Emmerdale star Eden, who plays Belle in the soap, has finally talked about the Tom-Belle storyline and described it as the “right way to end it.” Now that Tom is due a trial for his abuse and assault, it seems like curtains are drawing in on the Tom-Belle plot. Though Tom has tried his best to evade justice and intimidate Belle, he isn’t successful in his attempts. And now, Eden has spoken about it and how she has tackled it till now.
Belle’s Role from Eden’s POV
Eden has played the role of Belle since 2005, when she was just an 8-year-old, and she is the one who can relate the most here. As Tom’s day in court nears, she thinks the ending provides an important message for the general audience. She said, “It always felt like the right way to end this story… To show to people out there that you can be listened to [and that] you can be heard,” she said. “I think that is very important. This is the ending that feels right.
She added, “And I think it’s great we are showing this. We are showing the steps for anyone out there to find the strength to do this. And you will be heard, and you will be listened to. And for us just to show there is hope. I’ve learnt so much,” she surmised. “From the minute I was told I was being trusted with this storyline, there were research chats set up with the writing department, producers and charities.”
How Eden Prepped for the Role
Eden said, “In an hour’s zoom call I already just couldn’t believe the state of what was happening and how often it was happening to people. But also how many people it affects and obviously things like technology abuse and control have been on the rise recently. They showed me how abuse is actually changing and adapting. And it is just the smallest little things that I think have probably stuck with me most. So yes I’ve learnt so much. I also feel like I am definitely more aware of certain red flags that might be at the beginning of an abusive relationship. I also hope viewers can perhaps pick up on red flags more readily too.”
Talking about audience reception, “I have never before experienced so many people reaching out. It has been very impacting to hear all their stories and just the way this story has touched people. I think it is so special and you know I’ve had people reach out and say this story has made them evaluate their relationship. Or that they’ve now managed to get themselves and their children to safety and they are now in a refuge. It is just incredible but also just so sad the vast numbers – just how many people this is affecting, so I’m really proud that we have shown this.”
