Tag: Piper the Dog

Review of the week: Tom’s shocking revenge, wedding bells, and a secret revealed

Well! There is a lot to say in this week’s Emmerdale review! Because what a week of Emmerdale that was!

Even in such an action-packed week, of course one story stands out: Tom’s evil attempt to hurt Belle by hurting Piper!

It was gasp-out-loud shocking and we are desperately hoping that Piper pulls through.

And that was only a small part of the dramatic events in this week’s Emmerdale. Read on for the rest of our Emmerdale review of the week to find out what we thought.

Paddy and Mandy’s super-quick wedding in our Emmerdale review

After a few hiccups, Paddy and Mandy finally made it to the altar for the second time, 25 years after they first tied the knot. They raced through their vows in record speed so they could get it all done before vicar Charles had to rush off again.

And that was really the theme of the whole thing – speed. Mandy’s money troubles only emerged a couple of weeks ago, she set up her fin-dom alter-ego Madame Diamante Dales last week, and paid off a chunk of her debts almost immediately.

Bear exposed Mandy’s alter-ego! (Credit: ITV)

The truth is out!

But within days, her future father-in-law Bear had found out, given her an ultimatum to stop or he would tell Paddy. Mandy agreed, but Bear set her up, exposed her – in a manner of speaking – and the truth was out.

Paddy decided the wedding was off, but a quick chat with Mandy later and everything was on again.

Our heads were spinning with the speed of it all. But we can’t deny it’s nice to see Paddy and Mandy happy. Let’s just hope it lasts!

Newcomer John has intrigued us (Credit: ITV)

Sugden secrets

Normally a newcomer to the village who’s hiding a secret leaves us cold. But to our own surprise, we’re finding John Sugden rather intriguing!

It’s partly the casting. Oliver Farnworth is bringing hints of both Jack and Robert Sugden to the role, and physically he’s perfect to be a Sugden. (We reserve the right to take all of this back in a future Emmerdale review if John turns out not to be a family member after all!)

Why does John have a dog tag with the name Aidan Moore on it? (Credit: ITV)

More secrets!

Anyway, John’s prickly nature and downright hatred of Mack has won us over (come on, Mack’s very annoying!). And then Victoria found his army dog tag. He said he didn’t want to talk about that part of his life, which is interesting in itself.

But it turned out the dog tag wasn’t even his! Instead it bears the name Aidan Moore. WHO is Aidan? Why does John have his dog tag? We’re definitely invested in this now.

Vinny and Gabby are cute together (Credit: ITV)

Vinny and Gabby

We loved Liv but it’s nice to see Vinny finding some happiness after so much heartache. And who knows, maybe he’ll calm Gabby down a bit. We think this unlikely match could just work.

Poor Piper! (Credit: ITV/Emmerdale Insider)

Tom and Piper

OMG, where to begin with this one?! We still feel a bit sick just thinking about it. Having tormented Belle while she was in Scotland with endless messages, her abusive husband Tom was determined to keep up his harassment when she returned.

First, he bought her a car, which everyone thought was totally lovely – except Belle herself (and Charity, who’s thankfully still suspicious). Belle turned down his gift, but Tom wasn’t finished.

He let himself into the cottage, bringing flowers and a pint of milk for Belle, and acting like everything was normal. He told Belle they should get back together, and when she said no, he wasn’t happy.

Tom tried his old tricks, telling Belle she wasn’t strong enough to make such a big decision. He even threatened to take his own life. It was tough to watch! But Belle stayed strong.

Tom was soon back to his old tricks (Credit: ITV)

More threats

As usual, though, Tom had the upper hand – chillingly watching Belle through his hidden cameras. He could even see her undressing in the bathroom and later watched her sleep FROM INSIDE HER HOUSE. We’re into horror movie territory here!

And that wasn’t even the worst bit. In Friday’s episode, Belle stood up to Tom in public, humiliating him in the pub. And so Tom took terrible revenge.

He drove off in the Mini he’d bought for Belle and saw Piper in the road. Did he stop to make sure she was safe? No. He. Did. Not.

Instead, he put his foot down and accelerated towards the helpless pup.

Did you gasp out loud? We definitely did! Will evil Tom be the hero for saving the pooch’s life, or will he give Belle a shoulder to cry on if Piper doesn’t make it? Either way, it’s not looking good for Belle!

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

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

Visit our Facebook pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!

