A massive turning point in the story about Tom King (James Chase)’s coercive control and abuse of his wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) in Emmerdale was reached last week.
In an episode exploring Belle’s thoughts as different potential scenarios played out, Belle finally realised she had to take some action to protect herself from the violence and torment that Tom has put her through since even before they were married.
She opened up to Charity (Emma Atkins), who was the first member of the family to spot that something was wrong because of her own experience of abuse.
Belle had been scared that nobody would believe her, after Tom successfully managed to make most people think that Belle was the one displaying problematic behaviour because of her history of mental health issues. But Charity listened and understood.
Very quickly, Charity told the rest of the family what had been going on and the full force of the protective circle of Dingles was soon in place.
With Belle adamant that she didn’t want the police involved, they agreed to bide their time – but as soon as Tom realised the Dingles knew what had been happening he was terrified, particularly at the prospect of what Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) might do to him.
Upcoming episodes see Tom desperately trying to cover his tracks by removing all the cameras he’d hidden in Belle’s house so he could observe her every move.
His uncle Jimmy (Nick Miles) questions him about what’s in his bag, and Tom tries to cover by saying that Belle is accusing him of abuse. Sympathetic Jimmy hugs him and promises his support.
Elsewhere, sympathy for Tom is at an all-time low and when Vanessa (Michelle Hardwick) and Rhona (Zoe Henry) hear how Tom has been behaving they dismiss him from his job at the vet’s.
Following the sacking, Tom mysteriously vanishes. Jimmy is concerned about what might have happened to him – particularly as Cain is on the warpath.
Has he done something to Tom to avenge Belle? Jeff Hordley has previously said that in this situation, Cain would be capable of anything.
‘It’s his little sister. I think if somebody hurt his little sister in particular I think there’s no saying what Cain would do. He’ll do what he needs to do to make things right. it is Cain and his DNA is always going to be within him, so who knows what he’s capable of?’
