsewhere and Marlon does nothing to stop her.

Marlon watches as Donna gets into a cab and drives away. But will he regret letting her go?