Elsewhere Belle is desperate to find Piper and considers visiting Tom to get her dog back. Will she go through with it?
All this and more in Emmerdale spoilers for Christmas Eve.
The family don’t know how to deal with drunk April (Credit: ITV)
1. April out of control in Emmerdale spoilers
Things are still tense between Marlon and April following the revelation about Donna’s death and Marlon trying to set Ross up. Marlon has found out April has been trying to buy cannabis and also that Ross is living rent free in Tall Trees.
At the end of his rope Marlon threatens Ross to stay away from April for good, believing her rebellion is all because of him. Ross is cruel to April later on, following through with Marlon’s wishes and she is distraught.
And it seems Marlon has only made things worse when April spirals even further out of control. She steals a bottle of wine from the pub and begs Cathy to drink it with her, but Cathy says no. Rejected April drinks it alone and makes a show of herself in front of Brenda, Bob, Wendy and Marlon.
Marlon is furious and when April then spills wine on Donna’s memory card, he lashes out. Snapping at his daughter, Marlon only serves to make the situation even worse.
Will it be happy ever after for Kim and Will? (Credit: ITV)
2. Where is Kim in Emmerdale spoilers?
Kim goes for her traditional Christmas Eve ride and is full of happiness when she leaves the stables. However before too long, Kim’s horse is seen wandering along. Where is Kim?
Will is worried when he drives down a country road and sees the horse without his wife. Will spots a body lying on the ground and rushes over to her. With Kim unconscious he calls 999 and forgets all his revenge plans.
Realising he does actually love Kim and wants to make it work, he knows he needs to pull the plug on tomorrow’s plans to bring her down. But Peter has other ideas…
Piper wasn’t in the casket and Belle wants to find her (Credit: ITV)
3. Belle decides to confront Tom
Having discovered there was no body in the coffin she believed had Piper in it, Belle is beside herself. Her mind is racing as she wonders where the pooch could be. Did Piper really die? Or did Tom trick her into thinking she had as another cruel manipulation tactic? Confused Belle doesn’t know what to think.
Wanting answers she considers paying Tom a visit to find out where Piper is. But after everything he’s put her through, is that really a wise move? Or should Belle try and move on without Piper?
Ruby’s Christmas is not the happy affair she’d like it to be (Credit: ITV)
4. Ruby on edge in Emmerdale spoilers
With Ruby still keeping her horrendous secret close to her chest, she is under pressure as Steph insists Anthony has Christmas Day with them. Forced to agree, Ruby also invites Chas and her family, meanwhile Caleb invites Cain and Moira.
So it’s set to be a very busy Christmas at the Mill, but Ruby still knows it will be difficult. As she prepares to face it, will the distractions of family help her get through? Or is Anthony’s presence just going to ruin her Christmas completely?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Births and deaths have been the theme for many a Christmas in Emmerdale. It’s a favourite time of year to welcome new life into the village, as well as killing off other characters.
Take last festive season for example. It saw the birth of Dawn and Billy Fletcher‘s son, Evan, then just days later, gangster Damon Harris was shot dead by Charity Dingle. And it’s not a new tradition either – the soap had its first Christmas Day baby back in 1998, and its first festive fatality over 30 years ago.
Here’s a full run down of all the Emmerdale hatches and dispatches that have happened at Christmas.
A child is born in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Christmas births: Belle Dingle
For Christmas 1998 Emmerdale gave fans the best surprise present – baby Belle Dingle.
But it wasn’t only the viewers who were shocked by the tot’s unexpected arrival. Mum Lisa Dingle didn’t even realise she was pregnant before her contractions kicked in while she was tending to one of the family’s poorly pigs.
Thankfully she wasn’t alone. Vet Paddy Kirk was by Lisa’s side and helped deliver Belle into the world. Paddy rushed back into Wishing Well and summoned the family outside. And there, lying in a manger (well, a pigsty) was Lisa cradling her newborn daughter.
Stunned Zak was lost for words at the sight of his seventh child and fainted on the spot!
Bernice with her baby daughter Gabby (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Gabby Thomas
Bernice might look like a picture of serenity, cradling her newborn daughter Gabby, but there was a lot of angst and drama surrounding the tot’s arrival into the world.
The Woolpack landlady went into labour on the morning of Christmas Day during a row with her estranged husband Reverend Ashley Thomas. Their marriage was in crisis after Bernice had admitted to an affair with Spanish chef Carlos Diaz.
