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  • Review of the week: Belle’s terror, Tom’s abuse worsens, and a handful of change goes very far indeed!

    Review of the week: Belle’s terror, Tom’s abuse worsens, and a handful of change goes very far indeed!

    There is a lot to review in this week’s Emmerdale, even though most of the episodes focused on one storyline – Tom and Belle and their disastrous trip to Wales.

    They set off, with Belle unaware that Tom was planning a new life for them in the isolated rural setting. Meanwhile, Charity and Cain were worried about Belle and were trying to track her down.

    Here’s what we thought of the dramatic events in this week’s Emmerdale review.

    Outside as the sun rises Belle King [EDEN TAYLOR-DRAPER] and Tom King [JAMES CHASE] are excited to have arrived at the holiday cottage.
    Belle and Tom arrived at their holiday cottage full of joy (Credit: ITV)

    Claustrophobic and tense in our Emmerdale review

    As Belle and Tom set off on their holiday, things already felt tense. Tom had hidden Belle’s phone and he was being Very Nice Indeed. But we know now that his mood can change in an instant.

    And we weren’t wrong. The episode focusing on the newlyweds in the isolated holiday cottage was tense and dramatic. The claustrophobic feeling of the cottage closing in on Belle as Tom locked her inside – and poor Piper outside – had us holding our breath.

    Tom’s manipulation stepped up over the days in the cottage. He was gaslighting Belle, lying about his job interview, and even claiming to have taken an overdose.

    The passing days, with each morning beginning with the toast being buttered by Belle, precisely as Tom liked it, was a clever touch. Especially on the final day when her bandaged hand made her awkward, and the toast was burned.

    Tom chasing Belle as she fled was thrilling and the relief when she managed to get on the bus was immense! Especially as a whole busload of passengers saw what Tom was like as he roared his fury at the departing bus!

    Outside as the sun rises Belle King [EDEN TAYLOR-DRAPER] and Tom King [JAMES CHASE] are excited to have arrived at the holiday cottage.
    Belle was nervous about whether Tom’s good mood would last (Credit: ITV)

    Going downhill

    But after the brilliance of the cottage episode, things went downhill quite fast.

    Belle appeared in Emmerdale clutching Piper, with no explanation as to how she’d got there with no money or phone. No one so much as asked how she’d done it. We were left wondering how her handful of change that was just enough to pay her bus fare, stretched to a train ticket back to Yorkshire.

    She also didn’t seem to have scratch on her, despite Tom whacking her round the face hard enough to send her sprawling on to the floor of the cottage.

    Cain and Charity look horrified as she take in the state of the holiday cottage
    Cain and Charity were shocked when they arrived at the trashed holiday cottage (Credit: ITV)

    Changing direction in our Emmerdale review

    When Charity and Cain broke into Tom and Belle’s house earlier in the week, they were all over Tom’s abusive behaviour. They clocked the cameras, the book detailing all Belle’s spends, Belle’s phone hidden in a drawer and they realised all was not as it seemed with the pair.

    BUT as soon as they caught up with Tom at the cottage and found out Belle had an abortion, they totally changed their stance. Suddenly Tom was the put upon, martyred husband, while Belle was the baddie for having a termination. And that’s a stance that left us feeling a little uncomfortable. It’s 2024, people. No woman has to stay pregnant if she doesn’t want to – even a Dingle woman – and no one should judge her for that decision.

    Emmerdale review Belle pushes Tom to the ground and screams at him in Emmerdale
    Tom’s managed to make himself the victim again, just as he did before (Credit: ITV)

    Glimmers of hope

    With Cain and Charity now firmly Team Tom, things looked bleak for Belle. But she’s managed to find enough strength to tell her abusive husband she doesn’t want to be with him. That’s one positive.

    And she started to tell Vinny what had happened. Though when he pointed out it was abusive, she denied it. Vinny’s a smart cookie though, and – as he himself said – he knows what it’s like to be abused. Fingers crossed he’s a friend for Belle in her time of need.

    Let’s hope Tom doesn’t manage to manipulate things even further in his favour as this storyline progresses.

    Read more: What we want to happen next for Belle and Tom

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

     

  • Most complained about episodes of Emmerdale ever after Tom’s abuse of Piper receives over 1000 Ofcom reports

    Most complained about episodes of Emmerdale ever after Tom’s abuse of Piper receives over 1000 Ofcom reports

    Emmerdale has landed itself in the top most complained about TV shows of 2024, according the reports.

    Broadcasting regulator Ofcom keeps track of audience complaints and The Star claims their data shows the soap is the third most complained about programme of the year so far.

    All of these complaints, which total 1189 are about the Tom and Belle abuse storyline. And most of them correspond to episodes in which Tom injected Piper the dog with drugs to make her poorly.