17th August 2024
Most complained about episodes of Emmerdale ever after Tom’s abuse of Piper receives over 1000 Ofcom reports

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

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

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

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

Emmerdale: Most complained about episodes ever

Step away from the dog, Tom (Credit: ITV)

Piper’s abuse by Tom – 1189 complaints

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

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

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

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

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

Ross and Charity’s plan didn’t work out, despite the uproar it caused (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Dog-napping – 550 complaints

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

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

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

Ross was left scarred for life after the attack (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Ross Barton’s acid attack in Emmerdale – 366 complaints

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

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

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

This was where the storyline went too far according to fans (Credit: ITV)

Meena’s murder spree – 150 complaints

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

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

More than 150 complained to the watchdog.

Rhona was terrified of her husband (Credit: ITV)

Pierce rapes Rhona – 101 Emmerdale complaints

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

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

Gerry was a fan favourite (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Lachlan murders Gerry – 101 complaints

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

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

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

The scenes of Victoria’s rape were tough (Credit: ITV)

Victoria Sugden’s rape ordeal – 39 complaints

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

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

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

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

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

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

26th July 2024
Fans praise ‘trooper’ Piper the dog amid Tom and Belle story

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

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

Tom has continued to take out his mean temper on little Piper (Credit: ITV)

Inside Belle and Piper’s ordeal

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

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

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

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

Little Piper stole the show (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale fans praise ‘trooper’ Piper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

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

25th July 2024
Emmerdale tonight: Belle escaped Tom after a vicious attack

Emmerdale tonight, and there was a fantastic flashback episode dedicated to what had taken place between Belle and Tom at the cottage in Wales, after Cain and Charity discovered blood yesterday.

Eerie music played as the camera took viewers around the aesthetically charming cosy cottage before landing on the worrying blood on the door.

Then we were transported back four days to the couple’s arrival in Pembroke…

Mrs King was all smiles as the couple arrived at the cottage in Emmerdale tonight (Credit: ITV)

Belle learned the truth about Wales

Belle was thrilled when she clapped eyes on the stunning and isolated property. At first it appeared to her like a perfect getaway, as Tom regaled her with history on King Arthur and his wife, Guinevere, his one true love… who betrayed him. (Alarm bells!)

Later, Belle overheard Tom on the phone, discussing staying on atÂ theÂ cottage.

“This is huge Tom, and you’ve not even mentioned it,” Belle dared to say.

He fobbed her off, claiming he was going to bring it up over a romantic dinner – and then changed the subject by havingÂ a go at his wife for ruiningÂ the roast lamb she’dÂ lovingly prepared.

The following morning brought painfully precise details of Belle’s torment – how she buttered and then spread marmalade on Tom’s toast so carefully.

He then declared he was going to meet the local vets practice, and dismissed his wife’s concerns about him planning their life without her.

“Look at this place, we could get you a pony… imagine it, Belle,” he said.

Emmerdale tonight: Puppy Piper abused again

When he got home, he was furious to discover Belle had gone out after Piper had run off.

Tom decided to teach the poor pup a lesson, chaining her up outside and ignoring her pleading barks.

The following day brought more anxious buttering of toast from Belle – and Piper barked outside after being left there all night.

Tom lectured frightened Belle on discipline, announcing, “I don’t want our kids to be feral.”

Belle looked terrifiedÂ at just the prospect of imagining having children with him.

With that, Tom then went out to get milk, criticising Belle for how much tea she drank – and locking her in as he left.

When he came back, Tom announced he’d been offered the job and, as Belle once again tried to challenge him on not discussing it with her, the gaslighting began once more.

He demanded to know why Piper was still outside and, when Belle said he’d locked her in, Tom said the door was obviously stiff and she hadn’t tried hard enough to open it.

“Why Belle, why theÂ constant need to play theÂ victim?” he mocked.

WHO ELSE WANTS TO KILL THIS MAN?!

Tom turned violent

The situation really blew up over lunch, as Belle tip-toed around telling Tom she didn’t want to move to Wales and was scared how she’d cope if she had to move away from her family.

Her husband flew into a rage, throwing his glass of red wine at the wall and shouting: “Were you thinking about family when you killed our baby? Knowing how much I wanted a child. What about my family, why is it always about yours?”

Then Tom struck Belle and, as she sobbed on the floor bleeding, he goaded: “We never finished our story about the King and his Queen, who turnedÂ out to be such a crushing disappointment… what did he do after being lied to, humiliated, disrespected?

“Do you want to know the answer? He sentenced her to die.”

Belle then made a run for it to the bathroom, with Tom following to apologise – althoughÂ it was really another excuse to attack her for the abortion. But he slipped up and Belle discovered that Tom had known about the termination before she confessed to it.

He then chillingly told her that they had to stay together… there was no alternative.