Unsure whose child she was carrying, Bernice allowed Ashley to accompany her to the hospital, but also requested Carlos’s presence there. As Bernice’s contractions intensified in the delivery suite, outside things were kicking off. Nicola took a swing at Carlos, while Bernice’s parents Rodney and Diane were tearing strips off one another.
Little Gabby was born that same day. Bernice was over the moon, as were the two potential fathers. A DNA test later confirmed Gabby was Ashley’s and Carlos quit the village not long after.
It was love at first sight for new parents Dawn and Billy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Christmas births: Evan Fletcher
Christmas came early for Dawn and Billy Fletcher with the birth of their beautiful baby boy, Evan.
Dawn went into labour on December 21, 2023 in the middle of the village Christmas fair. Billy was elsewhere, so Dawn had to lean on enemy Aaron Dingle for support as her contractions kicked in. Although to be fair to Aaron, he did a good job given the awkward circumstances.
The mum-to-be made it back to Home Farm in time to have the water birth she’d been longing for. Billy was by Dawn’s side as she delivered a son, who they named Evan, after his paternal grandfather.
The first year of Evan’s life has been a highly traumatic one after the tot was diagnosed with leukemia. But the brave little soul has proved what a fighter he is and even came home in time for Christmas.
Poor Leonard (in the back seat) was one the victims of the plane crash (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Christmas deaths: Leonard Kempinski
The Emmerdale plane crash, also known as the Beckindale air disaster, marked a huge turning point in the soap’s history. The episode aired on December 30, 1993 and was watched by an audience of 18 million – its highest ever viewing figures.
The village was partly destroyed when an airliner crashed into the surrounding countryside. Farmer Joe Sugden was driving his mum Annie Sugden and her husband Leonard Kempinski to the airport when he had to swerve the car to avoid debris from the doomed plane. The impact of the crash killed Leonard, and left Annie in a coma for three months.
Leonard wasn’t the only local to lose his life that night. The plane crash also claimed three others – Elizabeth Pollard (Eric’s second wife), Zoe Tate’s former boyfriend Archie Brooks and local father Mark Hughes.
It also left Home Farm heir Chris Tate with life-changing injuries that resulted in him being wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life.
Gorgeous Dave met a fiery end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Christmas deaths: Dave Glover
Dave played with fire by sleeping with lady of the manor Kim Tate. And he ended up getting burnt. Very badly.
Kim and the handsome farmhand had an on/off affair behind her husband Frank’s back for two years. When Kim discovered she was pregnant in December 1995 she didn’t know who the father was. She loved Dave, but when Frank offered her a million pounds to ditch her lover, and put his name on the birth certificate, Kim chose the cash.
Baby James was born the following year, and a DNA test later confirmed he was Frank’s. Despite all this, Kim couldn’t give up Dave, and vice versa. The duo decided they’d run away and start a new life together, but never made it that far.
On Christmas Day 1996, a fire broke out in James’s nursery at Home Farm. Dave battled through the flames to save the tot and was able to pass him through a window, but he wasn’t so lucky. He made it to hospital, but died from his injuries the following day.
Vic’s death was one of the saddest moments in Emmerdale history (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Christmas deaths: Vic Windsor
Christmas Day 1998 marked Belle Dingle’s first on earth, and postmaster Vic Windsor’s last.
The much-loved character was killed off in an armed robbery, carried out by Andy Sugden‘s jailbird dad, Billy Hopwood. The crook needed money for his new planned life abroad with Andy and decided to burgle the Post Office on its quietest day of the year. But he didn’t bank on Vic catching him red-handed.
The crook was armed with a shotgun and threatened to pull the trigger on Vic. A tussle ensued, Vic went crashing into a set of shelves and was fatally injured. He pleaded with Billy to call for help, but the thief scarpered, leaving Vic to die alone.
11.1 million heartbroken fans watched his passing and mourned his loss.
Louise killed Ray in self defence (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Ray Mullen
Evil stalker Ray Mullen met a grisly end on Boxing Day 2003, but we can’t say he didn’t deserve it.
The creepy businessman was the boyfriend of Woolpack landlady Louise Appleton. But what she didn’t realise was that he was also her stalker. For months, Louise had been bombarded by threatening letters from a mystery tormenter. Having made Louise terrified for her safety, Ray then persuaded her to move away with him to Italy.
After saying their goodbyes, the couple made their getaway on Christmas Day. But enroute Louise realised what kind of monster Ray really was. She fought back and their car careered off the road. Ray was knocked out cold and Louise fled the scene. But her nightmare was far from over.