    And it’s not the first time animal abuse has landed the show in hot water, as these most complained about episodes of Emmerdale ever show.

    Emmerdale: Most complained about episodes ever

    Tom goes to inject Piper in Emmerdale looking murderous
    Step away from the dog, Tom (Credit: ITV)

    Piper’s abuse by Tom – 1189 complaints

    Tom felt he had lost control of wife Belle when she checked into a mental health unit in May. She refused to speak to him or let him visit while she got her head together.

    In order to get things back as he wanted them, Tom plotted to hurt Piper. He injected Belle’s beloved pooch with drugs to make her ill – therefore causing Belle to rush home believing Piper was on her last legs. Piper then of course made a miraculous recovery all put down to Belle’s return.

    The scenes received almost 1200 complaints in total. And that’s not including recent scenes which saw Tom abuse Piper again by locking her outside overnight. Something tells us, more complaints are set to come in very soon.

    Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw defended the scenes in a recent interview with Entertainment Daily! and other media.

    “It’s research-led,” she said. “One of the things that we’ve found was that that is what abusers use. They will use family pets, people that you love, they will use them as weapons against you. So, this is all based on research. I promise you it’s not just us being mean to the dog for the sake of it.”

    Ross and Charity in Emmerdale sitting in a car together looking suspicious
    Ross and Charity’s plan didn’t work out, despite the uproar it caused (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Dog-napping – 550 complaints

    Back in 2016 Ross Barton and Charity Dingle ran a dog-napping scam. They wanted to steal a dog to claim a reward. This proved once and for all that the British public will not tolerate harm coming to their beloved pooches.

    Viewers were disgusted. They claimed the plot would encourage copycats.

    Between the two main episodes the storyline featured in, Ofcom received more than 550 Emmerdale complaints.

    Ross Barton promo shot with acid attack scars on his face
    Ross was left scarred for life after the attack (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Ross Barton’s acid attack in Emmerdale – 366 complaints

    Bad boy Ross Barton crops up again. This time it was when he was doused with acid in his face in horror scenes in 2018. Sadly for Ross he wasn’t even the intended target after Debbie Dingle had planned to get revenge on her ex Joe Tate.

    Things went horribly wrong and horrified viewers turned to the regulator to express their disgust.

    However, the show was cleared after Ofcom assessed the complaints thoroughly.

    Manpreet battered and bruised and tied up on a bed as Meena loom over her
    This was where the storyline went too far according to fans (Credit: ITV)

    Meena’s murder spree – 150 complaints

    Murderous Meena was a huge storyline for the soap throughout 2021 and 2022. But for such a big plot her antics only attracted a relatively small number of complaints.

    The serial killer’s attempt to gas her sister Manpreet as well as innocent Vinny Dingle in the woods was what finally tipped the balance for some. They’d had enough and this was just too much.

    More than 150 complained to the watchdog.

    Pierce pins terrified Rhona against a wall in Emmerdale
    Rhona was terrified of her husband (Credit: ITV)

    Pierce rapes Rhona – 101 Emmerdale complaints

    In 2017 Rhona Goskirk married boyfriend Pierce Harris even though she knew things weren’t right. He had shown his abusive tendencies before, but this time it got worse and he raped her while she was still wearing her wedding dress. He then tried to gaslight her into believing it was normal.

    The disturbing scenes attracted 101 complaints from viewers, and Ofcom launched an investigation. However the soap was later cleared.

    The roof collapses on Gerry Roberts causing debris to fall everywhere in Emmerdale
    Gerry was a fan favourite (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Lachlan murders Gerry – 101 complaints

    Evil serial killer Lachlan White broke fans hearts when he claimed Gerry as his latest victim in 2018.

    He tried to kill Gerry by knocking a support column over and letting the Grange roof collapse on him. But when that didn’t kill him, he bashed his friend over the head with a large rock to finish the job. This was all because Gerry discovered Lachlan had murdered most of his family.

    The disturbing scenes attracted 101 complaints and Ofcom launched an investigation, but didn’t punish the soap over the scenes.

    Victoria tries to flee as Lee looks aggressive behind her
    The scenes of Victoria’s rape were tough (Credit: ITV)

    Victoria Sugden’s rape ordeal – 39 complaints

    On a night out, Victoria Sugden was raped by Lee Posner in her own home in 2019. The brutal attacked played out before the watershed as he locked her in her bedroom and threw her down onto the bed.

    Although the rape itself was not shown, the harrowing scenes caused horror amongst fans as disturbing sounds could be heard.

    Ofcom received 39 complaints over the scenes. No further action was taken, however.

