Emmerdale spoilers follow for Monday’s (June 24) episode, which can now be streamed on ITVX. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.
Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) attempt to flee Tom King (James Chase) backfired quite dramatically when her abusive husband was rushed to hospital after he was electrocuted, with doctors confirming that he was momentarily dead.
The events planner, as viewers know, has been gaslit and manipulated by the abuser ever since they tied the knot a few months ago, with Tom even pressuring her into having a baby – despite the fact that Belle has been struggling with her mental health.
But after discovering that she was pregnant, Belle knew she couldn’t have the baby and therefore arranged a termination, going to great lengths to keep her trip to the clinic a secret from Tom, who watches her every move.
In a bid to throw him off the scent, Belle told Tom that she had a miscarriage. The news left Tom reeling and, in typical Tom fashion, he was less than supportive and even attempted to pressure her into trying for another child.
Monday’s (June 24) edition of the ITV soap dealt with the aftermath of the abortion, with Belle struggling with guilt over what she’d done.
At Dale Head, she received a visit from Mental Health care co-ordinator Rachel, who was keen to know why Belle had missed her latest appointment.
Belle branded herself a terrible person, revealing her abortion ordeal to Rachel, who was incredibly supportive, but as the two discussed Tom, the medical professional grew concerned about the level of control he has on Belle’s life.
In a bid to ensure Belle’s safety, Rachel provided her with a list of domestic abuse charities but Belle told her that she’d got the wrong end of the stick – that she was the problem in the marriage, not Tom.
Rachel, however, remained convinced that something wasn’t right with Tom’s behaviour, urging Belle to take some time out of the marriage in order to protect her mental health. Realising Rachel was right, Belle set in motion an escape plan, making arrangements to join Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) in Scotland.
Tom, meanwhile, headed up to Butler’s farm for a job with Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), where he confided in Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) about losing the baby.
Things, however, took a sinister turn, with Tom finding a parking ticket for a Green Row carpark in his vehicle. Doing some research, the abuser realised that the car park in question is located next to an abortion clinic.
Realising that Belle had a termination, he lashed out at the barn, grabbing a crow bar and attacking everything in sight, suffering a high voltage electric shock which stopped his heart for a minute.
Belle, meanwhile, returned to Dale Head to get Piper the dog to take with her when Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) popped over to inform her about Tom’s accident.
Belle was numb, realising her escape attempt had failed, as she headed to the hospital to visit Tom, who was revived by Paddy after his heart had stopped.
Tom regained consciousness and informed Belle that he’s never leaving her.
While Belle’s nightmare is set to continue, the fact that Rachel knows what he’s truly like is certainly a sign that his days are numbered. Will Rachel report her concerns about Belle’s welfare? If so, will Tom finally get his comeuppance?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
