ITV Emmerdale first look at dinner party episode as secrets exposed and relationships shattered

Emmerdale has given fans a first look at the soap’s special dinner party episode – as relationships are put under the spotlight.

On Tuesday 7th May, the ITV soap will air a very special episode which shows what things are like behind closed doors for Belle Dingle and Tom King and Rhona Ghoskirk and Marlon Dingle – as we see Belle’s harrowing reality and could a split be on the cards for Rhona and Marlon as they struggle in the fall out of Gus’ trial and Rhona going behind her husband’s back.

Speaking about the special episode, Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw revealed: “The dinner party episode puts a sharp lens on the relationships of the gathered people and gives the audience a unique view into their lives.

“Stepping away from the usual Emmerdale format, it offers our viewers the chance to see how some relationships like Rhona and Marlon’s can very publicly unravel and fall apart, whereas other relationships, like Tom and Belle’s, can present in public as perfect and behind closed doors tell a very different, much darker story.”

In a huge set of scenes, we see how the dinner party comes to fruition. Before the party, Belle is conscious she wants to take contraception and anxious she doesn’t want it sent to her home, her and Dr Manpreet Sharma find a solution. Elsewhere, Tom is left reeling when Vanessa patronises him after he messes up diagnosing an elderly dog with cancer.

The customer is furious about the mistake and it isn’t long before Tom starts to play the victim and tells Vanessa she’s made him feel unwelcome at the practice. In a surprise turn of events after his outburst, he invites all the staff and their partners to come to him and Belle’s house for dinner. When he gets home, he springs the surprise on Belle and tells her its success is solely down to her.

Rhona and Marlon are still feuding after all that happened with Gus, but they agree to meet for lunch where it’s clear things are awkward between them. Rhona tells him they’re going to Tom’s for dinner and he’s angry to find out he wasn’t consulted before she agreed to it. He agrees he’ll come to the meal but it’s clear the pair are far from getting along.

At the dinner party, tensions are clearly palpable between Rhona and Marlon whilst Paddy and Mandy seem blissfully aware and their loved up display only makes things more awkward. Whilst Vanessa, Suzy, Paddy and Mandy all enjoy the evening, Belle excuses herself for a moment, blaming the onions for making her cry, but it’s clear she’s troubled about her relationship with vile Tom.

A fight ensues between Rhona and Marlon, as she tries to leave but he rejects her choice. She seemingly ends their marriage in front of everyone – but is this really it for the couple, or will they be able to sort things out?

Elsewhere in the kitchen, it is clear Belle is struggling with Tom’s gaslighting and abusive behaviour. Critical Tom first tells her to change into a more appropriate outfit, before he later makes a discovery. Before he can confront her, the guests arrive.

When Belle pops upstairs, Tom joins her in the bathroom and threatens her. He won’t let her out of his sight when they return downstairs and it’s clear Belle needs the support of those around her. When they go to leave, Belle is desperate for them to stay but they all leave and the truth about Belle’s reality with Tom is shockingly revealed. Will Belle be ok?