Tag: Belle’s Abusive Marriage to Tom in Emmerdale

Emmerdale review of the week: Tom’s banged up, John’s opening up, and Will needs to man up!

Our Emmerdale review this week looked like being a tough one. After all, this week’s episodes had to follow the emotional upheaval of Ruby’s story last week.

But despite the bar being set very high, we reckon Emmerdale pulled it off, thanks to the drama of Tom King’s trial.

Here’s what we thought of this week in our Emmerdale review.

Things are finally getting better for Paddy but it was nice to revisit his story (Credit: ITV)

Unlikely friendships in our Emmerdale review

There’s very little we like more in soap than unlikely friendships, so we really enjoyed Belle going to Paddy for advice when Tom tried to take his own life.

Paddy of course had his own struggle with suicidal thoughts and it was good to see the ongoing effects of that heart-wrenching story. And we loved how sweet he was with Belle, reassuring her and making sure she was all right.

Tom faced justice (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale review: Tom’s trial

We’ve all been waiting for abuser Tom King to face justice for the ordeal he’s subjected poor Belle too. And the moment finally came this week when he was in the dock, charged with assault and coercive control.

The episode featuring the trial took an interesting approach. The focus wasn’t on Tom – instead it was on the jurors who had to decide his fate. It made for a fascinating episode as the jury members debated whether Tom was guilty.

However, we did feel the whole thing was just too quick. It’s only a matter of weeks since Tom’s arrest, the trial itself took up just one double episode, and Tom was sentenced and taken off to jail on the same day. A year-long story has been neatly wrapped up like a Christmas present. We couldn’t help feeling a bit cheated about it.

John Sugden’s dog tag with the name Aidan Moore

The truth about Aidan Moore revealed! Or was it?

We still love moody John Sugden, and we really enjoyed his camping trip with Aaron this week. We liked the pair opening up to one another and the reveal that John was in love with Aidan – the man whose dog tag he’s kept.

Except, we can’t help thinking there’s more to this story. Is John telling the truth? We’re looking forward to learning more.

Amelia’s gone to Leicester with Esther

Amelia Spencer waved goodbye to the village this week. Her exit was a bit of a damp squib and also felt slightly rushed. She’s been a part of Emmerdale since she was a little girl and we’ll miss her.

Stop whining (credit: ITV)

Dawn and Billy

The Dawn and Billy bickering rumbles on. Evan’s allowed home again, which we think is good news, though frankly at this stage we couldn’t care less. Will Clemmie and Lucas ever be allowed back to school? Where are Clemmie and Lucas, come to that?

Come on, Will. Stand up for yourself. (Credit: ITV)

Man up, Will!

Remember how Will used to be? Ex-con, protective dad, didn’t think twice about moving the body of a dead policeman, kept Kim on her toes… Now he’s wafting about Home Farm, marching to the beat of financial adviser Peter’s drum. If Peter says jump, Will asks how high. It’s very out of character.

We can’t believe we’re saying this, but this is what it’s come to. While the other men of Emmerdale – including Will’s son-in-law Billy, are dripping with toxic masculinity, we can’t help thinking Will could do with, well, manning up a bit!

It’s time to grow a pair, Mr Taylor. Tell Peter to sling his hook and take your chances with whoever’s calling the shots behind the scenes.

Speaking of which, our guesses about the identity of Mr I-Live-In-A-Different-Time-Zone Where Phones and Email Don’t Work is, are becoming increasingly outlandish. Is it Joe Tate? Jean Tate? Steve Marchant? Another long-lost child of Frank’s. Kim herself?! We just hope it’s not Caleb. Oh god, it’s Caleb isn’t it?

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

21st December 2024
Tom King has left Emmerdale, but actor James Chase reveals it might not be for good

Tom King has been found guilty of assaulting and coercively controlling wife Belle Dingle in Emmerdale. He is off to prison for three years.

James Chase, who plays Tom, has left the soap – but he hasn’t ruled out a future return.

Tom was found guilty in court with the Dingles watching on (Credit: ITV)

Tom King goes to prison in Emmerdale

After tense trial scenes on Thursday night (December 19) Tom was found guilty by the jury and given a sentence of three years in prison. Belle sobbed as he was lead away from court and they shared a final look.

Actor James Chase has now left Emmerdale and has spoken out about Tom’s ending.

He said: “It would have been understandable if the story had ended up with Cain taking matters into his own hands, but this way offers more closure.

“I’m glad we didn’t go down [the Cain killer] route as in some way, I think it would have been stooping to a level similar to Tom if they had done that. So I think it’s better that it went down the law abiding route with it. It keeps Belle clear and she keeps her innocence, and she doesn’t become pessimistic like he is.”

Tom was taken away (Credit: ITV)

Not the end of Tom in Emmerdale?

However James also revealed that because Tom’s sentence is quite a short one, but sadly realistic, 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.”

Will Belle suffer more at Tom’s hands (Credit: ITV)

A changed man?

But can a leopard really change its spots? James reckons prison might be the only way for him to admit who he really is.

“I think he’ll struggle being in prison, definitely,” the actor said. “But I think through that struggle, it will humble him, and he’ll hit rock bottom.”

“I think it could be the best thing for him, because of how tough it’s going to be for him inside. It may make him come out, having realised what he’s done and not take things for granted.”

So could a reformed Tom make a return? Or a vengeful one wanting to have the final say?

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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

20th December 2024
What happened in Emmerdale tonight: Tom was found guilty as Belle finally got justice – but where was DS Foy?!

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.Â 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 backÂ 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 was DS 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?

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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

19th December 2024
Has Tom FINALLY left Emmerdale for good? We have answers after jury delivers their verdict

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.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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

19th December 2024
A really chilling episode saw justice done, but it didn’t feel like quite the right ending for Tom King – OPINION

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.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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 pageÂ @EmmerdaleInsiderÂ for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on TwitterÂ @EmmerdaleInside. Let us know what you think!

19th December 2024
Recognise jury foreman Karl? Here’s where you know Charles Dale from, including all his previous soap roles

The jury is deliberating Tom’s fate in Emmerdale tonight and there’s a few familiar faces on it – including Charles Dale, who has a strong soap past.

Alongside Charles are Denise Welch and Jack Ellis, both of whom have really big soapy connections too.

But what about Charles? Some may know him as Dennis Stringer in Coronation Street, others as Big Mac in Casualty. Here’s the lowdown on the actor.

Denise Welch, Jack Ellis and Charles Dale are three of the jurors at Tom’s trial in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

Charles Dale appears in Emmerdale

Foreman of the jury, Karl, is played by Charles Dale. He starts out believing Tom, but with Denise Welch’s Heidi adamant Tom is guilty, which way will it go?

Denise is very excited to be sharing the screen with Charles, having said: “I thoroughly enjoyed shooting this important episode of Emmerdale. To share the jury scenes with Charlie Dale and Jack Ellis and also to see lots of my Emmerdale mates made it a job to remember.”

Birth and early years

Actor CharlesÂ was born in Tenby, Pembrokshire, Wales on February 4 1963. His father ran a record shop in Tenby and both his parents were keen amateur actors.

Charles left school in 1979 and became an assistant stage manager at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven. He took on occasional acting roles, and moved to London, where he trained at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Charles is currently 61 years old and he has one child.

A Coronation Street fave, Charles played Janice Battersby’s lover Dennis (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Charles Dale in Coronation Street

Despite only appearing in Emmerdale for a couple of episodes, Charles is a well-known soap face. Some will know him as Dennis Stringer in Coronation Street.

Dennis was a former Hells Angel who had been thrown out of the chapter after being forced to sell his motorbike to pay for his divorce. He arrived on Coronation Street in February 2000 when he met Les while doing community service.

Dennis ended up living with the Battersbys, but he soon moved in with Eileen Grimshaw after starting a relationship with her.

However in 2001, he fell for Janice Battersby and they began an affair. They eventually left their other halves but distraught Les reacted by driving his taxi to a wasteland and trying to gas himself inside.

Dennis went looking for him and discovered him unconscious. He managed to drag Les into his car and drove him to Weatherfield General.

