ITV Emmerdale's Belle Dingle star enjoys break from soap as gruelling storyline airs

Emmerdale's Belle Dingle will be the focus in a special hour-long episode (Image: ITV)

Emmerdale's Belle Dingle, portrayed by Eden Taylor-Draper, is set to take centre stage in a special hour-long episode on Thursday night.

The upcoming scenes will see the popular ITV soap focus on Belle and her harrowing domestic abuse storyline at the hands of her villainous husband Tom King, played by James Chase. This comes as part of the show's recent exploration of a coercive control storyline involving Tom and Belle.

Meanwhile, away from the drama of the village, Eden, 26, who has been playing fan-favourite Belle since 2005, seems to have taken a well-deserved break from the intense storyline and filming.

Earlier this week, she shared a series of sun-soaked photos from Italy's Amalfi Coast on Instagram. The pictures showed Eden enjoying outdoor meals, relaxing pool days, swimming in the clear sea, and admiring beautiful sunsets.

Eden Taylor-Draper has shared snaps from a getaway (Image: ITV)

In recent episodes, Tom has once again targeted his estranged wife Belle in a disturbing camera twist, even using their dog Piper as a target.

After Belle declared she had no intention of reuniting with him and was ending their marriage following months of abuse, an enraged Tom retaliated, reports the Mirror.

Emmerdale is set to air a special episode on Thursday, where viewers will be given a glimpse into potential future realities for Belle.

On the eve of this episode, Tom threatened Belle, vowing never to give up on her. His words trigger a dream-like day for Belle, as potential future scenarios are reflected back at her.

Emmerdale: Tom King gives Piper the dog to a new family

A synopsis teases: "The story follows a dazed Belle leaving her house with each scenario she then encounters playing out within the world of the Emmerdale village. As Belle interacts and observes situations that may never actually happen in reality, we realise the horror of what could occur in her future. Up until now, Belle has been fearful of speaking out about the abuse she has been suffering, which is very typical of a coercive relationship."

Eden, who plays Belle in the show, recently discussed the upcoming episode, saying: "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."

*If you have been affected by this story, you can access free and confidential support from Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and digital support via live chat Monday-Friday 3-10pm. You can also visit the tech safety website to learn more about technology-facilitated abuse.

Emmerdale airs every week night at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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ITV Emmerdale's Belle Dingle star enjoys break from soap as gruelling storyline airs

ITV Emmerdale's Belle Dingle star enjoys break from soap as gruelling storyline airs

ITV Emmerdale's Belle Dingle star enjoys break from soap as gruelling storyline airs

ITV Emmerdale's Belle Dingle star enjoys break from soap as gruelling storyline airs

ITV Emmerdale's Belle Dingle star enjoys break from soap as gruelling storyline airs