Martin Fustes pleaded guilty to the assault of his partner, causing actual bodily harm, and an offence of intentional suffocation.
The soap would have been a frontrunner in the Best Soap and Continuing Drama category at the ceremony, which is due to take place in May. But following the court case has decided to pull out.
Emmerdale has pulled out of the Baftas following writer’s conviction (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale writer prosecuted
Hull Crown Court heard that writer Martin Fustes made violent threats toward his partner. He behaved in an “angry and aggressive way”. The woman in question was afraid that she was “going to die”.
Fustes was given a two-year suspended prison sentence. He also has to do 150 hours’ unpaid work, 15 days’ rehabilitation and a 26-session probation service domestic abuse programme. He was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation and £150 costs. A 10-year restraining order was also given.
A spokesperson for Emmerdale said: “We were shocked and appalled to learn about the recent court case involving Emmerdale writer, Martin Fustes.
“Mr Fustes is a freelance writer. He has been informed that he will no longer be writing for Emmerdale. Everyone at ITV and Emmerdale abhors domestic abuse, which is why we have been highlighting the issue in a major storyline over the last 12 months.
“The Emmerdale production team were not aware of these charges against Mr Fustes until we were alerted over the weekend.”
Belle was a victim of domestic abuse (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale pulls out of BAFTAs
One of Emmerdale’s major storylines over the last year has been Belle Dingle‘s abuse at the hands of Tom King. The soap therefore felt it would be inappropriate to win any award on the back of the latest news.
The Bafta team wrote to members of Bafta and told them: “ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw from the soap category from this year’s awards. This is in consideration of recent news involving a member of the scriptwriting team.”
They also confirmed that anyone who has already cast a vote for Emmerdale will be able to recast their vote.
An Emmerdale spokesperson added: “ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw the episode nominations from this year’s BAFTA TV Awards.
“This is in consideration of developments in recent days involving a member of the scriptwriting team.”
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 bosses have said they are “shocked and appalled” after a former writer on the show appeared in court, having admitted assaulting his partner.
Martin Fustes pleaded guilty to the assault of his girlfriend, causing actual bodily harm, and an offence of intentional suffocation, which took place at the family home on January 27.
Fustes has written for Emmerdale since 2006 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale writer prosecuted
Samantha Laws, prosecuting, told Hull Crown Court that the couple had been together for about 13 years at the time and were living with their children near Hull.
She said a row broke out between them when the couple were getting ready for bed. Fustes became verbally abusive and poked and prodded his girlfriend in the face and upper body with his fingers, keys and a vape. He also spat in her face.
Miss Laws added that Fustes stopped his girlfriend from leaving the bedroom and put both hands around her neck two or three times. Fustes also wrapped the woman’s dressing gown hood around her neck and dragged her back to the bed.
“He was repeatedly shoving and pushing her back to the bed,” Miss Laws told the court. “She attempted to escape. He placed his hands over her mouth and nose and stopped her ability to breathe. She could see stars.”
Miss Laws continued that the woman was able to escape through the front door of the house. “She began to run to the local police station but he quickly caught up with her and pleaded with her to return.” The woman did go home where there was more arguing and abuse.
The woman claimed in court that this assault was the culmination of more than 10 years of abuse. She said: “I thought I was going to die. I had no other option but to escape and run down the street.”
Belle Dingle was at the heart of a domestic abuse storyline (Credit: ITV)
“A serious incident”
In mitigation, Connor Stuart, said it was “a serious but isolated incident”. He said Fustes had no previous convictions and he had shown some degree of insight. “He has shown genuine remorse,” said Mr Stuart. “This is the last time that he will trouble these courts.”
According to IMDB, Fustes has written for Emmerdale since 2006. This also means he’s been involved in the recent storyline surrounding Belle Dingle‘s torment at the hands of her abusive husband, Tom King.
Fustes no longer writes for Emmerdale
“We were shocked and appalled to learn about the recent court case involving Emmerdale writer, Martin Fustes,” a spokesperson for Emmerdale/ITV said.
“Mr Fustes is a freelance writer. He has been informed that he will no longer be writing for Emmerdale. Everyone at ITV and Emmerdale abhors domestic abuse, which is why we have been highlighting the issue in a major storyline over the last 12 months.
“The Emmerdale production team were not aware of these charges against Mr Fustes until we were alerted over the weekend.”
Fustes was given a two-year suspended prison sentence. He also has to do 150 hours’ unpaid work, 15 days’ rehabilitation and a 26-session probation service domestic abuse programme. He was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation and £150 costs and he was given a ten-year restraining order.
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
It’s been an odd week of Emmerdale to review. It was slightly subdued, and cautious earlier in the week but that was just the calm before the storm, because it all kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday!
In fact, we’re still reeling from the events of Valentine’s Day in the Dales and we’re not just talking about Liam trying to propose to Chas in a most ungainly fashion.
Of course we mean the dramatic limo crash! But before that happened there were some other goings on in the village.
Here’s what we thought in our Emmerdale review.
April and Marlon with the baby’s coffin was heartbreaking (Credit: ITV)
April’s torment
April’s ordeal isn’t over as she struggles to make sense of life back in the village. And she’s being – let’s be honest – a bit of a brat about it all. We understand that she’s been through a terrible, awful time. She’s traumatised. She needs help. And Marlon is really annoying, so we sort of get it.
And speaking of Marlon. We’ve mentioned how fed up we were with his behaviour in our Emmerdale review in previous weeks. But, the irritation we’ve felt this whole time faded away this week when he said goodbye to his granddaughter.
The tiny coffin and Marlon’s devastated expression as he tried to keep it together for April was heartbreaking.
Tom made a surprise return but we didn’t like it! (Credit: ITV)
Belle’s torment
We need to talk about Tom King. Because what on EARTH happened there, then? Belle trotted off to the prison to speak to her abusive, manipulative, controlling ex-husband about getting a divorce.
And apparently it was on the advice of her solicitor. Frankly, we think she needs better legal representation because that was not right.
The fans weren’t pleased that Tom was back in Belle’s life, and nor were we. Surely this isn’t a thing? We have email and all sorts nowadays – presumably Belle could make use of those to divorce her abusive ex?
Her little smile as she walked away was excellent but her being forced to come face to face with Tom again, was not.
Aaron was horrified by Caleb’s actions (Credit: ITV)
Caleb was driving too fast down the dark lanes (Credit: ITV)
Limo crash drama in our review of the week
And so Friday arrived – Valentine’s Day – and the men and women of Emmerdale bundled into their respective limousines for a swanky night out. Except Liam ended up with the women, while Mandy was stuck with the men.
But it was all fun and games at first. Liam was determined to propose to Chas, but kept getting interrupted, while the booze flowed and the women laughed and joked.
Meanwhile, it the men’s limo, things weren’t quite so much fun. Caleb had announced that Cain had slept with Ruby and he was losing it. Mack and Matty were fuming at the thought of Cain cheating on Moira, Sam was upset with his brother, too.
Caleb was driving and kept turning round to shout at Cain – much to his passengers’ alarm – full of self-righteous fury. Which we have to say, is a bit rich, given that not long ago, he was having a steamy affair with Tracy – his nephew’s wife.
Anyway, indiscretions aside, as Caleb flew along the dark lanes, not looking where he was going, the limos collided. The passengers were flung about in the back of the cars, and silence fell as one vehicle teetered on an icy lake.
So who’s in danger? Amy and Matty have been sickeningly happy this week, which gets our cynical Spidey senses tingling. Is one of them for the chop? Amy’s friendship bracelet, made for her by Frankie, seems important. Wasn’t the hand beneath the ice in the flashforward wearing a bracelet just like that?
Could this be Amy’s hand? (Credit: ITV)
Anything can happen in our Emmerdale review
We also reckon Leyla’s at risk, though it pains us to admit it. AND controversial as it may seem, we’re not sure we’d miss Caleb. We’re so invested in Ruby’s story that he now seems like an unnecessary complication. Much as we love him. And of course we saw him flatline in hospital in the flashforward scenes, too.
But of course this is Emmerdale so anything can happen. For all we know Gail could have been strolling past the lake at the moment the cars hit, or perhaps Nate had returned to see Tracy only to end up trapped beneath the ice. What we do know, is that we’re going to be on tenterhooks all weekend, waiting to see what happens next!
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 tonight Tom King realised he was no longer able to manipulate Belle as she showed him she’s done with him for good. But will he listen?
Meanwhile, Cain’s behaviour and Steph’s admission put the puzzle pieces together for Caleb who realised Cain and Ruby had slept together. And now he’s plotting revenge…
Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale tonight, Wednesday February 12.
Caleb knows the truth about Ruby and Cain, but what will he do about it? (Credit: ITV)
Caleb worked out the truth about Cain and Ruby
Cain was awkward with Caleb when he popped over to the garage – and made out it was just because of the Anthony cover-up.
When Caleb returned home he found PC Swirling with Steph and Ruby. Steph still wants answers and wants to declare her grandad officially missing.
Later, Steph told Caleb she had been to the doctors to get the contraceptive injection. Caleb flashed back to finding the morning after pill in the bin and thinking it was Steph’s. Then when she mentioned she’d seen Cain and Ruby glaring at each other in the street, Caleb flashed back to Anthony’s claims they were sleeping together.
The penny had dropped – and frankly we wish it hadn’t. This would have been far better left alone. Actually, far better if it had never happened, but it did and here we are.
Caleb then drowned his sorrows in the pub – and lashed out at Mary who was feeling really shakey after seeing Vanessa and Suzy all loved-up. They ended up offering comfort to each other.
Caleb couldn’t hold it together when Cain arrived, and he went and sobbed in the toilets.