    Read more: Tom and Belle in Emmerdale – what we’d like to see happen next

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • Belle escapes Tom back to Emmerdale but key detail leaves fans baffled: ‘Not realistic at all’

    Belle escapes Tom back to Emmerdale but key detail leaves fans baffled: ‘Not realistic at all’

    Belle Dingle finally escaped abusive husband Tom King in last night’s Emmerdale. But one particular thing left fans more than a little confused.

    After jumping on a local bus and giving them all the change she had, Belle managed to get from Wales to Yorkshire in record time and with no cash or phone to help. So how did she do it?

    Belle running from Tom on Emmerdale
    Belle managed to get away at last (Credit: ITV)

    Belle escapes Tom in Emmerdale

    Wednesday night (July 24) showed flashbacks to Belle and Tom’s week together at a holiday cottage. From every morning Belle carefully buttering his toast, just the way he liked it, to Tom’s abusive and manipulative behaviour getting worse and worse, the episode was a masterpiece of television.

    But it was Tom locking Piper the dog out all night that was the final straw for Belle. Especially when he then blamed her for not bringing Piper inside, even though Tom had locked Belle in the house.

    Taking her chance while he was in the shower, Belle grabbed Piper, locked Tom in the house and ran. He jumped out of a window and chased after her through the rolling fields. Fortunately for Belle a local bus was driving by and she flagged it down to pick her up. The kindly bus driver took one look at her, saw Tom chasing and raging after her and ushered her on. She even told her her few pounds would take her ‘as far as she needed’.

    Belle looks drained and wiped out as she arrives at the Dingles
    At least she’s safely home (Credit: ITV)

    How did Belle get back to Yorkshire in Emmerdale?

    Given Belle and Tom were holidaying in a remote cottage far, far away from anyone or anything else, it was something of a surprise when Belle seemingly managed to get the local bus service to drive her all the way to back to the Dales.

    Or at least somehow she made it back – in pretty much record time as well – with no cash, no cards and no phone. Nothing but a dog. Piper’s cute, but we don’t reckon cuteness pays a bus fare!

    So how did she do it?

    Cain and Charity look worried and confused in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Cain and Charity also made it there and back at supersonic speed (Credit: ITV)

    Fans ask the question

    Fans are wondering the same thing!

    “I wish I could get a bus from Wales to Yorkshire (at all, not to mention for a fiver or whatever Belle had). Not very realistic. England & Wales are separate. Most won’t let you off with being 5p short, on a train earlier or later than booked, with a dog etc etc…” declared one confused viewer.

    Another added: “Bloody hell Belle, the bus driver wasn’t lying. That all-day bus ticket DID allow you go as far as you wanted!”

    “Now I love Emmerdale, but how did Belle get from wales to Yorkshire on no money?!” questioned a third. A fourth agreed: “Ok….so Belle travelled all the way from Wales to Emmerdale by bus with just a few pence on her??”

    “How did Belle pay for the bus home from Wales without her phone, when she gave her last £3.50 to the local bus driver?” queried yet another.

    Meanwhile a sixth said: “I’m impressed by how Belle got that bus back to Leeds which would have taken six hours. Or did she catch a coach which the cheapest ticket would have been £20. Yet she could only give the bus driver £4? I’m confused!”

    So are we!

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • Charity and Cain have gone from heroes to ‘I wanna kick their heads in’ in one episode, scream fans

    Charity and Cain have gone from heroes to ‘I wanna kick their heads in’ in one episode, scream fans

    Emmerdale fans have turned on Charity and Cain after last night’s episode saw them side with Tom. It was a real what the heck? moment when Charity especially started to question Belle’s side of things.

    Earlier in the week had shown so much promise as Cain declared: “He’s a dead man.” But one glare of those manipulative eyes from Tom and he was suddenly siding with the devil.

    And it left fans – and us – absolutely seething.

    Charity and Cain are seriously worried after finding blood on the door
    He’s a dead man, is he Cain? Doesn’t look like it from where we’re standing (Credit: ITV)

    Charity and Cain side with Tom in Emmerdale

    Things had started so well – finally, finally, someone was on to the abuse. Charity knew what Tom was, she even compared him to DI Bails, her own abuser.

    Determined Charity was not going to let it lie and then broke into Tom and Belle’s house with Cain on Tuesday July 23. They were all over Tom’s abusive behaviour. They clocked the cameras, the book detailing all Belle’s spends, Belle’s phone hidden in a drawer and they finally realised something was very, very wrong.

    Heading straight to Wales they found the cottage the couple were staying in and saw it had been trashed. They even found blood on the walls.

    “Whatever he’s done, he’s a dead man,” declared Cain. YES! we all screamed. Tom was going to get his comeuppance and Belle was going to be saved. Right? Right?

    Wrong.

    After Wednesday’s flashback episode (July 24) showed what had really happened during Tom and Belle’s week away, viewers were delighted Belle had finally escaped her abusive husband.

    As Thursday’s ep opened, Tom came down the stairs to find Cain and Charity in the house. He spun them a tale about Belle fleeing after an argument. He then dropped the bombshell she had had an abortion not a miscarriage. This piece of information seemed to cause Charity and Cain to do a complete 180 and believe Tom that Belle was the one with the problem and he was the innocent, injured party.

    Even when Belle said Tom had hidden her phone, Charity, who had found the phone and declared Tom must have hidden it, said: “Why would he do that?” WHAT?  How has her weeks of suspicion and evidence building, turned into her total backing of Tom?

    Belle looks crazy-eyed as she begs Charity and Cain to listen to her in Emmerdale
    Belle is undoubtedly terrified yet Cain and Charity still believe Tom (Credit: ITV)

    Fans fume

    The episode left fans absolutely furious – and we are totally with them. Why on earth would Charity in particular believe Tom over Belle?

    “Everything was going well until you managed to give Cain and Charity a lobotomy in making them all of a sudden believe Tom’s lies,” fumed one. They added: “From being the abuser to being the abused ABSOLUTELY [BLEEP] RIDICULOUS YOU STUPID PRODUCERS AND SCRIPT WRITERS.”

    Another said: “Really disappointed how quickly Cain and Charity believed Tom! Charity just completely forgot all the red flags she had spotted before?”

    “How can Charity go from thinking Belle’s being abused to believing the [bleep] that’s coming out of TomTit’s mouth? Incredibly frustrating,” shared a third.

    A fourth agreed: “How has Charity been swayed so quickly after her adamant belief in Tom’s horrible nature not 24 hours prior? Including the fact she was convinced that a member of Belle’s mental health team – intimately aware of her health – was not trusting of Tom.”

    “Cain and Charity have gone from being my heroes to I wanna kick them both in the head in one episode. Wake the [Bleep] up. ESP you Charity,” raged someone else.

    A sixth also said: “Charity was wholly convinced Tom was hurting Belle, yet now Belle’s trying to tell her the same thing she doesn’t believe her!!! Don’t [bleep] me off.”

    They’re about as angry as we are. Sort this out, Emmerdale. Quick.

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • 5 reasons Paddy and Mandy’s marriage is already doomed

    5 reasons Paddy and Mandy’s marriage is already doomed

    Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale is hiding a big secret from fiancé Paddy Kirk: she is in mountains of debt and she can’t afford to pay for their wedding.

    Building a relationship on secrets doesn’t exactly bode well for a happy future, does it? And frankly, that’s not the only thing bothering us about their upcoming union.

    Are Paddy and Mandy really right for each other? Or is their marriage doomed from the start? These 5 reasons suggest it could be the latter…

    Mandy and Paddy have meal in the Woolpack in Emmerdale spoilers and he smiles while she looks nervous
    If she can’t be honest, what’s the point? (Credit: ITV)

    1. Mandy is lying to Paddy in Emmerdale

    So we know, and Rhona now knows, that money is more than a little bit tight for Mandy. In fact, she hasn’t got any at all. The salon is quiet, the debts are racking up and she could only afford a cheese sandwich and glass of tap water at the girls’ boozy lunch the other day.

    Paddy is pushing 100 miles ahead with the wedding plans and doesn’t seem to have noticed how unexcited she is. In tonight’s episode (Thursday July 25) Paddy revealed their big day is set for August 15 and wanted to order the wedding breakfast at the Woolpack. Mandy quickly shushed him insisting they were just having cold food.

    She then insisted the wedding would be small and low key. Rhona seemed put out and told them: “You’ve at least got to give us a couple of thrones.” But this upset Mandy who stormed out saying: “What are we, just a joke to you?”

    Rhona apologised and Mandy confided she was having cash flow issues and was thousands of pounds in debt. “Don’t even think about telling him,” she said when Rhona said Paddy was going to find out.

    So Mandy is starting her marriage off on a lie. A whopper of a lie. Thousands of pounds worth of lies. And it’s not the first time she’s lied to him…

    Neil and Mandy look guilty in a clinch as Paddy looks angry in Emmerdale
    Can Paddy really trust her? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    2. Mandy has cheated on Paddy

    There’s a saying, isn’t there? ‘Never go back’. And there’s another saying: ‘Once a cheater, always a cheater’. There’s a reason things didn’t work out the first time: Mandy lied to Paddy when she cheated one him.

    Mandy and Paddy married in 1999, but by 2000, Mandy had started going to Southampton to care for her sick dad, Caleb. When Paddy travelled down to surprise her he discovered she was having an affair with Caleb’s carer, Neil.

    Mandy followed him back to Emmerdale and in a special two-hander episode opened up about her affair. She told Paddy all her past relationships had made her feel worthless and she insisted she only slept with Neil once.

    As she challenged Paddy saying he would have done the same in her shoes, Paddy snapped and grabbed her, screaming he hated her and would never betray her. Mandy decided to leave, but Paddy then begged her to stay before they headed to the bedroom.

    However, after their tryst, Paddy couldn’t pretend everything was okay. He realised she came back to him out of guilt and that she loved Neil. He told Mandy to leave and devastated, she did.

    Paddy has done his far share of cheating in relationships too, so can either of them really be trusted not to stray again? Is the past ever really in the past?

    Mandy tries not to laugh after Ella pours a pint over Jules
    Ella defended Mandy, but Paddy didn’t (Credit: ITV)

    3. Paddy has been really cruel to Mandy in Emmerdale

    We’re not entirely sure we’d ever forgive Paddy for the way he treated Mandy at the Vet Ball back in January. He was honestly vile.

    Mandy arrived to support her other half, in a black dress with safety pins attached to it a-la 90s Liz Hurley. She’d wanted to impress everyone and had spent £100 on the outfit (might be where her money troubles started TBH).

    Belle told Mandy that she looked lovely, however Paddy didn’t say anything about Mandy’s appearance. And then Jules, who had organised the whole event and seemed to be the big cheese in the veterinary world, mocked Mandy’s outfit.

    Even though she was upset, not only did Paddy not defend his girlfriend, he actually failed to even mention that Mandy was his girlfriend. Instead, he pretended he was still married to Chas and she just hadn’t been able to make it.

    When Ella poured her drink over Jules in defence of Mandy, Paddy thought Mandy had done it and yelled at her in front of everyone. He accused her of making a show of herself and wouldn’t let her explain what had really happened.

    Even though he apologised and even though she forgave him, we can’t quite forget how absolutely awful he was to her. And if he was ashamed of her then, what has changed now?

    Paddy kisses Chas while sitting at the kitchen table
    Chas was the one who pulled away, not Paddy (Credit: ITV)

    4. Is Paddy over Chas?

    Point three brings us nicely to point four. Paddy lied to Jules that he was still married to Chas – why? Is he not over her? Is Mandy just a rebound?

    He has also kissed Chas – when she received her cancer diagnosis and he was comforting her. And she was the one who pulled away, not Paddy. Mandy found out and forgave him, again, because he dressed up as Prince Charming and proposed.

    Making a grand gesture after kissing your ex? Smells like guilt to us. And wanting to bury your real feelings by convincing everyone you’re over your cheating wife. But we really don’t know if he is…

    Mandy looks happy and surprised as Paddy proposes to her in Emmerdale
    Mandy was quick to say yes after saying no before (Credit: ITV)

    5. It all moved too quick

    Okay, so you’d hardly call a 25 year on and off romance ‘quick’, but cast your minds back to mid-March 2024. Paddy asked Mandy to move in with him and she said no. She liked how things were between them and she was happy things weren’t moving too fast.

    Fast forward all of two weeks later to the end of March and Paddy is proposing and Mandy accepts. So she’s not ready to move in together, but she will marry him – and in between all of this he kissed his ex.

    So tell us, Paddy and Mandy, exactly how many cracks are you trying to cover up? Is this wedding too much too soon? Is their relationship doomed all over again?

    We might be rooting for them, but we can’t help but wonder if it’s like rooting for a chocolate teapot to make a decent cuppa…

    Read more: Spoilers: Mandy keeps her financial situation a secret from Paddy

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • Tom and Belle: What we’d like to see happen next

    Tom and Belle: What we’d like to see happen next

    Belle has finally left Tom in Emmerdale, but we know this is far from over. Suddenly everyone thinks she’s at fault and he’s a good guy, never mind that she’s the quivering wreck, it’s all her fault for having mental health problems. Poor Tom, eh?

    Fortunately we know the storyline does have an end point. Unfortunately that end point is still a fair way off.

    Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw recently confirmed to Entertainment Daily!: “We said right from the beginning that we wanted to tell this story as truthfully and as authentically as we can.

    “Let’s face it, for people who are subjected to domestic abuse, this isn’t something that’s over in a couple of weeks. This is something that goes on for a long length of time and we wanted to be truthful to that.”

    Addressing the length of the storyline, Laura confirmed: “It’s going to run until the end of this year.”

    Tom looks angrily at Belle
    Is prison too good for Tom? (Credit: ITV)

    James Chase on the end for Tom in Emmerdale

    Meanwhile actor James Chase has confirmed Tom getting his comeuppance is inevitable.

    He recently revealed: “He can’t get away with it. She needs justice for what happened to her and I think also the viewer needs that. From all the hell we’ve seen Belle get put through, we have to see her win in the end or at the very least, for him to lose.”

    So, what would this mean for Tom? James suggested: “I think definitely at least prison, there needs to be at least that.”

    Emmerdale: Tom screams as he smashes up the barn
    This was too easy for Tom’s ending (Credit: ITV)

    How do Emmerdale fans want it to end for Tom?

    It’s a mixed bag for fans of the soap – some want him to die a horrible death. Others are determined he should face justice.

    When Tom was recently electrocuted after he had an almighty tantrum and smashed up Moira’s barn, some fans had been hoping he would be killed off and end Belle‘s suffering then and there. But others disagreed.

    Tom needs prison

    “Tom deserved that, but so glad he’s not been killed off, that would be the easy way out for him. When the truth gets out, Tom needs to be arrested. Feel so sorry for Belle, she nearly managed to escape,” one Emmerdale fan posted on Instagram.

    A second agreed: “Hope he doesn’t lie and gets his comeuppance the proper way to set a good example to those who are actually going through something so abhorrent (the good example being that they can get proper justice).”

    “Villagers need to know what he has put Belle through and what a nasty piece of work he is. So they can tell him to his face. Apart from that most of them won’t believe it after he has died. They still think he is Mr Wonderful,” one more added.

    Piper the dog in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Piper has a cute face, but does she have a vicious side? (Credit: ITV)

    Piper to eat Tom?!

    After last night’s thrilling episode that saw Tom leave Piper outside all night before she and Belle eventually made their escape boarding a bus away from Tom, fans have come up with a different idea of what should happen.

    “I predict that Belle kills Tom then feeds his body parts to Piper as final revenge,” said one. A little bit sick, but okay…

    It seems someone else agreed: “Stab him in the neck Belle, then dispose of his body by feeding him to Piper.”

    “POSION HIS DINNER BELLE!!!!” screamed one more.

    Charity and Cain are seriously worried after finding blood on the door
    Will Cain make good on his threats? (Credit: ITV)

    Cain to kill Tom

    On Tuesday night (July 23) Cain made the threat: “Whatever he’s done, he’s a dead man.” And now viewers are desperate for him to make good on that.

    “He’s a dead man!’ PROMISES, PROMISES CAIN! You better deliver!” one fan wrote on X.

    Another urged: “Go get the creep Tom, Cain. Knock him out!” A third said: “Make sure you finish him Cain, but not before you make him suffer!”

    Finally, another person contributed: “Cain ‘If Tom has hurt Belle, he’s a dead man.’ Just what we’ve wanted to hear for months. Just do it, Cain.”

    However one more mused: “Don’t think I want Cain to kill Tom, I want him to torture him the way he’s tortured Belle.”

    Tom on the phone looking arrogant
    Tom needs to get his comeuppance (Credit: ITV)

    The Emmerdale Insider team on what should happen to Tom next

    We’ve certainly got our opinions here at Emmerdale Insider on how Tom’s comeuppance should be served. In fact, it’s a point of much discussion most days!

    Kaggie Hyland, Editor-in-Chief

    “I want Tom dead and I want Belle to kill him. Or Piper to rip his throat out.”

    Carena Crawford, Editor

    “Tom needs to go to prison, but not before Cain has dealt out some justice. But I agree with Belle – I don’t want Cain to go to jail for someone like Tom, so perhaps he could set Moira’s murderous moos on him! Tom definitely needs to suffer before he goes down for a long, long time.”

    Tamzin Meyer, Assistant Soap Editor

    “I want Tom to go to prison. Justice for Belle!”

    Laura Morgan, Freelance Writer

    “Tom should rot in prison for what he’s done to Belle. And with any luck he’ll end up in a cell with Matty’s prison bully, Robbo!”

    Joel Harley, Freelance Writer

    “If I had my way, I’d see Piper the dog chew his nether regions off while he writhes on the floor begging an unsympathetic Belle for mercy… but I’d settle for having Cain, Charity and the Dingles give him a good hiding.”

    Read more: The King family tree: Tom King, sons Jimmy, Matthew, Carl and Max and their tragic demise

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • Co-stars heap praise on Eden Taylor-Draper and James Chase over ‘phenomenal’ performances in standalone episode

    Co-stars heap praise on Eden Taylor-Draper and James Chase over ‘phenomenal’ performances in standalone episode

    The cast of Emmerdale have showered stars Eden-Taylor Draper and James Chase with praise following last night’s ‘INCREDIBLE’ (to quote Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley) episode of the soap.

    In a culmination of months of abuse, Belle Dingle finally broke free of abusive husband Tom King’s campaign of terror. This came as he brought her and pup Piper out to an isolated cottage in Wales, where he hoped to start their new life.

