Emmerdale 'makes history' with Belle episode as fans think Tom escape 'confirmed'

Emmerdale aired a special hour-long episode on Thursday (September 5) that focused on Belle King and the domestic abuse she’s been suffering at the hands of her husband Tom King.

Belle, played by Eden Taylor Draper, has suffered months of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her controlling and manipulative husband Tom (James Chase), who appears to have no end to his tormenting streak.

The episode followed on from Tom threatening Belle saying he will never give up on her. His words are the catalyst that propels Belle into a dream-like day, as she sees what might happen in her future life as she tries to escape Tom.

The story follows a dazed Belle leaving her house with each scenario she encounters playing out within the world of Emmerdale village.

Three different plots see Belle trick Tom before she is forced to stay in her abusive marriage, Cain Dingle beats Tom to a pulp with Belle being sectioned and finally, Belle finds happiness but Tom killed Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell).

When the present moment comes back around Belle leaves her home and heads frantically to Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) to confess her abuse in a very brave moment.

Emmerdale viewers were left praising the ITV soap for shining a light on domestic abuse through Belle's imagination, and her confession to Charity.

However, speculation on what happens next with Tom flooded social media with flurries of tweets predicting he will be put in prison as Charity will expose his abuse. On X, one viewer wrote: "Hope charity tells Belle to start recording conversations with Tom, it is the start of his downfall… #Emmerdale."

A second stated: "Let this FINALLY be the downfall of Tom. Charity to the rescue! I was confused at first but that was actually a really powerful episode #Emmerdale."

A third added: "So proud of Belle confiding in Charity. Here’s hoping this is the start of Tom’s downfall #Emmerdale.

"Charity will sort Tom the t*** out #emmerdale", added another.

Other fans, however, worried the whole thing – including the powerful ending – might be part of Belle's dream, and Tom could escape justice.

One Facebook user posted: "It’s stupid, how are you supposed to know what bits are the reality and what bits are the vision? Is it all visions from the part when he grabbed her back at the cottage?"

Someone else wondered: "How come Charity believes her now when she hasn't up to now? Unless this is still a dream?"

As another fan said: "Has Belle really told charity about the abuse or is that another dream future she’s dreamt?"

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX