Emmerdale has updated fans on Belle Dingle’s storyline following the recent exit of her abusive husband Tom.
Belle has taken a short break from our screens since the drama of Tom’s trial and the joy of being reunited with Piper the dog at Christmas.
Monday’s episode saw Belle make a return to our screens as she popped into Take A Vow – her former workplace – for a visit.
Leyla Cavanagh and Suzy Merton were both delighted as Belle confirmed that she felt ready to return to work.
Belle previously thrived as an events planner at the business, but she stepped away as Tom’s evil abuse started to affect every aspect of her life.
Tom was unable to accept Belle’s career and independence, so he worked to sabotage her job as he wanted her to stay at home.
Speaking in December about Belle’s long-term future, Eden Taylor-Draper – who plays her – commented: “I don’t think there’ll be an end point to that journey or that healing. Speaking to the producers and the research team, everyone’s so passionate that this story doesn’t end when this side of the story ends.
“There’s a whole other world to explore with it. I guess this is the side that you don’t often see, the aftermath and the healing. I’m really proud that it’s something they’re so focused on getting right as well.”
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She added: “For Belle to go and speak to women’s refuges or however she deal with it, I think that’ll be great to show. So I don’t think there’ll be an end point to that. A bit like her psychosis – that’s always going to be a part of her. Instead of it being something she feels is holding her back, I think hopefully it’ll be a strength.”
Tom was found guilty of abusing Belle as the case went to trial in December. These scenes marked the end of James Chase’s time in the role of Tom after nearly two years.
Emmerdale fans can see the Belle scenes tonight at the earlier time of 7pm on ITV1, or right now on ITVX.
