Emmerdale favourite Belle has been suffering at the hands of abusive husband Tom for months, and things are set to get even worse in upcoming episodes.
Emmerdale‘s Eden Taylor-Draper has revealed that her character, Belle Dingle, is set to face even more turmoil in the harrowing Tom King abuse storyline.
Over the past few months, Belle has been subjected to abuse and gaslighting by her husband Tom, played by James Chase. After recognising his true nature, she ended their marriage and reported him to the police. Furthermore, Belle has applied under Clare’s Law to discover any previous allegations of abuse or violence against Tom.
Despite Tom showing no signs of releasing her, Belle has kept quiet about the abuse she suffered at his hands. In a shocking turn of events, he appeared to kill her dog Piper, leaving Belle heartbroken.
Several of Belle’s loved ones, including Vinny (Bradley Johnson) and Charity (Emma Atkins), have expressed their worries. However, in future episodes, Tom continues his manipulative and abusive behaviour.
Fans will remember that he installed software on Belle’s laptop, allowing him access to everything she views. Soon, he makes an enigmatic remark that leads Belle to realise he has been reading her private emails, including her Clare’s Law application, reports the Manchester Evening News
Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle, has now hinted that this is an indication that things are about to get significantly worse.
Speaking to Metro, she revealed: “When he makes that snide comment and she realises he’s hacked into her laptop I think that’s huge. Because obviously she knows what he’s capable of but this is on another level.”
Moreover, the soap is gearing up for a unique hour-long, stylised episode next week, centring on Belle and the domestic abuse she endures from Tom. Scheduled for broadcast on ITV1 on 5 September, the episode will present viewers with three different potential futures for Belle.
The evening prior, Tom ominously warns Belle that he will never stop pursuing her. His menacing words trigger a surreal journey for Belle, as she envisions various paths her life could take, all reflected within the confines of the iconic village.
The special episode, penned by Tony Higgins and under the direction of Tim O’Mara, portrays a bewildered Belle stepping out of her home, with each hypothetical situation unfolding in Emmerdale‘s familiar setting.
During the episode, Belle is seen engaging with and witnessing events that might never transpire, allowing the audience to grasp the terrifying possibilities of her future. Until this point, Belle has been reticent to disclose the abuse she’s facing, a common trait in coercive relationships.