He then questioned Cain about whether he’s willing to stick to the plan. Cain insisted he wouldn’t let him down. But something Cain said was all the confirmation Caleb needed. His face darkened as Cain left and we’re left wondering exactly what he’s plotting against his brother…
Tom couldn’t manipulate Belle this time (Credit: ITV)
Belle got rid of Tom for good in Emmerdale tonight
Lydia had finally realised Belle seeing Tom is a bad idea. But Belle was adamant she has to do it.
In the prison visiting room Tom was admittedly surprised Belle came. He played the victim and said he knew he didn’t deserve it.
Tom went on that he wanted to achieve a future together and Belle told him all they would achieve would be a divorce. Tom begrudgingly admitted he had made some mistakes (big of him). And then he said he believed her family were pushing the divorce and now she’s seen him she must know they can work it out.
Tom then insisted he would fight her for everything if she tried to divorce him. She told them there wasn’t anything to fight for and she’s not going to get scared again.
Joe continues to make mysterious phone calls about Noah (Credit: ITV)
Joe wasn’t ‘done yet’
In the ktichen at GHome Farm, Charity threatened Joe off hurting Noah again. He then popped some pills, reminding us all that something is seriously wrong. But what?
Joe was later in the pub when Cain approached and threatened him with a bogwashing if he went near Noah again. Joe then took a mysterious phone call and told the caller Noah will “be in the right place at the right time” and insisted he wasn’t done yet.
Leyla made a discovery
Leyla was determined to go in the limo ride she’s giving away for the raffle, her loneliness overwhelming her. Meanwhile, Jacob planned a night out with Sarah and his mate, leaving Leyla on her own again.
She later tripped over Jacob’s bag and was shocked to find a bag of white powder in there. But will she confront him over it?
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 this week, Tom King returned to our screens, leaving fans furious.
Back in December, Tom was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of domestic abuse and coercive control towards wife Belle Dingle.
Viewers thought they’d seen the last of Tom, but he made a surprise appearance after Belle confirmed her intention to divorce him.
In Tuesday’s episode of Emmerdale, Tom made a surprise return. He was seen in conversation with the prison chaplain about Belle starting divorce proceedings.
Tom spoke about wanting to sort things out with Belle, but told the chaplain that Belle was refusing to see him. Doing what he does best, Tom used hie powers of manipulation to encourage the chaplain to speak to Belle’s solicitor.
Still living in delusion, Tom was adamant that if Belle visited him they could iron out their “misunderstandings”.
“What if you spoke to her solicitor, said that we’ve been talking and you thought a meeting would help both of us?” Tom said. “You know I want to make amends. If she saw that, I know she would forgive me. As a man of the church, I think they would listen to you more than me.”
Later, Belle’s solicitor encouraged Belle to visit Tom as it could help speed up the divorce.Â
After the chaplain shared the news with Tom that Belle would be paying him a visit, Tom creepily said: “I’ve been dreaming of this moment. This is the chance I’ve been waiting for since I’ve been locked up… and I’m not about to waste it.”
Emmerdale viewers were not happy to see Tom back (Credit: ITV)
Fans express anger over Tom’s return
Emmerdale fans were not happy to see Tom back on their TV screens. “OMG not again, is this not farcical when he was found guilty of controlling and threatening behaviour. It’s beyond belief!” wrote one viewer on Instagram.
Another fan said: “Struggling to believe Belle would have been advised to go and see the man who abused her to have an amicable conversation…leaving him with all the power once again, when will this nonsense end?”
A third fan said: “Here we go again. This absolutely wouldn’t happen,” with a fourth adding: “This is bonkers.”
A fifth fan wrote: “Thought we’d seen the last of Tom. Disappointed he’ll be back on our screens again.” With a sixth fan asking: “Do we really have to go this road again with Tom? Just leave it where he’s in prison because it’s getting unbelievable 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 returned to screens in tonight’s episode of Emmerdale. The character’s surprise return came as Belle began divorce proceedings – registering Tom’s surprise as he learned that Belle wanted to officially end their marriage.
And, in typical Tom style, he wasted little time in trying to spin it to his advantage. Speaking to the prison chaplain, he set about trying to manipulate Belle into visiting him behind bars.
We dropped in on Tom behind bars tonight (Credit: ITV)
Tom King made his return to Emmerdale tonight
It seemed unlikely for a while but, as the episode ended, Tom learned that he’d gotten his way – Belle would be coming to see him to discuss the terms of their divorce.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment. This is the chance I’ve been waiting for since I’ve been locked up… and I’m not about to waste it,” he sneered as the end credits rolled.
Tom’s back, and apparently up to his old tricks again. True, he could be a changed man – and actually wants to see Belle to apologise before acquiescing to her demands, but it’s still far too soon. Here’s why his return might be a huge mistake.
We hoped we’d seen the last of Tom (Credit: ITV)
It risks undermining Belle’s story
When we last saw Tom, a jury had sentenced him to three years in prison for his treatment of Belle. As the episode ended, the soap highlighted the stories of real-life survivors who had been through similar experiences to Belle.
