Emmerdale star speaks out on domestic abuse aftermath and says ‘story isn’t over’
Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has opened up about Belle Dingle's domestic abuse storyline and how it will continue to be explored in 2025 and beyond after Tom King is finally exposed
Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper has opened up about the long-term impact of her character Belle Dingle’s abusive relationship, hinting that the drama is far from over as we head into the new year.
The soap star, who stepped into Belle Dingle’s shoes back in 2005, has recently discussed the prolonged effects of domestic abuse which persist even after the abuser, in this case hubby Tom King played by James Chase, faces consequences for his unsettling behaviour.
Throughout the past year, viewers of the popular ITV soap have been gripped by the chilling narrative involving Belle being subjected to both physical and mental torment at the hands of Tom a situation compounded by the sudden d.e.a.t.h of her father and the traumatic loss of her dog Piper, whom she feared Tom might have k.i.l.l.e.d.
Emmerdale’s Belle Dingle had been suffering at the hands of violent husband Tom King (Image: ITV)
Christmas will, however, bring a slight reprieve for Belle when she is reunited with Piper, never having found the pooch’s remains. The realisation initiates the start of Belle’s recovery process, with her ordeal at Tom’s hands taking on a fresh dimension despite retributive justice being meted out.
Chatting to journalists during a visit to the Emmerdale studios, Eden said: “I don’t think there will be an end point to that journey or that healing. Speaking to the producers and the research team, everyone is so passionate that this story doesn’t end when this side of the story ends. There’s a whole other world to explore there.”, reports Leicestershire Live.
Reflecting on the path ahead, she added, “I guess this is the side you don’t often see – the aftermath and the healing. I’m really proud that’s something they are so focused on.”
Next year, Belle Dingle will have to deal with the after affects of Tom’s abuse
Belle’s cherished canine companion Piper will reportedly form a central part of her plotline in the upcoming episodes, as per Eden’s insights.
She added: “I think Piper will be a part of that journey. Piper is everything to her and, I do think in a way, she’s saved her from this situation. I guess it is her little therapy dog.”
Teasing what’s next for Belle Dingle in Emmerdale, Eden Taylor-Draper spilled: “I think justice would be the main thing that she wants and probably to just fully understand what she has gone through and start the journey of healing.”
“Understanding and accepting that this is not on her and this is not her fault. She did not create this.”
Emmerdale star Eden Taylor Draper has teased upcoming storylines for her character Belle (Image: ITV)
Belles eager to reboot her life, as Eden revealed: “To get her life back on track . Obviously, Tom stopped her working so she has nothing really. I think she needs to start from scratch and build herself back up again.”
Opening up about the gripping storyline, Eden said: “It has probably been my biggest year.”
She gushed: “It has been a huge honour and I feel so blessed, challenged and motivated. Every day I come into work and I just have the best time.”
Despite the plot’s bleakness, Eden admitted: “To say how dark it has been I feel like we’ve really tried to embrace and tell that story. So, we’ve just put everything into it.”
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITVX
