ITV Emmerdale Belle Dingle star’s four word response to abuse storyline as exit ‘sealed’

Eden Taylor Draper has opened up about her thoughts on the harrowing abuse storyline on Emmerdale.

The actress portrays Belle Dingle on the ITV soap and has been at the centre of a difficult storyline, where she has been mentally and physically abused by her husband Tom King (James Chase). In recent scenes, Tom pretended he had run over his and Belle’s dog Piper, telling his wife Piper had died – but giving the dog to someone else.

Eden has been nominated for a National Television Award and has opened up about the harrowing storyline, amid fears that Belle could even kill Tom and go to prison – or die herself at his hands, given that he will do anything to get what he wants.

Speaking about the fan reaction to the distressing storyline, she said: “I am so pleased, I think that is the point why we do storylines like these, as it is to raise awareness. And I’ve said from the beginning, if it helps, just one person that would mean the world to me.

“So the fact it’s getting this subject out there. It’s a long running storyline so people have really been on a journey with it. So I think it’s great that so many people are seeing this subject matter play out.”

Eden has received multiple messages from fans about their own experiences and she feels it has really helped her with her character.

“It’s a mix of people reaching out either online or in person. It is amazing the way people let me hear about their stories and how they have come out the other side. It’s such an honour the way they share these deeply personal things with me,” she said.

“I feel it helps me, as I take on board every little thing. Also I’m really glad to hear people feel we are portraying it correctly.

Eden says the storyline – and all the research that has gone into it – has helped her understand how prevalent domestic violence is. She explained: “Of course I knew this happened, which is so sad but I wasn’t aware how common it is and these stats until we had a meeting with the researchers, producers and the charity Refuge towards the end of last year.

“That was when James and I heard the facts and figures. We also learnt about things like Clare’s Law. The meeting was intense but we all got such an insight. Prior to that I had no idea how prevalent it was.”