Before a special episode of the long-running ITV soap opera Emmerdale that airs this month, the show’s producers have revealed a ton of spoilers. The narrative of Tom and Belle King’s horrifying domestic abuse continues. Since their marriage at the end of 2023, Eden Taylor-Draper’s character Belle has been subjected to abuse and coercive control by her cunning husband, Tom (James Chase).
Next month, viewers will see potential realities for Belle play out on screen, following her leaving the relationship and Tom threatening Belle, saying he will never give up on her. The soap, which has worked on the storyline with domestic abuse charity Refuge, will see Belle interact with and observe situations that may never actually happen in reality as a way for her to tell the audience how she has been suffering amid her fear of speaking out about the abuse.
Belle actress Eden said: “I’m excited for everyone to see this dream episode as I feel it’s a great representation of what’s going on inside Belle’s mind and the constant fear, even though she is no longer in the abusive relationship. It was a very special episode to film, I understand viewers will find it distressing and uncomfortable, but I am so proud we are exploring this to its full potential to give people a real insight to what can go on.”
Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper said: “In this stylised episode we explore Belle’s worst fears and see the true extent of the impact her abusive relationship with Tom has had on her. If one person seeks help for a situation they are in because of seeing Belle’s plight it will be an achievement.
“Domestic abuse can be undetectable from outside a relationship and hopefully the scenes of Belle and then Amelia’s relationships, though difficult viewing at times, may shine a light on some aspects of domestic abuse. Charity Dingle told Belle she would be available to listen whenever Belle was ready to talk.
“Could now finally be the time for Belle to open up about the extent of her abusive relationship?” Recently, Amelia, played by Daisy Arwen Campbell, has been appearing to defend Tom, and has asked Belle why she is so upset with him.
Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment at Refuge, said: “It is important that shows like Emmerdale explore these types of storylines, and work with experts such as ourselves when developing these on-screen portrayals so viewers can be informed about domestic abuse and how it presents and learn to recognise signs of abuse in the real world.”
The storyline has also brought to attention how domestic abusers can use family pets as a “weapon”, through Tom’s mistreatment of Belle’s dog, Piper, with the writers working with Refuge and Dogs Trust. Following controversy over the dog appearing to be hurt in the show, Emmerdale reassured viewers that the animal was fine and no harm was done to it during filming.
Eden has been nominated for a 2024 serial drama performance National Television Award for the storyline, ahead of the ceremony taking place next month. The new episode will air on ITV and ITVX on September 5.