The drama continued on Boxing Day when Ray reappeared at Mill Cottage for a final, deadly showdown. The pair fought and Louise ended up killing Ray in an act of self defence. Her pal Terry Woods discovered the scene of carnage, and helped Louise make it look as if Ray had died by accident to avoid her getting charged.
It worked and Louise got away with murder.
Tom King was pushed out of a window (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Christmas deaths: Tom King
As far as Emmerdale Christmas episodes go, Tom King’s festive murder in 2006 is one of the finest.
The King patriarch had just married gold-digging Rosemary Sinclair – much to the horror of his sons. The reception at Home Farm was in full swing, but the day was about to take a sinister turn.
Tom was upstairs when a shadowy figure entered his bedroom and attacked him with a bronze statue. Seconds later, Tom came crashing through the window in front of his horrified guests. He died of a broken neck.
His shocking murder sparked the soap’s biggest ever whodunit, with many of the locals in the frame. The investigation went on for months before Tom’s son Carl was unmasked as the killer.
Matthew King
Matthew met his maker on December 16, 2008 – the day of his ill-fated wedding to Anna De Souza.
The shocking events unfolded after Matthew’s brother Carl crashed the nuptials at Home Farm. Carl informed Anna that Matthew had watched her dad Donald die weeks earlier and refused to help him.
Shattered by the revelation, Anna fled the ceremony, while Matthew and Carl had a furious punch up. Matthew then got behind the wheel of a white van and attempted to mow his brother down.
Carl jumped out of the way and Matthew swerved the vehicle to avoid hitting Anna, but crashed into a wall and was catapulted through the windscreen.
Although fatally injured, Matthew was able to tell Anna he loved her one last time before he died in her arms.
Charity murdered Damon Harris on Christmas Day 2023 (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Christmas deaths: Damon Harris
Last Christmas Charity Dingle became a killer when she accidentally shot gangster Damon ‘Harry’ Harris dead. And it was all Mackenzie Boyd‘s fault!
Mack had an affair with Harry’s daughter, Chloe. But when he dumped her to go back to Charity, Harry swore his revenge. He kidnapped Mack and held him hostage in a deserted warehouse. After torturing his victim, Harry plotted to kill Mack.
He pulled out a gun and was about to pull the trigger when Charity (who had tailed Harry to the warehouse) jumped in to protect her husband. In the scuffle the firearm went off and Harry took a bullet. He was instantly killed.
In the aftermath, Charity battled PTSD, which nearly led her to kill again when she stabbed Mack in a trauma-induced daze.
Heath’s plans for a night out when tragically wrong (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Christmas deaths: Heath Hope
Emmerdale fans were left in shock after long-term character Heath Hope was killed off last New Year’s Eve.
Heath, his twin sister Cathy and their friend Angelica King were desperate to see in 2024 at a house party in Hotten. So the trio decided to steal nurse Wendy Posner’s car to drive to the venue. But tragedy struck enroute when the vehicle came off the road.
Heath’s dad Bob and Wendy came across the scene of the accident, and found injured Angelica and Cathy in a state of shock. But there was no saving poor Heath, whose lifeless body was slumped in the back seat. He was just 16.
Cathy initially took the blame for causing the crash, but it later transpired Angelica had been behind the wheel. She confessed and was sent to prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
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.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
With Christmas fast approaching, here’s when you can catch Emmerdale on TV during the festive schedule shakeup.
Emmerdale will air every day this week, but not always at its usual time. With lots of drama to play out on screen, including Will’s revenge plan on Kim and Belle’s reunion with Piper, fans won’t want to miss a minute.
So here’s what time Emmerdale will be on your screens.
Belle is reunited with Piper (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale’s Christmas schedule
As is to be expected, Emmerdale will feature prominently in ITV’s Christmas schedule.
The soap will air a 30 minute episode on Monday, December 23 at 7.30pm. On Christmas Eve, Emmerdale will move to the 7pm slot, where it will also air for half hour.
On Christmas Day, Emmerdale has only been allocated a 30 minute slot, which will air on ITV1 at 6.30pm. However, there will be an hour long episode on Boxing Day, which will also start at 6.30pm.
On Friday, December 27, Emmerdale returns to the 7.30pm slot, where it will air for half hour.
April is out of control (Credit: ITV)
What is happening in Emmerdale this week?
Emmerdale is its usual mix of joy and drama this festive period. Happiness heads Belle Dingle‘s way when she is reunited with her beloved dog Piper.