    Tom looking sinister on Emmerdale
    It didn’t take Tom long to turn nasty… again (Credit: ITV)

    Belle flees as Tom turns the screw

    Belle was horrified as Tom turned up his cycle of abuse, reprimanding her for a dry roast and burned toast. He then locked poor Piper out in the garden overnight, while locking Belle in the house.

    As his manipulation turned violent – striking Belle while he mansplained a story to her, Belle began to realise that it was make-or-break for their marriage – as in, she needed to make a break for it.

    Belle looks worried on Emmerdale; in the background, Tom looking angry
    James and Eden’s co-stars had lots of good things to say (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale stars praise ‘incredible’ performances of Eden Taylor-Draper and James Chase

    As the episode ended, with Belle boarding a bus away from a rampaging Tom, the actors’ co-stars took to Instagram to praise Eden Taylor-Draper and James Chase, who play Belle and Tom.

    “Phenomenal, that finale,” said Ella Forster actor Paula Lane, in an Instagram story.

    “INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE. @swedentd @justjimmychasing @seanhealy.jnr on tonight’s gripping episode. Edge of your seat all the way – a tough watch, this story is going on in so many households – what a team, you should all be so proud of yourselves. Such power in this episode. Mr Sean, BRAVO,” wrote Lisa Riley, tagging in the episode’s director, Sean Healy.

     

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    A post shared by Lisa Riley (@lisajaneriley)

    “Well done Eden, Jimmy. You brilliant girl, so proud of you,” said Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden on the soap.

    “Absolutely outstanding episode of Emmerdale tonight… all concerned smashed it,” wrote former Emmerdale star and Dan Spencer actor Liam Fox.

    “Well done Emmerdale a powerful episode tonight. Felt sick watching it!  Well done Eden and Jimmy incredible work,” agreed Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Robinson.

    “Such a tough but important story,” said Matty Barton star Ash Palmisciano.

    In their praise for Eden and James, members of the cast highlighted the importance of the story in raising awareness of abusive relationships such as Belle and Tom’s.

    Refuge’s free National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 for confidential specialist support on 0808 2000 247.

    Those struggling can also visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to speak to an adviser on their live chat.

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • Fans praise ‘trooper’ Piper the dog amid Tom and Belle story

    Fans praise ‘trooper’ Piper the dog amid Tom and Belle story

    Fans of Emmerdale have heaped praise upon one performer in last night’s episode of the soap – Piper! Amid a terrifying showdown between abused housewife Belle Dingle and the demented Tom King, poor pup Piper continued to steal everyone’s thunder.

    The most recent episode of the soap was a flashback which showed what happened during Belle and Tom’s fateful holiday to Wales. Tracking Belle down to the remote cottage, Cain and Charity were horrified to find her gone – with blood smeared all over the walls.

    Tom glaring as he talks to Belle on Emmerdale
    Tom has continued to take out his mean temper on little Piper (Credit: ITV)

    Inside Belle and Piper’s ordeal

    Scenes aired on Wednesday July 24 showed Tom continuing to torment Belle – and her little dog too.

    Infuriated by a wet and muddy Piper, Tom told Belle that if she couldn’t train Piper properly, then he would. He then marched Piper outside, locking her out overnight. After he left the house, locking Belle inside, she climbed out of a window to give Piper water and food. She then snuck back inside as Tom returned.

    Tom’s manipulation of the situation continued as he told Belle that she was being cruel to the dog by not bringing her inside, denying that he had locked her in the house.

    Thankfully, Belle and Piper made their escape not long after, fleeing to a nearby bus which sped them away from raging Tom.

    Piper the dog in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Little Piper stole the show (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale fans praise ‘trooper’ Piper

    As the episode aired, a number of fans took to social media to praise the cast. And this included plenty of shout-outs for little Piper.

    “Just watched tonight’s Emmerdale. Absolutely superb stuff. More like a movie than a soap. Hats off to the cast and crew tonight. Brilliant stuff. And more importantly Piper. They always say ‘Never work with animals’ in TV & film but that dog has been a trooper!” exclaimed one viewer, via X.

    “Well how many of us were shouting good Piper when he came to call – and Belle got away,” said another.

    “Great acting both – and Piper,” wrote a third.

    “Little Piper all muddy shivering and shaking outside the house on Emmerdale made me so sad,” another fan said.

    Belle and Tom seem to have escaped their tormentor for now… but is their ordeal over for good?

    Read more: Emmerdale spoilers tonight reveal Cain and Charity’s fears for Belle

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • Tom could still catch up with Belle as fans predict his terrifying next move

    Tom could still catch up with Belle as fans predict his terrifying next move

    Belle Dingle finally made a run from abusive husband Tom King in last night’s episode of Emmerdale. Climbing aboard a waiting bus, it seemed as though Belle had escaped her husband’s reign of terror once and for all.