With its ending – Belle finally feeling free as she attended a support group – she and those like her had finally gotten the last word. With Tom’s return, the soap risks forgetting those all-too real voices… making it all about Tom again.
What does Tom have planned for Belle? (Credit: ITV)
We have to look at his smug face again
With no disrespect to actor James Chase – who made Tom King such an enjoyably slappable screen villain – the break from seeing him scowling and looking smug all the time has been a welcome one.
All of that changed tonight as it became immediately obvious that Tom’s an unchanged man… at least as far as James’s performance goes. Within minutes, he was sneering and scowling as though he’d never left.
So much for justice
Ever since he left, we’ve been picturing Tom living his most miserable life in prison. While it’s good to see him where he deserves to be, to watching him scheming and manipulating as he’s always done undermines that sense of justice.
Who knows – Tom may very well be a changed man, as the bible and visits with the prison chaplain suggest. Either way, it would have been a more effective move to keep him behind bars, sight unseen.
It prolongs his story… again
The ballad of Tom and Belle took up most of last year’s Emmerdale, from his abusive, controlling behaviour toward Belle, to the whole cottage affair, to the long and drawn-out police investigation. The police eventually got to the bottom of the matter, but the story didn’t end there either – with Tom continuing to try and manipulate Belle from behind bars.
Viewers complained that the story had become drawn out and contrived and, as it finally ended, we were finally ready to draw a line under Tom King. In the end, we only got a couple of months’ respite.
It’s been good to see Belle smiling again (Credit: ITV)
It’s not fair on Belle
Last week’s episodes saw Belle return to work, feeling positive about her future after seeing Tom off behind bars. After over a year of pain and misery for Belle and actor Eden Taylor-Draper, she deserves a break.
Trust Tom to come slithering back into her life again. Here’s hoping she sees through his malicious games a little sooner this time.
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.
What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
Tom King returned to our screens in Emmerdale tonight (Tuesday, February 11) as Belle attempted to start divorce proceedings. Manipulative Tom saw this as an opportunity to get his claws into Belle again, and demanded a face-to-face meeting. What is Tom up to?
Elsewhere, Joe celebrated as his plans for Noah began to come together. But, as he and Charity suddenly turned the tables, he found that the scamster had suddenly become the scam-ee. And, as Dawn fretted about Charity, she began to see Joe’s true colours..
Meanwhile, Moira rejected Cain, and Rhona and Marlon continued to pester April.
Here’s everything that happened on Emmerdale tonight.
Here we go again… (Credit: ITV)
Tom returned on Emmerdale tonight
Tom King was the first face we saw as the opening credits finished rolling on tonight’s episode. Receiving a visit from the prison chaplain, he had something on his mind.
Having learned that Belle had begun divorce proceedings, he was desperate to see his wife again. He seemed convinced that seeing Belle face-to-face again would help him to iron out all the, ahem, misunderstandings between them. He asked the chaplain to speak with Belle’s solicitor on his behalf.
Meeting with her solicitor, Belle set into motion the terms of the divorce. After warning her that Tom would probably try to delay proceedings, Belle’s solicitor suggested it’d be a good idea to pay Tom a visit in prison.
The prison chaplain’s message passed on, Belle mulled over going to see Tom. Back in his cell, Tom took out his temper on the chaplain – only to be informed that she’s planning on visiting tomorrow.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment. This is the chance I’ve been waiting for since I’ve been locked up… and I’m not about to waste it,” he sneered sinisterly. What does Tom have planned for Belle now?
Joe thought he’d gotten away with it (Credit: ITV)
Noah and Charity turned the tables on Joe
Noah was dismayed to find that someone had broken into his van and stolen his tools. Smug Joe was on hand to ask him if he was regretting not taking the Dubai job yet – real subtle, Joe.
He continued to rub it in, accusing Charity of making Noah miss out on the biggest opportunity of his life to stay home and ‘be a mummy’s boy.’Â We’d agree, if he didn’t so obviously have something terrible planned for his half-brother.
As Noah left for his job and Joe sauntered off, Dawn headed over for a word. Charity reassured her that she had no interest in snitching on their affair – but left her with a warning.
Later, sulky Noah unloaded on Lydia, telling her how he felt his business was dead in the water. In the cafe, Joe continued to bang on about Dubai, telling him that the offer remained on the table. Noah accepted and, as they shook on it, agreed to meet later to celebrate in the Woolpack.
Back at Home Farm, Dawn wanted to talk about Charity’s blackmail. Joe, however, was utterly disinterested (“I don’t have a marriage to ruin, so it’s not my problem”), leaving her under no illusion as to where she stood.
Selecting a bottle of the Woolpack’s finest champagne, Joe was in the mood to celebrate – and rub Charity’s nose in it. However, she had news of her own. They’d found Noah’s tools in a local pawn shop, and she and knew Joe had put them there.
