Emmerdale: Belle Dingle says goodbye to her dog Piper
Emmerdale is set to air a special hour-long episode focusing on Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and the terrifying domestic abuse she’s been suffering at the hands of her conniving husband, Tom.
As fans of the ITV soap will recall Tom (James Chase) has been abusing and gaslighting his wife Belle for months.
She has since got the courage to end their marriage, but Tom has shown no signs of letting her go, even resorting to desperate measures when he appeared to murder her dog, Piper, in a sickening twist to get her attention.
In the special episode due to air on ITV1 and ITV on Thursday, September 5, the audience will be shown three different potential future realities that could happen to Belle.
The night before, Tom threatened Belle saying he would never give up on her. His words are then a catalyst that propels Belle into a dream-like day, as what might happen in her future life is reflected on her.
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The episode, written by Tony Higgins and directed by Tim O’Mara, follows a dazed Belle leaving her house with each scenario she then encounters playing out within the world of the famous village.
Throughout the instalment, Belle interacts and observes situations that may never actually happen in reality, as viewers 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, typical of a coercive relationship.
Emmerdale’s writers and story team have been working closely with the charity Refuge, and as a consequence, the programme is enormously grateful for their advice and support in bringing this fictional domestic violence story to air.
Actress Eden Taylor-Draper has spoken out about the special episode - but has issued a warning to the Emmerdale's loyal legion of fans.
"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," she shared.
"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 into what can go on."
Without ruining the episode, Eden teased Belle's future. She added: "This is a new page in Belle’s life. 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. Without saying the ending - I really enjoyed what the ending entailed."
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
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 via www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