    This came as their romantic getaway soured, with Tom putting his plan to forever isolate Belle from her friends and family from the Dales into action. As the pair hunkered down in a remote cottage in Wales, Tom’s true colours didn’t take long to re-emerge.

    Belle cowers on the floor in Emmerdale
    Tom soon turned violent against his wife (Credit: ITV)

    Belle flees as Tom attacks

    After locking pup Piper outside overnight, Tom continued his abuse of Belle, sending her spinning to the floor with a violent slap. As she cowered on the floor, bleeding, while Tom ranted at her, something snapped within Belle.

    Snatching up Piper, she fled from the house, locking Tom inside. This gave Belle the distance she needed to run – making her way across the Welsh wilderness to the road, where she managed to flag down a solitary bus.

    As Tom raged, Belle and Piper climbed aboard… finally free of terrible Tom.

    But for how long?

    Belle running from Tom on Emmerdale
    Run Belle, run! (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale fans worry that Tom might catch Belle

    As the credits rolled on the episode, a number of soap fans fretted that Belle’s escape may not be so clear-cut. Indeed, some wondered whether Tom might catch up with his wife still.

    “We’ve still got Friday yet…” warned one fan on Reddit, as viewers cheered on Belle’s escape.

    “I have a sick feeling that Tom will be at the next bus stop, so I hope the driver calls ahead for the police to ensure there is no incident,” said another.

    “Why didn’t Belle take the car? Hopefully she’s hidden Tom’s keys so he can’t race after the bus,” a third worried.

    “I just have a feeling it doesn’t end here and he’ll drive after the bus. Hope I’m wrong and he gets a Cain-ing,” said another.

    Has Belle finally managed to escape Tom… or does he have more up his sleeve for her and Piper?

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

  • Amy Walsh cast in new film alongside real-life EastEnders star husband Toby-Alexander Smith

    Amy Walsh cast in new film alongside real-life EastEnders star husband Toby-Alexander Smith

    Emmerdale star Amy Walsh is set to front a new film alongside her husband – EastEnders star Toby-Alexander Smith. Toby has also written the film himself.

    The casting news was announced earlier this week as Toby revealed what he has been up to lately. He was also asking for help funding the project, which is called Calm. It tells the story of a first-time dad struggling when he feels a disconnection from his son.

    Emmerdale star Amy Walsh and husband Toby-Alexander Smith talk on Loose Women
    Amy and Toby share a daughter and will soon be sharing a screen (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale star Amy Walsh cast alongside husband in new film

    Taking to social media, Toby shared the news alongside Amy: “CAST ANNOUNCEMENT: One of the perks of writing your own film is you get to choose who you work with. I chose this incredible actress…who just happens to be my wife. Me and Amy Walsh will playing opposite each other in the roles of Sam and Jess.

    “Amy was involved in an incredibly impactful postnatal depression storyline in Emmerdale in 2021 which received huge praise from ITV viewers.”

    He then shared that the independent movie is a kickstarter and needs help funding it. They have 28 days to reach their target.

    Fans and friends were really excited. Toby’s former EastEnders co-star Shona McGarty (Whitney Dean) sent clapping emojis and wrote “fantastic”.

    Other fans declared they couldn’t wait to watch it. Meanwhile someone else said: “You and Amy are both such great actors.”

    Tracy gossips with Vanessa while Ella looks on upset in the cafe
    Tracy’s not making herself liked at the moment! (Credit: ITV)

    Is Amy Walsh leaving Emmerdale as Tracy Robinson?

    Amy has not confirmed she is leaving the soap as Tracy and it is thought this will just be a side-project. Emmerdale Insider has contacted reps for comment.

    However things aren’t going well for Tracy at the moment. After the breakdown of her marriage to Nate Robinson following her affair with Caleb Miligan, Tracy also lost her dreams of opening her own forest nursery.

    Left with nothing, Tracy is down on her luck. She is working in Pollard’s shop and thinking the world owes her a favour. She’s now gone to war with Ella Forster over the receptionist job at the vet surgery. Taking her frustrations out on Ella, Tracy is making no friends at all.

    In fact, fans have had enough of her. “Why is Tracy [Bleep] back?” queried one, adding: “She is just another person who adds nothing to this programme…plus her voice sets my teeth on edge.”

    “Oh go away Tracy…this from a woman who can’t keep her underwear on and cheated on boring Nate after a few months of marriage,” shared another.

    A third queried: “What purpose do Vanessa and Tracy serve? They don’t care about Frank’s death and just are two boring judgemental hypocrites.”

    So with Tracy not popular amongst viewers, maybe Amy taking a break from the character could be a good thing!

    Read more: Review of the week in Emmerdale – Tracy’s got a lot to say

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.