But disaster struck when they were involved in a car accident. Les was unharmed, but Dennis was taken to intensive care. Although the crash team desperately tried to save him, Dennis died in hospital on January 2 2002.

Charles hasn’t ruled out a Big Mac return (Credit: BBC)

Big Mac in Casualty

Charles is a very recognisable face on British television. He has appeared in TV shows such as Lovejoy, Soldier Soldier, Bramwell, A Touch of Frost, New Tricks, Where the Heart is and Unforgotten. However he is perhaps best known for his role in Casualty.

The actor played Big Mac in the medical drama from November 2007 until June 2016. Big Mac was a hospital porter, but later became a healthcare assistant.

A veteran of the Falklands War, Big Mac felt hugely guilty at his own survival. He was sensitive and a bit grouchy!

His storylines included his heart attack in 2012 and being held hostage in 2014. MacÂ also stole pain medication from work and it was this that led to his eventual departure after eight and a half years on the show.

Big Mac resigned and left the ED in 2016. In 2021 he reprised the role for the show’s 35th anniversary. He only appeared in a cameo in Ethan Hardy’s dream. But when Charles was asked about a more permanent return to the wards by What to Watch, he said: “Never say never!”

Charles appeared in The Pembrokeshire Murders in 2021 (Credit: ITV)

What else has Charles Dale appeared in?

Charles continues to work in both theatre and TV. Fans of the 1997 John Simm drama The Lakes will recognise him as Chef.

The actor went on to play McGuire in At Home with the Braithwaites. He also played DS Gareth ‘Rambo’ Rees in ITV three-part drama The Pembrokeshire Murders in 2021.

Charles then starred in an episode of Shakespeare and Hathaway on BBC One in 2022. He also appeared in BBC drama Sherwood both in 2022 and again earlier this year.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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

19th December 2024
Jack Ellis in Emmerdale: Where you know juror Kenneth from including roles in Coronation Street and Bad Girls

Tom King’s fate and Belle Dingle’s future hangs in the hands of the jury in Emmerdale tonight – and the jurors include Kenneth, played by Jack Ellis.

Jack is a well-known face to British TV fans having had roles in both Bad Girls and Coronation Street.

Here’s what we know about Jack.

Heidi, Kenneth and Karl are key players in the jury at Tom’s trial (Credit: ITV)

Jack Ellis in Emmerdale

The actor is joining the soap for a guest appearance during the trial of Tom King. He will appear as juror Kenneth, one of the 12 who will decide if Tom is innocent or guilty of abusing wife Belle.

Alongside Jack, Denise Welch and Charles Dale, will play Heidi and Karl. Karl is the foreman and very much Team Tom, while Heidi is totally on Belle’s side, with Denise saying: “My character Heidi was more emotionally involved so I felt that maybe she had experienced some form of domestic abuse herself.”

The Loose Women star also added: “To share the jury scenes with Charlie Dale and Jack Ellis and also to see lots of my Emmerdale mates made it a job to remember.”

So does Kenneth hold the key to whether Tom goes down?

Who is Jack Ellis?

Born John Stuart Ellis in London on June 4 1955, Jack is an actor in both television and theatre. He is 69 years old and has two children with his ex-wife Christine Kavanagh.

His son Theo is the bassist in bad Wolf Alice. He also has a daughter named Alice. Jack has two older brothers, both in the business too. Robin Ellis is an actor as well and Peter is a director.

As villain Jim Fenner in Bad Girls (Credit: ITV)

Bad Girls’ Jim Fenner

Jack is perhaps best known for playing Jim Fenner in ITV drama series, Bad Girls. Before this he also played Detective Inspector Muddyman in Prime Suspect and appeared in Heartbeat, Inspector Morse and Lewis, among others.

But Bad Girls was his first major part in 2006. He starred across seven series’ of the show as prison officer turned temporary governor Jim Fenner.

Fenner was a villain who made the inmates lives very difficult. He was put in prison himself at one point for death by dangerous driving until his wife falsified evidence to get him out. It meant he could return to his job at G-Wing and continue to terrorise the women.