After Belle confides in Vinny that she believes Tom lied about Piper being dead, the two of them dig up Piper’s grave and discover her body isn’t there.
On Christmas Day, while Belle is visiting her dad’s grave, she’s overwhelmed by joy when Piper comes charging over. Vinny and Gabby have managed to find the missing dog, giving Belle the best Christmas present.
Elsewhere, Will feels the pressure over his plan to take down Kim Tate. Later, Will panics when he finds Kim unconscious, while on Christmas Day there is a flash forward scene showing a struggle has occurred at Home Farm. But who is involved?
Meanwhile, Marlon can’t cope with April’s behaviour, but he is devastated when she goes missing. He frantically searches for his daughter, but where has she got to?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
In Emmerdale spoilers for tonight, Belle Dingle tells Vinny that she never saw the body of her dog Piper and she wants to dig up the grave. What will they find?
Elsewhere, Bob can’t take any more of Wendy and Brenda’s bickering, and the pressure piles on Will.
Read below for full Emmerdale spoilers for tonight (Monday, December 23.)
Vinny and Belle make a discovery (Credit: ITV)
1. Belle and Vinny dig up Piper’s grave
Viewers know that Tom previously lied to Belle about her beloved dog Piper. After running her over, Tom lied that he’d had to put the dog down, but really he’d given Piper away.
Tonight, at Piper’s grave, Belle tells Vinny that she never actually saw Piper’s body. Suspecting that Tom might have been lying about Piper’s death, Belle asks Vinny to get a shovel so that they can dig up the grave and see for themselves.
After digging up the grave, they open the coffin. Belle’s mind races when she discovers Piper’s body isn’t inside. Will she find out where Piper really is?
Bob is at boiling point (Credit: ITV)
2. Bob’s had enough in Emmerdale tonight
Heath Hope sadly died at the start of the year after Angelica King crashed the car they were in.
Bob has been busy planning his son’s memorial concert, but his temper reaches boiling point tonight after dealing with Wendy and Brenda‘s constant bickering.
Is Will still prepared to go ahead with his plan again Kim? (Credit: ITV)
3. Will’s feeling uncomfortable
Will has been plotting with Kim’s financial advisor Peter to bring Kim Tate down, but is he having second thoughts?
Tonight, Will feels uncomfortable when Peter arrives at Home Farm and piles on the pressure for their Christmas Day plans.
Sarah and Jacob share a moment (Credit: ITV)
4. Elsewhere in Emmerdale tonight
Following April bunking off school to drink vodka and giving vapes to Cathy, Marlon and April’s relationship is on a knife’s edge tonight.
Meanwhile, sparks fly between Sarah and Jacob. Is this the start of a new romance?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale spoilers for Christmas week reveal joy for Belle Dingle, but terror for Kim Tate, who is found unconscious on Christmas Eve. And what will happen at Home Farm come Christmas Day?
Meanwhile, April is spiralling out of control and goes missing, but can Marlon find her?
Joy for Belle this Christmas in Emmerdale spoilers
Vinny and Belle open Piper’s casket and find she’s not in there (Credit: ITV)
1. Belle discovers the truth about Piper
As she visits Piper’s grave, Belle confides in Vinny that it might sound crazy, but she never actually saw Piper’s body. She is wondering if Tom was lying about the dog’s death. Vinny agrees to dig up the casket to see for themselves and they are shocked to discover there is no dog inside.
It’s a Christmas miracle – Belle and Piper are back together! (Credit: ITV)
2. Belle reunited with Piper!
As Belle’s mind whirrs, she even considers visiting Tom to find out what he really did with Piper. But on Christmas Day, as she sits at her dad’s graveside, Belle is overwhelmed with happiness when Piper runs over to her. Vinny and Gabby have found her and given Belle the best Christmas present ever.
Terror at Home Farm in Emmerdale spoilers this Christmas
Will is anxious as he attempts to go through with his plan (Credit: ITV)
3. Will under threat
Peter arrives at Home Farm and piles the pressure on Will. He wants to make sure everything goes the right way for their Christmas Day plans. Will is feeling the pressure.
Kim wants the perfect Christmas with Will – but where is she? (Credit: ITV)
4. Kim goes missing
On Christmas Eve, Kim is full of joy as she sets out for her Christmas Eve ride. However, soon her horse is seen wandering the fields alone with no rider. What has happened to Kim? Is this part of Will’s plan or is something else afoot?
5. Will changes his mind
As Will drives down a country road he is panicked when he sees Kim’s horse wandering alone. He then spots a body lifeless in a field and rushes over.
Will finds his wife unconscious and all thoughts of revenge and plotting melt away. Realising how much he loves her, he calls 999 and then tries to stop tomorrow’s plan, but Peter is not interested – can Will do anything to save Kim and himself?
Has disaster struck at Home Farm? (Credit: ITV)
6. Christmas Day flashforward at Home Farm
Eerie Christmas music plays and the Christmas tree is lying on the ground. There has clearly been a struggle – but between who? What has led to this? And where is everyone?
Marlon’s hell as April goes missing in Emmerdale spoilers
Marlon makes an upsetting discovery about April (Credit: ITV)
7. Marlon makes a shock discovery
At his wits end over April’s behaviour, Marlon scrolls through her texts after confiscating her phone. He realises she’s been trying to buy cannabis. Confronting his daughter she just storms out.
Ross steps up (Credit: ITV)
8. Ross gets the blame
Later, Marlon sees Ross leaving Tall Trees and realises he’s living there without Marlon’s permission. Furious, Marlon pins Ross against a wall, firmly blaming him for April’s behaviour. He asks Ross to break off his friendship with April.
Ross is later cruel to April leaving her distraught, but she soon realises Marlon is behind it all and he feels even worse.
April is out of control (Credit: ITV)
9. Marlon snaps in Emmerdale spoilers
April steals a bottle of wine from the pub, but Cathy refuses to drink it with her, leaving April feeling even more rejected. Getting drunk, April makes a fool of herself in front of Bob, Brenda and Wendy.
Furious Marlon doesn’t know what to do and when she accidentally spills wine over Donna’s memory card, he snaps.
Marlon doesn’t know what to do when he can’t find April (Credit: ITV)
10. April goes missing
An emotional Christmas morning sees Marlon open a sentimental present from his daughter. He is touched, but decides to let her sleep in all morning. However when he does go to wake her, he finds she’s gone. As he frantically searches for April, he struggles with his little girl going missing. Will she be found okay?
Ruby in Christmas hell in Emmerdale spoilers
Ruby is uncomfortable with Steph’s request (Credit: ITV)
11. Anthony’s presence continues to haunt Ruby
Steph insists her grandad spends Christmas Day with them leaving Ruby feeling uncomfortable following her abuse secret. Forced to agree, Ruby also invites Chas and her family so the place is full. Caleb then asks Moira and Cain to come. Ruby knows Christmas Day will be difficult.
12. Anthony makes an announcement
Increasingly uncomfortable, Ruby spirals when Anthony announces he is staying in the village indefinitely.
13. Ruby threatens her dad
The party moves over to the pub, but Anthony stays behind to ‘help’ Ruby clear up. She is overwhelmed and grabbing a carving knife warns him to stay away from her.
Also in Emmerdale spoilers this Christmas…
Bob is furious at Brenda and Wendy’s constant arguing (Credit: ITV)
14. Heath’s memorial concert causes trouble
Bob has tried to do something nice for his son’s memory, but he is furious at Wendy and Brenda and their constant bickering over it. Can he bring them together?
Sparks fly for Sarah and Jacob (Credit: ITV)
15. Love is in the air?
Sparks are flying this festive season for Jacob and Sarah – are they set for a new romance?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale tonight once again aired a format-breaking episode as Tom King finally came to an end. And yes, justice was served: he has been sentenced to three years in prison.
The episode went back and forth between evidence being given in court and the jury deliberating their verdict. And once we had reached the conclusion, Tom was taken away and we heard the stories of real women who had been through what Belle had.
Here’s how Emmerdale played out on Thursday December 19.
Belle recounted her abuse in court (Credit: ITV)
Things didn’t look good for Belle in Emmerdale tonight
At the start of the episode, the jury arrived in their room and they were equally split – six for guilty, six for not guilty. So we flashed back to Tom and Belle giving evidence in court.
They each recounted their stories and obviously told a very different tale. It was very clear in as the jury deliberated Tom had taken some of them in. Denise Welch’s character, Heidi, was not taken in though. She knew Tom was guilty. She just had to convince Karl, the Foreman of the Jury, of the fact.
Back in court, Belle’s past with Gemma was brought up and her mental health called into question. It made some members of the jury think Belle was not a reliable witness – exactly as Tom had planned.
The instances of abuse were recounted as the Dingles sat in the gallery fuming at what they were hearing. But the time Belle assaulted Tom was the only one that had been witnessed.
Credit to Tom, he was putting a sterling performance in court. If we hadn’t been watching all of these months, we might have believed him ourselves. Things were not going well for Belle.
Belle’s case worker Rachel gave testimony too, explaining her own suspicions about Tom’s abuse. However as she had no actual evidence back in the deliberation room, the jury were leaning towards Tom’s side of the tale.
Amelia took to the stand and had to admit Tom wasn’t ever violent to her.
In the jury’s discussion, Heidi continued to fight for Belle, against Karl, who was sure Tom was innocent.
Heidi (Denise Welch) was adamant Tom was guilty (Credit: ITV)
The tide turned against Tom
But soon enough, the tables began to turn against Tom as the tablet and his treatment of Carl Jnr was brought up. Then the prosecution went into detail about Tom’s filming and tracking of Belle and the small cameras he put everywhere, including in the bathroom. Plus the fact he hid it all from the police (by the way, where wasDS Foy? A travesty he didn’t appear). Tom squirmed as he clearly didn’t have answers for the evidence in front of him.
And back with the jury, the cameras were a sticking point because even staunch Tom supporter Karl didn’t have an answer this time.
Juror Kenneth had stayed silent pretty much throughout, but then he piped up with a story about an abuser he knew, who had hid it well and was a respected medical professional. Kenneth said he saw the same look in Belle’s eyes as he had seen in the wife of the man he knew and he was firmly on Belle’s side.
This certainly got the jury thinking…
Abuser Tom couldn’t believe the jury had believed Belle in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Tom was found guilty in Emmerdale tonight
As the Dingles waited outside the court for news, they were in a state of worry. But then they were called back into the court and Belle knew this was judgement day.
Karl the foreman stood up and announced they had found him guilty – on both counts. The Dingles cheered and shivers were sent down our spines.
Tom was then sentenced for his crimes with the judge telling him he has shown no remorse and doesn’t want to change. He has been sent to prison for three years.
As he shared a last, dark look with Belle, she sobbed tears of heartache, pain and relief. And it’s clear her ordeal is far from over – but it’s a start.
Belle attended a support group and we heard the stories of real women (Credit: ITV)
Real stories in Emmerdale tonight
We then flashed back to where Belle had got to the day before. She had been to a support group for women who had suffered like her.
We heard their stories, which were those of real women. It had helped Belle realise none of what she had been through was her fault. It was the most moving part of the episode as we can only scratch the surface of what these people had suffered.
Belle then tearfully told Charity she knew Tom was in the wrong and the blame was all with him. But can she move forward with her life now?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Tom King has been found guilty of abusing wife Belle Dingle in Emmerdale and sent to prison for three years. It’s the end of what has been a very real, but very long storyline.
And while it looks like Tom has gone for good, no one would blame fans for wondering if that was the case. After all, we’ve been teased plenty of times before that Tom would be no more. He’s survived multiple near-fatal incidents including being electrocuted and stabbed in the back with an axe by Belle. Plus fans thought Tom had gone for good when he was caught trying to escape and sent to prison.
However, this time, it looks like there’s no getting away from it: Tom is going to jail. So is this the last we will see of Tom King? Has he left Emmerdale for good at last?
Tom took the stand in court in Emmerdale and was found guilty despite his best acting (Credit: ITV)
What happened in Emmerdale tonight
In another format-breaking episode, that Emmerdale has become well-known for, tonight’s scenes flipped between the evidence being given in court and the jury deliberating their verdict.
Although the jury consisted of 12 people there were three particularly vocal ones: foreman Karl, played by Charles Dale, Heidi, played by Denise Welch and Kenneth, played by Jack Ellis.
Karl was very much Team Tom in the beginning, using all of Belle’s past deeds against her to paint her as unstable. In fairness, Tom did give a very convincing performance in court.
Heidi, however, knew the signs and knew Tom was guilty as sin. Kenneth stayed quiet as the two locked horns, but eventually piped up and revealed a personal experience with an abuser that made him doubt Tom and realise Belle was being truthful. He said he could see the look of sheer terror in her eyes.
After it looked like things were going Tom’s way, the vote suddenly swung in Belle’s favour and the jury reached the unanimous verdict Tom was guilty. Hallelujah!
The jury were divided at first, but eventually went the right way (Credit: ITV)
Has Tom left Emmerdale for good?
It’s music to our ears: Yes, this is the last we will see of Tom King. Emmerdale Insider reached out to the soap who confirmed the news.
At last the village is free of the evil that is Tom. His last trick has failed. He was found guilty and will serve his time.
Whether in three years he gets out and comes back to terrorise Belle is another thing, but for now, she can sleep easy knowing he is behind bars. And we don’t have to see his smug face again!
Even better than that, Belle will be smiling again by Christmas when she is reunited with her beloved Piper. She realises Tom lied about the dog being dead and lovely Vinny, with Gabby’s help, tracks Piper down and returns her to Belle on Christmas Day.
All the tissues please, this is at last the justice she deserves.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Belle Dingle took on her abuser Tom King in court this week’s Emmerdale and saw him sent to prison. It was a chilling episode that really highlighted the truth about domestic abuse, and people’s attitudes towards it.
Tom’s trial was the end of a year-long storyline that has been carefully and thoughtfully plotted with a lot of shocking moments, as well as tearjerking parts.
But did the finale really do justice to the rest of the plot? We’re not completely sure.
Tom was on trial for assault and coercive control (Credit: ITV)
Was the ending of Tom King too rushed in Emmerdale?
The majority of the trial was in Thursday’s double episode. On paper, it looked that it would be plenty of time. But actually it felt rushed. The discussions with the jury were really interesting and we definitely felt engaged with the new characters we met. But we wanted to hear more.
Denise Welch’s character, Heidi, clearly had a backstory that we were desperate to hear more about. The debates threw new light on Belle’s ordeal. But suddenly, everything was resolved and Tom was found guilty – it felt like we’d only seen half of it.
We reckon Tom’s trial could even have stood up to running across a whole week’s worth of episodes. There is a fine line between giving a story the time it deserves and dragging it out, but this all felt wrapped up too quickly – Tom was only arrested a couple of weeks ago!
We really enjoyed the discussion between the jurors and we wanted more (Credit: ITV)
Some of story missed out?
In a similar vein, it was fascinating to hear Tom and Belle’s take on various incidents, then have the jury discuss how they saw it. But it felt like lots of incidents were glossed over, or not even mentioned at all.
Which then gave the impression that Belle’s ordeal wasn’t that bad, that it was being vaguely downplayed – even though we’d watched it all and seen how she’d suffered.
Belle’s ordeal is coming to an end (Credit: ITV)
Belle wasn’t on trial
We understand how trials work – we know Tom’s creepy barrister Ollie had to plant reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury and convince them that perhaps Tom wasn’t guilty of everything he was accused of. And we also understand that one of the ways he was going to do that was by discrediting Belle.
BUT Belle wasn’t on trial. All the stuff about her history with Gemma seemed totally irrelevant. You know what would have been relevant, though? Tom stalking Chas and making her think she was losing her mind, back in 2013.
Belle was late to court because she went to a support group where she heard other women’s experiences (Credit: ITV)
The real-life stories
Soaps play such an important role in raising awareness when they tackle issue-based stories like this. This storyline has been managed so well and really highlighted the horror of coercive control. And we loved the idea of including real-life stories in the trial. But aside from the one story told by juror Kenneth, the stories were just stuck on at the end. It made them feel like an afterthought.
DS Foy was the hero of the hour when he arrested Tom. Shouldn’t he have been a witness?(Credit: ITV/Comp Emmerdale Insider)
Missing witnesses at the trial of Tom King in Emmerdale
Belle has come into contact with quite a few people throughout her ordeal who could have been witnesses for the prosecution. Rhona and Vanessa both had the measure of Tom, so did Charity and Cain, who trailed her all the way to Wales. Even the bus driver who saw Belle run away while an angry Tom pursued her would have been a helpful witness.
And of course, there’s DS Foy. Where was he?! He’s been so dogged in his determination to see Tom in court, only for him to vanish at the last minute? Very disappointing.
Now Tom’s been sent to prison and we’re looking forward to Belle rebuilding her life. It was definitely the right ending to an excellent story, but we’d have liked to see it play out slightly differently.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.Â
Follow us on our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Let us know what you think!
In recent Emmerdale scenes, Belle turned up to court at the last minute and exclaimed that she was ready to tell her story, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled!
It’s been a tough year for Belle, having suffered physical abuse and coercive control at the hands of husband Tom King. She eventually found the courage to leave Tom and report him, but that wasn’t the end of her ordeal.
It was touch and go whether Tom would get his way, especially when it appeared that Belle was a no show at court. However, she delighted fans when she arrived at the last minute.
Tom has spent a year abusing Belle (Credit: ITV)
Tom to face justice
The list of Tom’s crimes against Belle is endless. From holding her hand under scolding water and poisoning her dog to locking her in the house and punching her – poor Belle has been through it.
All the while, Tom used gaslighting to make Belle believe she was to blame or that she had misunderstood the situation. He also tried his best to alienate her from her family in order to make her rely on him.
Earlier in the week, Tom was rushed to hospital after apparently trying to take his own life. The incident left Belle feeling guilty and doubting if she should give evidence at the trial.
Fortunately, Belle saw sense. In Wednesday’s episode (December 18), after her family spent ages trying to track her down, Belle arrived at court at the last minute declaring: “It’s time to tell my story”. Go, Belle!
Belle is ready to tell her story (Credit: ITV)
Fans thrilled as Belle arrives in court
Fans took to social media to express their joy at Belle’s court arrival. “Phew! Belle has made it to the court! You’re screwed now Tom,” wrote one viewer on X. Another added: “Oh well done Belle, tell the court what an abuser Tom really is.”
Over on Instagram, another fan wrote: “Thank goodness Belle turned up to wipe that smug smile off his face.”
A fourth fan admitted to feeling emotional over the episode, writing: “I knew that Belle would turn up, but I had tears in my eyes when she did.”
A fifth fan said: “What a fab ending !! Come on Belle you can do this !!!” With a sixth adding: “YESSSS BELLE!!! I KNEW IN MY HEART SHE’D TURN UP!!”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.Â
Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Let us know what you think!
Emmerdale tonight saw Belle Dingle disappear on the morning of Tom’s trial, giving him a strong chance of walking away Scott free. Tom was smug, the Dingles were terrified, but then Belle arrived. Was it too late?
Meanwhile, there was some lovey-dovey stuff between Aaron and John, but was it all real?
Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale tonight, Wednesday December 18.
Charity, Chas, Amelia, Jimmy and Nicola did not get good news at court (Credit: ITV)
Belle disappeared in Emmerdale tonight
Very, very early in the morning, Belle wrote a note for her family and left the house. The Dingles realised she’d gone and were worried. Charity admitted she had managed to visit Tom and the family panicked even more. They split up to find Belle and get her to court.
Chas and Charity went to wait there, where Nicola, Jimmy and Amelia turned up. Everyone was freaking out that Tom was going to get away with it, especially when the prosecution said if Belle didn’t turn up it would be harder to get a conviction. Once again: Sigh.
Tom was waiting in court, suited and booted and smug when Ollie broke the news Belle hadn’t turned up. Tom was obviously thrilled – he decided if Belle didn’t take the stand he would ‘destroy her’ in court and he would get his life back.
Meanwhile, Belle was sitting on a bench alone, ignoring all the messages from her family. This might be based on real life, but it is incredibly frustrating.
As the court was called into session, Tom said this was his ‘moment to shine’ – we’ve never heard anyone so deluded!
At the very last moment, Belle arrived. She is ready to tell her story. Thank goodness for that.
Will is losing his grip on his plot (Credit: ITV)
Will’s plan was falling apart (and Billy was still an idiot)
Dawn and Billy were still at loggerheads over their living situation. Billy wants to provide for his family himself and is prepared to look a gift horse in the mouth to remain stubborn. They have 24 hours and three kids to house but Billy is convinced he can sort it. Like he has sorted literally nothing else in their lives.
Meanwhile, Will was arguing with Kim again that it was all too much and he didn’t want Dawn there. Kim was full of the joys of Christmas and brushed him off. Dawn arrived with her bags and boxes, but no Billy and Will immediately jumped on it and said Dawn shouldn’t be moving in without her husband. But Dawn wasn’t budging, she knew Home Farm was the best thing for her family.
Will decided to try Billy instead – and told him he was on his side. But Billy rebuffed his attempts to help, so Will turned to Jai instead – where he found out Kim had made him evict them. Will confronted Kim who desperately tried to make him see why she’d done it. But he accused her of keeping secrets from him.
Will whinged and moaned and complained, but Kim stood her ground and everything is going ahead as planned. He then contacted Peter, but Peter threatened his life and said he needed to stick to the plan because the mystery boss was not to be messed with.
Love was in the air for Aaron and John (Credit: ITV)
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Aaron and John were packing up after their camping trip and had an in depth conversation about John’s Swiss Army Knife (not a euphemism). They later sat together and talked some more about Aidan and agreed they couldn’t live in the past.
John decided to throw Aidan’s dog tags away to ‘say goodbye’ and move forward. Aaron’s response was to tell John he’s in it ‘for the long run’ and then he finally swallowed his pride and told John he thought he was in love with him. John said it back and there was a touching moment between the guys. But is it real?Â
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