Reveling in Joe’s anger, she informed him that they’d bought back Noah’s tools – and gotten him some work too. As he stormed out, Charity and Noah celebrated a plan well foiled.
April wants her parents to leave her alone (Credit: ITV)
Rhona and Marlon pestered April
Rhona returned home, having taken down all of the Missing Child posters from around town. She and Marlon worried about how they could best protect April from all of the gossip, online and around the village.
Joining them in the kitchen, April re-iterated her need to be left alone. No chance of that – and they barged into her room without knocking. “We need to talk,” Marlon insisted, ignoring her admission that she wasn’t ready to do so yet.
Rhona told her that she and Marlon planned on registering the baby’s birth on her behalf. In no mood to talk about it, April suggested they do what they want… just leave her alone.
Moira felt self-conscious on Emmerdale tonight
Moira and Cain returned home after another radiotherapy session. As she fretted, he reassured her that he was still attracted to her. She was shocked as a clump of her hair fell out while she sat on the sofa. Upset and wanting to be alone, she packed Cain off to the pub while she sat behind and wept.
In the Woolpack, Cain sought advice from Charity and Lydia. They told him that he needed to prove his dedication to Moira – and stop feeling sorry for himself. Back at home, he reminded her that he was going nowhere, hair or no hair.
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.
What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
Emmerdale has aired the return of Tom King. Fortunately he’s still behind bars, but it’s clear he’s plotting once again. So how far will he go this time?
Is Belle in danger from her evil ex? She’s desperate to move on from their marriage and get a divorce, but Tom has other ideas…
Tom is still manipulating everyone even from in prison (Credit: ITV)
Tom King returns to Emmerdale
It was obvious right from the start of tonight’s episode of Emmerdale (Tuesday February 11), when we saw Tom King in his prison cell, that he has not changed one bit. He has not learnt a single thing from being found guilty and is never going to let Belle have the peace she deserves.
He seems to be faking an interest in God and consulting with the prison chaplain. The chaplain may or may not have been taken in by Tom’s manipulation, it’s unclear. He seemed uneasy around the abuser, but also agreed to speak to Belle’s solicitor on Tom’s behalf.
It seems Tom is delusional that he and Belle can iron out their differences and get back together. He thought the chaplain was the perfect person to make Belle see he’s a changed man. Except, of course, he is not.
Tom expressed his desire to ‘make things up to Belle’ and used his first-class manipulation technique to get the man of the cloth on his side.
Belle has been advised to visit Tom in prison (Credit: ITV)
Does Belle go to visit Tom?
What really struck us as ridiculous though was Belle’s solicitor then advising her to go and visit him to ‘talk things through’ When have Tom and Belle ever been able to talk without him manipulating her?
Then Lydia agreeing it was a good idea! This is the man in prison for coercively controlling Belle – why does everyone think her seeing him ever again is something she should do?
Lydia pointed out she wouldn’t be alone with him, a prison officer would be there. But that won’t stop him trying to manipulate her and talk her round.
Tom and Belle have already had their final showdown in court. And Belle got the justice she deserved. But it looks like, in her determination to get a divorce, Belle is going to go and see her ex.
Tom was thrilled when he found out she would visit him tomorrow: “This is the chance I’ve been waiting for… I’m not about to waste it,” he told the chaplain. So what is he planning this time?
We last saw Tom King being escorted to a prison cell, but why is he back now? (Credit: ITV)
Is Tom back for good?
So Belle has agreed to go and see him in prison and by the sounds of things, that will air in tomorrow’s episode. Will he let her walk away though? Is this his chance to manipulate her once again? Or will she at last be free of him?
Emmerdale is remaining tight-lipped about how long Tom is back for this time. But James Chase, who plays Tom, has previously said he would be open to revisiting the character or the story further down the line.
“I think, with good behaviour, he’s only going to get something like 16 to 18 months, which is crazy,” James said.
“But I think it would depend where they would want to go with the character, because there are many different avenues you could go with it. They could make it that Tom potentially had got even worse, and hasn’t changed at all. Perhaps, he could hate Belle even more for it.
“Or if he did go the other way and finally did realise the terrible things he’s done, and perhaps did, actually start to try to become a better man.”
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
Monday’s episode of Emmerdale (February 10) saw Belle announce that she had contacted a lawyer in order to start divorce proceedings against Tom King.
Viewers know that Tom put Belle Dingle through a year of hell, which involved both mental and physical abuse. From giving away her pet dog and pretending he had died, to holding her hand under scolding water – Tom really put Belle through it. So she is looking forward to finally getting shot of him.
However, Belle doesn’t believe Tom will let her go without a fight. So does that mean we’ll be seeing a return for Tom?
Belle confirmed that she has called a lawyer (Credit: ITV)
What happened in Emmerdale?
At work, Leyla noticed Belle was quiet. After being probed, Belle said: “It’s coming up to my one year anniversary with Tom.”
Although this means Belle can now divorce Tom, she was anxious as she thinks Tom will fight her on it. “I know he will, ’cause he can never make anything easy for me. I’m dreading dealing with it,” she told Leyla.