He was responsible for the death of long-time nemesis Yvonne Atkins (played by EastEnders’ Linda Henry) after he locked her in a disused cell and left her to die.

After several attempts on his life by various inmates – including poisoned candles, drink spiking, a poisoned cheese straw and a poisoned thorn, he met his maker when Julie Johnston stabbed him in the throat with an icicle.

Harry Mason and wife Clarissa in Coronation Street (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Jack Ellis in Coronation Street

In December 2007, Jack joined Coronation Street as bookie Harry Mason. He and his son Dan took over the local betting shop. Harry soon started wooing Liz McDonald after his arrival in town. But she was married and reluctant to start an affair behind husband Vernon’s back.

However when she and Vernon split, they did start a romance – much to the disgust of Harry’s ex-wife Clarissa. Harry got back together with Clarissa, but then started an affair with Liz!

Liz and Clarissa then teamed up for revenge and took incriminating photos of Harry in just his underwear. Clarissa agreed to take him back as long as they left Weatherfield forever and started a new life elsewhere. They departed Weatherfield on September 26 2008.

Theatre work

Jack’s acting mainly consists of theatre work now. He starred in Sam Mendes directed Richard III alongside Kevin Spacey. He also toured in a production of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

The Crucible and The Shawshank Redemption are other plays he has to his name.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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

19th December 2024
Belleâ€™s ready to fight Tom in court and fans are thrilled

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.

Tom continued to harass Belle and he fooled others into believing Belle was unstable. As the court case approached, Tom has attempted to scheme his way out of things.

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 â€“ 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!!”

Will justice be served?

Read more:Â Christmas Spoilers for Emmerdale: Terror at Home Farm!

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!

19th December 2024
What happened in Emmerdale tonight: Belle was terrified, Tom was smug and the Dingles in a panic as the court case began

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

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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

18th December 2024
Belleâ€™s falling for Tomâ€™s lies again – and fans had higher hopes for her

In last night’s episode of Emmerdale (Tuesday, December 17), Belle seemed to yet again be falling for Tom’s lies. And viewers thought she was through with that.

Belle has been living through a horrific ordeal over the last lot of months, as her relationship with Tom got progressively more and more abusive.

But now, it’s time for Tom to stand trial which means we are so close to him leaving our screens. So, when Belle started to fall for his lies and manipulation again this week, viewers were confused and annoyed.

Will the back and forth ever end?

In Emmerdale, Belle is growing concerned about testifying (Credit: ITV)

Belle starts to believe Tom’s lies in Emmerdale

It’s a hugely important week in the Belle and Tom storyline, as the evil man finally faces trial for his actions.

But to him, that just means he has to put on a wonderful performance. And so far, he has. Earlier this week, he faked a suicide attempt to mess with Belle’s head, and it has worked.

Last night saw Belle question if she could really go through with testifying against him, as she was adamant she wouldn’t cope if she was responsible for his death.

Despite the Dingles trying to convince her she is not to blame for any of it, and that Tom was faking the whole thing, Belle remained unconvinced.

After all the lies he has told her, many viewers are questioning exactly why Belle would believe a word he says at this point.

Fans call for the back and forth between Belle and Tom to stop (Credit: ITV)

Viewers want the storyline to end

Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their thoughts on Belle’s concerns.

One wrote: “Belle is bugging me now. She knows what he is like. And he has tricked her into staying by faking a suicide attempt. Just go to court!”

Another added: “People, including me, are getting really annoyed with Belle. She is supposed to be the victim who we all feel for and support. But Emmerdale have managed to turn her into one of the most tedious and frustrating characters in the show.”

A third penned: “The back and forth between Belle and Tom is nauseating. It’s losing its meaning as it has dragged on for way too long.”

“Why are they insistent on making Belle look like a gullible idiot?,” one queried.

Emmerdale bosses have promised the storyline is coming to an end, so as we wait and see how this week goes, we hope Belle turns up to court and puts Tom in his place.

Read more: Is Kim playing Will at his own game? Here’s why fans think she is

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!

18th December 2024