Last night’s special episode of Emmerdale followed Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) as she made decisions about her future after being abused by Tom King (James Chase).
Three distinct situations were shown to viewers during the episode, and each one varied based on Belle’s choices.
In the first, she chose to play Tom at his own game by making him believe she was interested in him in an attempt to divert him from the weak Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell).
In a devastating twist, this scenario ended with Belle and Tom still together, with Belle nursing painful injuries while pregnant with Tom’s baby.
The second scenario saw her come clean to Amelia about Tom’s abuse in the Woolpack, though Amelia revealed that Tom had already explained everything, in a way that painted Belle as the guilty party.
Belle was left horrified when she realised that Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) had overheard the conversation, and later attacked Tom, leaving him for dead.
This led to Cain being arrested and Belle being sectioned, after Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) failed to believe that she was telling the truth.
In the third scenario, Belle did nothing, and appeared to be thriving in her career as a single woman. However, Amelia was now trapped with Tom, who abused her in the same way he had Belle.
When Belle attempted to warn Amelia, she denied the abuse, but was later found dead after being pushed down the stairs by Tom.
Viewers then saw what Belle really decided to do, as she made her way over to see Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), who had previously suspected that something was going on between Tom and Belle.
In a heartfelt scene, Belle revealed her whole ordeal, and Charity promised to support her.
Following the episode, fans took to social media to praise the way the story had been handled, and the performances from the cast.
What an extremely powerful episode of @emmerdale. This Belle & Tom story is a difficult watch & this has been the most poignant episode. Seeing the future… & wanting to change it means acting now. #Emmerdale
— Amrita Tanna (@Amr1ta) September 5, 2024
A really tough episode to watch tonight on #emmerdale but superb acting between Belle & Charity. Well put together & each scenario was so hard to watch but the last 15 mins were top class. So glad Belle spoke up & so fitting to tell Charity. Well done to all involved 👏
— Ide McAuliffe (@doteen) September 5, 2024
Eden Taylor_draper deserves an award for here portrayal off belle fantastic actress 👏#emmerdale
— paulcurran (@paulcur74986927) September 5, 2024
While some expressed how important it was for Emmerdale to tell this story, others called for actress Eden Taylor-Draper to win awards for her performance.
It wasn’t just fans who were full of praise for Eden, as a lot of the cast also took to social media to share their pride.
The power of tonights ep-one word INCREDIBLE👏🏼everyone involved-INCREDIBLE 👏🏼the script from start to finish-INCREDIBLE👏🏼the impact of this storyline-INCREDIBLE 👏🏼and without a shadow of a doubt,Eden Taylor-Draper performance each and every scene she acts-INCREDIBLE👏🏼 @emmerdale pic.twitter.com/d9zbjef3sw
— LISA RILEY (BLUE TICK) (@Reallisariley) September 5, 2024
While Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle took to Twitter/X to share her thoughts, Kerry Wyatt actress Laura Norton called the episode ‘outstanding’ over on Instagram.
Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas Dingle, also shared a clip from the episode to her Instagram story, writing: ‘No words needed for tonight… I hope it does everything and more for those who it touches.’