However, during lunch with the girls, Belle was given a boost of confidence by Charity and Suzy. They told her she was a strong woman who could handle Tom one last time.
When she returned home, Belle defiantly told Lydia that she does have something to celebrate this anniversary: “I’ve called a lawyer. This is step one of divorcing Tom.”
Tom was sent to prison in December (Credit: ITV)
Could Tom King return to Emmerdale?
Last year, Tom was found guilty of assaulting and coercively controlling wife Belle. He was sentenced to three years in prison.
At the time, actor James Chase said Tom could return in the future.
James said: “I think, with good behaviour, he’s only going to get something like 16 to 18 months, which is crazy.”
“But I think it would depend where they would want to go with the character, because there are many different avenues you could go with it. They could make it that Tom potentially had got even worse, and hasn’t changed at all.
“Or if he did go the other way and finally did realise the terrible things he’s done, and perhaps did, actually start to try to become a better man.”
Although James was talking about further down the line and Tom’s potential release, the actor is clearly open to reprising the role.
It would also be in keeping with the character of Tom for him to have one last shot at making Belle’s life a misery. It wouldn’t be beyond him to demand she visit him if she wants him to play ball. This would pave the way for Tom to be on screen again.
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 has given us another year of fantastic drama with dark twists, killer secrets, explosive stunts and steamy affairs, but which were the top episodes of 2024?
With hundreds of episodes to choose from, it was almost impossible to select our favourites from 2024. But we’ve managed to narrow it down to 14.
So here are our top picks from this year…
Belle’s dream wedding turned into a nightmare (Credit: ITV)
Best 2024 Emmerdale episodes: Belle and Tom’s wedding day
Belle’s year from hell began with her nightmare wedding to Tom.
The actual ceremony ran fairly smoothly, but the same couldn’t be said for the reception. The event descended in chaos after vengeful Ruby decided to expose Caleb and Tracy’s affair in front of all the guests. Tom did not approve of Ruby’s floor show, nor was he a fan of the Dingles’ quirky wedding traditions – which included supping ale from a welly.
Later, the newlyweds returned home to consummate their marriage. But when Belle asked if she could read a letter from her late mum Lisa, jealous Tom exploded – launching a tirade of cruel abuse against his wife and new in-laws.
Claiming he’d made a terrible mistake by marrying her, Tom stormed upstairs to bed, leaving Belle to spend her wedding night on the sofa.
Belle started the holiday with such high hopes (Credit: ITV)
Belle’s holiday from hell
At the height of Tom’s reign of terror he took Belle and their pet pooch Piper for a ‘romantic’ getaway to a remote cottage in Wales. His motive, of course, was to isolate Belle from her loved ones. Cain and Charity realised Belle was in danger and dashed to Wales. They discovered the cottage had been trashed, with blood stains on the wall and Belle nowhere to be seen.
The shock discovery led fans to fear Belle had been murdered by her evil husband.
Her fate was finally confirmed in a tense two-hander. It flashbacked to four days earlier and showed how the trip away had spiraled into the holiday from hell. Behind closed doors, Tom continually terrorised Belle and Piper. He made the defenseless dog sleep outside in the cold, and attacked Belle over her decision to have an abortion.
Pushed to her limits, Belle eventually snapped. She took Piper and made a break for it, locking Tom inside the cottage – which he then turned over in anger.
As the episode ended, Belle and Piper were seen driving off in a bus as Tom chased behind. If only that had been the last we’d seen of him.
Rhona’s bravery saw Gus end up behind bars (Credit: ITV)
Best 2024 Emmerdale episodes: Rhona takes down Gus in court
We love a good courtroom drama – and Rhona served us up a right treat back in April.
Earlier that month Rhona had been acquitted of kidnapping baby Ivy. Next it was Gus’s turn to stand trial for stealing Rhona’s embryos, which were used to impregnant his late wife Lucy – the result of which was little Ivy.
Despite all he had put her through, Rhona had agreed to read out a statement of support for her ex-husband.
However, Rhona made a snap decision to expose Gus’s crimes and told the courtroom he was planning to flee to France with Ivy. Justice prevailed and the judge handed down an eight-year prison sentence on Gus.
Marlon was mad with his wife for not telling him what she was going to do. But we don’t think Rhona owed anyone an explanation.
Belle was haunted by visions of her imagined futures (Credit: ITV)
Belle’s imagined futures
In September, Emmerdale took Belle’s abuse storyline in a new direction with an inspired ‘imagined futures’ episode.
By this point Belle was a shell of her former self, completely broken by Tom’s sustained campaign of terror. And as she wandered around the village in a dazed state, she envisioned three possible ways her life could end up.
In her first future, Belle pretended to take Tom back in order to stop his new girlfriend Amelia from suffering the same fate. Belle then told Tom it was all a trick, but as the clock went forward to Christmas – she was five months pregnant and still under his control.
