Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper takes break after ‘intense’ year on ITV soap

Belle Dingle, a beloved character in the Dales since the late ’90s, is gearing up for an exit from Emmerdale after an intense year entangled in the show’s domestic abuse storyline.

Eden Taylor-Draper, who has embodied Belle Dingle for close to two decades and will be marking 20 years in the role this coming autumn, is set to shine at the British Soap Awards.

The actress finds herself nominated for Best Dramatic Performance and Best Leading Performer, whilst the gripping narrative is contending for Best Storyline.

In addition, her on-screen family, the Dingles, are in the running for the Best Family accolade, and Emmerdale itself is vying for Best Soap alongside Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, and EastEnders.

“I’m thrilled,” beams Eden, aged 27. “It’s a little bit scary but it’s been amazing. It’s so hard to put into words, but it’s been the most challenging and exciting year I’ve ever had at Emmerdale.”

Back in 2023, Emmerdale announced their plans for a domestic abuse plot focusing on Belle Dingle and Tom King, a slow-burning story that has had fans captivated.

The saga, featuring intense confrontations, heartfelt confessions, and inventive takes on storytelling — such as filming alternative endings — has offered Eden a year of both demanding and immensely rewarding work.

“The episode with Belle’s imagination of the different outcomes was challenging because it was like playing many storylines at once and there were some very intense, violent scenes, which were intense to play,” shares Eden. “It was a challenge but I also loved it and it’s one of my favourite episodes I’ve ever done.”

The gripping scenes saw Belle courageously open up to her cousin Charity Dingle, portrayed by Emma Atkins, who has been an unwavering support for Eden during filming, along with James Chase who played Belle’s convincingly wicked abuser Tom King. “Emma’s one of my best friends,” Eden reveals. “It was just so special that we got to have that moment together.”

Over the years, Belle’s character has grappled with severe mental health issues including schizophrenia and psychosis, served time as a teenager for the manslaughter of her best friend Gemma Andrews (played by Tendai Rinomhota), and was abducted by her serial killer boyfriend Lachlan White, enacted by Tom Atkinson.

Despite being entrusted with some of Emmerdale’s most significant storylines, Eden admits she has never undergone any formal acting training. “No, I’ve never done anything. I’ve just been at Emmerdale and that’s been it since the beginning,” Eden confesses.

“One of the things about growing up on the show is that everyone that I work with has been a part of who I am today in both how I act and how I am as a person.”

Growing up on set, Eden felt as though she had four parents – her actual mum and dad, and Jane Cox and the late Steve Halliwell, who played her soap parents Lisa and Zak Dingle. She also credits Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, and Jeff Hordley, who portrays Cain Dingle, as acting influences.

“I owe so much to Jane and Steve who played Belle’s mum and dad because they were just brilliant and supported me in that environment,” shares Eden.

“I’m surrounded by such talented people and it’s such a privilege to be able to work with them. I’m always striving to learn, always trying to improve myself and be, you know, very natural and also be so immersed in it.

The people around me help because everyone is so dedicated and so skilled at their craft. It definitely aids learning on the job from such a young age and getting to work with these people daily. It inspires you to keep pushing and keep growing every day.”

The domestic abuse storyline may have concluded now that Tom is serving three years behind bars, but the reaction from fans will forever stay with Eden.

“I’d never experienced anything like it with people reaching out and feeling they can share their stories,” reveals Eden. “The number of messages I’ve received from people who have followed the story.

‘Watching this unfold, I’ve got myself out of that situation,’ or, ‘I’ve spoken to the police,’ or, ‘I’m now in a women’s refuge.’ “It just blows my mind.

That is the power of soap. To even help one person, it would be incredible, so the fact that multiple people have said we’ve helped them… I couldn’t ask for more.”

In her personal life, Eden is in a supportive relationship with Ed Lewis, her high-school sweetheart. Ed will be joining her at the British Soap Awards and regularly assists her with learning her lines.

“He is great,” Eden shares. “We were friends before we got together so he’s always known what I’ve done and he’s amazing. He’ll stay up with me, running lines, until God knows what hour. He’s very supportive. ”

With a slew of nominations, Eden is bound to get plenty of screen time when the British Soap Awards airs on ITV1 on Thursday 5 June. Naturally, Eden is excited about swapping Belle’s practical padded jackets and jeans for a glamorous ball gown.”

On a night out my favourite bit sometimes is just doing my hair and makeup and listening to music,” Eden admits. “I do enjoy that bit. I’m not sorted, I don’t have a dress. It’s all going to be very last-minute, but it will be nice to get dressed up.”

Several Emmerdale stars are up for awards including Eden’s co-star Beth Cordingly who is also nominated in the Best Leading Performer category for her role as Ruby Fox-Milligan alongside EastEnders legends Lacey Turner and Kellie Bright.

Eden is buzzing with excitement for the awards night, confident that she and her pal Beth will have a blast. “I feel like whenever I’ve been at awards with Beth, she is up for a good time!” Eden says.

She’s looking forward to joining her merry crew for the event, anticipating a fabulous party atmosphere. “There’s a good gang of us and I think everyone’s in high spirits. I think that will just be a lovely party… Hopefully I won’t be hungover, but I would love maybe a little dance.”

Away from the drama of her storylines, Eden’s wanderlust takes over as she plans trips with Ed. They’re set to explore Bali, Indonesia, later this year, and Japan is also on their travel wish list.

“I do love travelling,” Eden admits. “I love a little break, I love a big break and I’ve got family in Australia so that’s really cool to get to go to the other side of the world and see them.

Last year was a bit travel-sparse due to her hectic schedule, but this year Eden’s determined to pack in as many adventures as possible.

“I love a little break, I love a big break and I’ve got family in Australia so that’s really cool to get to go to the other side of the world and see them.

Last year I didn’t really travel that much because I was so busy, so this year I’m trying to cram as much travelling in as possible. Japan is on our bucket list and we’re actually heading to Bali at the end of the year and that’s my first time going there, so that should be really nice.”

Despite her love for globetrotting, Eden’s heart remains firmly rooted in Emmerdale, where she grew up on screen as Belle. “However, home is where the heart is and having grown up on Emmerdale Belle never wants to leave.

“I love it,” she beams. “I’m so happy. I guess it’s not fully up to me, it’s up to the producers, but I am very happy there and I’d love to stay around. “.