Emmerdale has revealed what baddie Tom King is planning to do to beloved dog Piper - and it's "horrifying."
The character (James Chase) has been left reeling recently after wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) called it quits on their marriage. As fans will recall, Tom has been abusing, gaslighting and lying to Bell for several months.
But following a dramatic trip to Wales, Belle broke free and told him their marriage was over. Tom has since moved in with the Kings - who blissfully unaware of his true nature.
Meanwhile, Belle has moved back into Dale Head after Told told her he changed the locks. However, he failed to inform her that he also got a key made for himself and has since set up cameras inside her house.
But in Friday’s episode (August 16) his behaviour takes a sinister twist when it becomes evident that he plans to harm pet dog Piper.
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In harrowing scenes, Tom is seen deliberately revving his car in the direction of the beloved animal.
Talking about Tom’s sinister plan, actor James explained: “Tom is well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog in his abuse of Belle.
“This deliberate act, although horrifying, is Tom’s way of getting back in Belle’s life. He knows her reaction to Piper being injured will mean he can then be the one to comfort her and get close to her again. It’s a desperate act, but Tom is clutching at anything at this time.”
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The Emmerdale team have been working closely with the charities Refuge and The Dogs Trust regarding the storyline.
Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw explains: "Working with the charities and hearing first hand stories from domestic abuse survivors it's clearly all too common that domestic abusers will use the family pet as a weapon.
“In upcoming scenes Viewers will see Tom go to desperate measures to try and keep control of his imploding marriage to Belle, which puts Piper in great jeopardy. Could this terrible act be the motivation that finally urges Belle to report her husband as an abuser?"
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