The second imagining saw Belle expose Tom in the middle of The Woolpack. Cain overheard and beat Tom to near death. He was arrested for attempted murder, but to Belle’s horror all the locals believed Tom was the victim – not her.
Finally, the third scenario saw Belle getting on with her life while Tom made Amelia’s a misery. In the end, Amelia was carried out of Dale Head in a body bag, with Tom claiming she’d fallen down the stairs. The truth, of course, was more chilling.
The episode ended with the return to present day, as Belle found the courage to confide in Charity about Tom’s true nature.
Ella is a convicted child killer (Credit: ITV)
Best 2024 Emmerdale episodes: Ella is outed as a killer
One of the most shocking twists of 2024 was the revelation that Ella Forster was a convicted child killer.
Viewers had already worked out Ella was harbouring a secret from her past. First came the cagey, strange behaviour then there were the mysterious trips to an elderly lady called June, who was in a care home in the late stages of dementia.
All was revealed in May at June’s funeral when one of the mourners branded Ella a ‘killer’.
It transpired that on her 11th birthday, Ella murdered her childhood best friend Joanne (and June’s daughter) in a jealous rage. She had spent years in prison for the crime and was given a new identity after her release.
Moira sparked a huge explosion at Butlers barn (Credit: ITV)
The Butler’s barn explosion
Emmerdale always delivers with their stunts and the explosion at Butlers was another triumph!
Moira Barton started the blaze by accident while in the grips of a psychotic episode (which viewers later learnt was caused by a brain tumour). In her confused state, the farmer was haunted by visions of her late nemesis Emma Barton.
After threatening Ruby Fox-Miligan with a shotgun, a tussle ensued and the weapon went off. The bullet hit a lightbulb and sparked an inferno that quickly engulfed the barn. Moira and Ruby were trapped with no way out, so Mackenzie Boyd and John Sugden risked their own lives in order to rescue them.
Cain also tried to get inside the barn, but was knocked back by a huge fireball. By some miracle everyone lived to tell the tale.
Ethan was left for dead in Emmerdale’s 10,000th episode (Credit: ITV)
Best 2024 Emmerdale episodes: Emmerdale’s 10,000th episode
On May 22, 2024, Emmerdale aired its 10,000th episode and marked the milestone celebration in style. It had a bit of everything – a near-fatal hit and run, one couple getting caught in the act, a sweet nod to the past and a missing lamb.
The locals were brought together for a big village fete, which was organised by Nicola King. But danger was lurking when vengeful Ruby Fox-Miligan decided to punish Ethan Anderson for the car crash that almost killed her son Nicky. She mowed Ethan down then drove away!
Meanwhile, the villagers got involved with a scarecrow making competition – with ones made in tribute to former residents Seth Armstrong, Betty Eagleton and Edna Birch.
Over in one of the local barns, Charity and Mackenzie were enjoying a roll around in the hay when they were interrupted by the arrival of folk looking for Isaac Dingle’s pet lamb, Minty. Awkward!
But the day ended on a high when Minty was discovered alive and well by unlikely saviour Kim Tate. Hurrah!
Cain committed the ultimate betrayal by sleeping with Ruby (Credit: ITV)
Cain cheats with Ruby while Moira undergoes brain surgery
In November, Emmerdale aired an emotional installment which followed Moira as she underwent life-saving surgery to remove a tumour from her brain.
It was an episode full of surprises, and the first one came when viewers got a glimpse into Moira’s dreams. As she slipped into unconsciousness, Moira returned to her happy place at Butlers Farm with Isaac and Kyle. Moira sat down in the sunshine and turned to see her late daughter Holly – who died from a heroin overdose – was by her side.
The heartfelt reunion was an acting masterclass from Natalie J Robb and Sophie Powles, who were last seen on screen together in 2016. Moira and Holly exchanged heartfelt words and hugged, before Moira’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her surgeon’s voice.
Meanwhile back in the village, Cain was in bits over the prospect of losing his wife on the operating table. But that didn’t stop him screwing sister-in-law Ruby in the garage.
Fans flocked to social media to express their disgust at the pair’s shock betrayal, with some saying it the worst thing Cain has ever done.
The Dingles raised a glass to their beloved Zak (Credit: ITV)
Best 2024 Emmerdale episodes: Zak’s final farewell
There wasn’t a dry eye in the Dales as the locals gathered to say a final, poignant farewell to Zak Dingle. The Emmerdale icon was written out of the show 10 months after the real-life passing of actor Steve Halliwell.
Zak’s family planned his funeral according to his last wishes. The patriarch wanted to be buried in the Dingle land within 48 hours of his death and take one last journey through the village.
Cain, Sam and the rest of the clan took Zak’s coffin to The Woolpack and raised a toast to him. After a good old sing song it was time for Zak to be drummed up the road to be buried alongside his late wife Lisa.
There were moments of high drama – Tina’s rowdy arrival – and unexpected tenderness – Cain getting too emosh to deliver his eulogy. But mainly the episode left fans asking one question: where were all the other Dingles?
