Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper reveals ‘unnerving and sickening’ twist in Belle Dingle abuse ordeal
Actress Eden Taylor-Draper has opened up about the harrowing storyline
EMMERDALE star Eden Taylor-Draper has addressed an ‘unnerving and sickening’ twist in Belle Dingle’s abuse storyline.
The actress, 26, joined the ITV soap in 2005, taking over the role of Belle Dingle.
Over several months, Belle endured physical and psychological torture at the hands of her husband Tom King (James Chase).
Although she managed to escape the toxic environment, Belle’s ordeal was far from over.
Addressing the character’s struggles, Eden said: “I think it’s so hard because, you know, she’s been so brave in the episode that we saw where she tells Charity and she really feels like that’s the turning point.
“Then it’s all these little things that just keep happening or the control he has or certain people aren’t sure whether to believe her and then obviously she finds a camera.
“So she knows he’s been spying on her.
“I just think she’s constantly trying to stay positive and trying to, you know, have hope but he’s battering her down constantly.”
The actress added: “I think it’s the most unnerving, sickening thing that has happened so far.
“In terms of, you know, obviously there’s the physical side of it but mentally this is horrific because it’s in her home, it’s where she’s felt safe.
“I don’t think she can really wrap her head around it.”
Belle’s nightmare began at the start of the year, when she tied the knot with Tom.
However, it didn’t take long for the vet to show his true colours.
On the pair’s wedding night, disturbing scenes saw Tom drag his new wife to consummate their marriage on the sofa.
Further abusive behaviour has included forcing Belle’s hand into boiling water.
In a cruel twist, he also staged the supposed death of her beloved dog, Piper.
With his sick abuse finally exposed, Tom made his exit from the village.
Friends and family turned their back on the villain, but it doesn’t appear he’ll be gone long.
Will Belle somehow get justice for what has happened to her?
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
