Emmerdale has confirmed another format breaking, experimental episode ahead, which will delve into the potential future for Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper), and how her abuse ordeal at the hands of Tom King (James Chase) will end.
For months, viewers have watched with horror as vile Tom has controlled, monitored and abused his wife verbally and physically.
Belle’s torment came to a head in a terrifying getaway in a remote cottage, where another frenzied attack from Tom led Belle to flee him.
He has vowed to either get her back and ruin her life, and recent events got even darker when he deliberately injured Belle’s beloved dog Piper and made her think she was dead.
Belle will continue to stand her ground and push back at Tom but, when she is hit by a setback when making a Clare’s Law request, which can give access to a person’s history of violence or abuse, she is feeling more and more helpless.
This is coupled with her chilling realisation that Tom is still tracking and spying on her, before then discovering with a spine-tingling shock that he is getting close to Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell).
Belle fears for Amelia when she discovers she is growing closer to Tom (Picture: ITV)
What comes next is Belle, whose history of mental illness has been weaponised against her by her cruel husband, wandering about the village in a haze, with an unsettling episode exploring three potential scenarios on how her situation may end.
The night before Tom has threatened Belle saying he will never give up on her. His words are the catalyst that propels Belle into a dream-like day, as what might happen in her future life is reflected back at her.
This will likely include her escape from the ordeal and, as horrendous statistics show, the danger that Tom could take her life.
Actress Eden Taylor-Draper, who has grown up on the show, told us: ‘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.
‘I have worked with Tim O’Mara since I was so young and I get on with him so well and it was lovely to do something that felt very different.’
Giving a little more insight into what we might expect, the star continued: ‘There is one scene we repeat multiple times throughout the episode. And Belle is always the same but the people around her change clothes, change position or change speed and I think it’s a really good way to mark the start of different sequences in her brain.
‘I think it’s a brave way to explore what is going on in her head because you never really see the imagination of a character. So to do a whole episode dedicated to her fears and her worries does feel very special.
‘The episode is a real journey. There are some really bizarre things, some really emotional things and I really enjoyed playing all those different versions of Belle.’
With the different realities striking a heavy chord for Belle, not to mention the viewers, Eden has confirmed it will be a pivotal episode for the story moving forwards, one which she is relieved the show decided to take at a slow and realistic pace.
‘This is a new page in Belle’s life,’ she said. ‘It is a new chapter. It’s the start of Belle really taking matters into her own hands and finding strength and courage. I think it is very important. I really enjoyed what the ending entailed.’
Emmerdale Producer Sophie Roper added: ‘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?’
The soap has been working with a number of charities along the way with the storyline, which has also included heavy elements of Tom using technology to control Belle.
Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge said: ‘Domestic abuse is sadly all too common, with 1 in 4 women experiencing some form of abuse in their lifetime.
‘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.’