No one messes with Kim Tate (Credit: ITV)
Kim is Will’s blackmailer
2024 marked the welcome return of Queen Kim, as she was unveiled as Will’s mystery blackmailer. After discovering her husband had cheated with ex-wife Rose, Kim plotted a revenge scheme reminiscent of her glory days.
For weeks, she tormented Will with anonymous messages, threatening to expose his betrayal unless he paid up. He was forced to sign over his shares in the haulage yard to Caleb, unaware that he was handing money over to his wife.
Viewers were also kept in the dark about the identity of Will’s blackmailer, even though we all knew in our hearts it had to be Kim.
For her final act, Kim faked her own kidnap then lured Will into the woods. There, he discovered a creepy mannequin lying on the ground with his wife’s face on it.
The big (or not so big) reveal came after Will had dug up a coffin, and was then whacked over the head with a shovel. As he lay unconscious in the ground, Kim stood over with a look of pure satisfaction on her face. A lesson to cheating fellas everywhere!
Paddy and Mandy got their happy ending (Credit: ITV)
Best 2024 Emmerdale episodes: Mandy and Paddy say I do
These two gave us a rare moment of joy when they became husband and wife (again!) in August. But the wedding very nearly didn’t go ahead.
Just hours before they were meant to exchange vows Bear informed Paddy his bride-to-be had been secretly working as a financial dominatrix called Madame Diamante Dales. Bear was adamant his son couldn’t go through with marrying a liar, but Marlon thought Mandy deserved a chance to explain herself. Thankfully Paddy agreed to hear her out.
During an emotional heart-to-heart, Mandy revealed she’d turned to findom as a way of fixing her debt problems. Paddy was hurt she hadn’t been honest but conceded they’d both made silly mistakes.
There was just about enough time left for the couple to dash to the church and exchange vows in front of their loved ones. Afterwards, in The Woolpack, Paddy held his new wife and told her: “This time it’s forever.”
We’d like to believe him, but this is Soapland…
Now that’s how you do a comeback (Credit: ITV)
Ross Barton returns
The return of fan favourite Ross Barton was a real autumn highlight. After a six years absence, we wondered how the Emmerdale writers would reintroduce Ross to the soap. And they definitely didn’t disappoint.
Ross was unveiled as Billy Fletcher’s ‘beast’ of a competitor in a bare-knuckle brawl organised by dodgy promotor Jade. All rippling muscle and with a lust for danger, we are delighted to see Ross hadn’t lost any of his old charm.
It transpired Ross had been making a name for himself in the underground boxing world. He also proved he was more than a match for Billy. Post-fight, Ross paid a visit to the village to catch up with old friends and family.
Since his comeback at the end of October, Ross has been busy making new enemies and adding more notches to his bedpost. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for him.
April nearly suffered the same fate as Donna (Credit: ITV)
Best 2024 Emmerdale episodes: April’s kidnap terror
December 5, 2024 is a day poor April Windsor would rather forget. In the space of a few hours she was kidnapped, held over the roof of a multistory carpark and discovered the truth about her mum’s suicide.
The teen was snatched by new villain Jade who wanted payback against Ross Barton. Jade believed Ross had stolen money from her and decided to target his late girlfriend’s daughter. April was abducted and driven to the same carpark where her mum Donna died 15 years earlier. It was a deliberate choice by Jade to cause Ross maximum distress – and boy did it do the trick.
As Ross arrived on the scene he discovered April being held over the edge by Jade’s henchmen. The terrified lass nearly went over, but was saved when Mackenzie and Aaron coughed up £7000 of Jade’s missing £10k. Ross was told he had to pay the rest.
Sadly April’s distress didn’t end there. Ross then revealed Donna’s death that day was avoidable and she’d thrown herself over the car park on purpose in order to bring criminal Gary North to justice.
Is it any wonder April’s going off the rails after hearing news like that?
Shocking flashback scenes revealed Ruby was abused by Anthony(Credit: ITV)
Ruby’s past is revealed
Our award for best newcomer of 2024 goes to Ruby Fox-Miligan. Less than 12 months in and she’s already an Emmerdale icon thanks to actress Beth Cordingly’s knockout performances.
Like all great characters, Ruby has a complex backstory. As a pregnant teen, she was disowned by her parents and subsequently had a troubled relationship with daughter Steph. But the arrival of Ruby’s estranged father Anthony also hinted there was a dark secret lurking in their past. One which was finally revealed during a special flashback episode.
Viewers were transported back to the day of Ruby’s 16th birthday. They watched in horror as the defenceless teen was sexually assaulted by Anthony in her bedroom. They also learnt this wasn’t the first time it had happened.
The shock flashbacks were interspersed with scenes from the present day as Ruby sat in The Woolpack frozen in fear and unable to tell Caleb what happened all those years ago. It’s also raised questions as to whether Steph could be Anthony’s daughter. How much longer before this ticking timebomb explodes?
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