Belle was horrified later to find that he had apparently taken a load of pills. “If we can’t be together, I don’t want to live,” he told her, feebly.

The following morning, we learned that Tom had been sick and was feeling fine. Enough to tell off his wife for burning the toast.

Belle’s ‘idyllic’ getaway to Wales ended in violence and a terror-filled escape (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Belle fans predict Tom’s terrifying next move

Belle’s great escape

Belle finally reached her limit after this and seized a chance to escape with Piper, locking Tom in the cottage.

Enraged, he smashed the place up before escaping through a window.

He had almost caught up with Belle as she got onto a bus.

“Belle! What are you doing, get off the bus now! Beeeeeeellllle!,” he bellowed.

Meanwhile, Belle sat at the back of the bus cradling Piper, relief slowly washing over her terrifiedÂ face as the bus pulled away.

BRAVO!!!

What did you think of Emmerdale tonight?Â

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.

24th July 2024
Controversy surrounding Emmerdale puppy Piper as Tom takes his anger out on her again

Emmerdale fans have seen it all – plotting, scheming, murder, affairs and abuse, but one thing they really can’t get on board with is animal abuse and when Tom King abused Piper the dog it sent them wild with anger.

And tonight (Wednesday July 24) he was at it again, punishing Piper and cruelly locking her outside, before blaming Belle for it all.

It’s fair to say there has been much controversy since Piper was introduced into the soap and we expect there’s soon to be more following tonight’s episode.

Not poor little Piper! (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale viewers vow to switch off over Piper abuse

Disgusted viewers insisted they would ‘stop watching’ back in May after twisted Tom King injected Piper. It was all to regain control over wife Belle Dingle who had checked herself into a mental health unit.

That hadn’t been Tom’s plan when he manipulated her into believing she’d missed her medication and he was furious it had gone so wrong. When she then refused to see or speak to him, Tom went to extreme lengths by injecting Piper with drugs so she would become unwell. Then he knew that would lure Belle home and back under his control.

Dozens of viewers made it very clear they found the scenes with Piper hard to watch.

“This has gone too far now,” wrote one. “I’m a huge Emmerdale fan but disgusted at this, it is vile.”

“The writers should be ashamed of themselves putting these stupid storylines involving animals I hope more people complain about it,” added another.

Someone else shared: “I think Emmerdale should have awards revoked because of the Piper dog storyline.”

A further viewer added: “He was just about to casually euthanise a dog. Too far for this show.”

Tom wields a needle (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale reported to Ofcom over Piper the dog scenes

Meanwhile, another user complained:Â “I have just reported tonight’s show to Ofcom. It took me a couple of minutes only. The more people that report it the better.”

And in fact, many, many more did call the broadcasting regulator. Tom’s cruelty towards innocent little Piper affected fans so badly hundreds of complaints were filed to Ofcom.

In the end they received almost 900 complaints about the episode in which Tom nearly killed the dog.

Fans thought that the soap had gone ‘too far’ (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale issues statement

Trying to calm the furore surrounding Piper, Emmerdale issued a statement about the scenes on their social channels.

Posting a clip of the scene on Instagram, they said: “These scenes can be distressing to watch, but we want to remind you that Minnie (AKA Piper) is a very good actor and is always living her best life on set! We can confirm that no harm has come to her whatsoever.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emmerdale (@emmerdale)

However, the reassurance didn’t stop fans reacting with anger to the storyline as a whole.

“Not watching anymore. This is beyond upsetting and this storyline needs ending now. Until then I’m out,” said one.

Another agreed: “Nah I’m sorry but I draw the line at animal abuse. Terrible. A new low for this show.”

Belle will do all she can to protect Piper (Credit: ITV)

It’s not over for Piper

Despite the complaints and controversy, it hasn’t put Emmerdale off pursuing the storyline. Producer Laura Shaw recently revealed there’s more to come – and the uproar is down to Piper being so cute!

Speaking to Entertainment Daily! and other media, Laura joked: “We should’ve got an ugly dog.”

Referring to the casting of adorable pup Minnie as Piper, Laura added: “Having that cute dog I don’t think has helped. Whenever you put any sort of pet in danger on Emmerdale everyone goes up in arms about it.”

She also confirmed: “Piper will definitely have a future role in the story.”

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

Tom continues to abuse Belle on ‘holiday’ (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale confirms further Tom abuse for Belle and Piper the Dog

This week, the soap has aired a flashback episode that showed what happened when Belle and Tom went on holiday to Wales. Charity and Cain had grown concerned about their relative and tracked her down to the remote Welsh cottage, but they found no sign of Belle or Tom and blood on the walls.

A flashback on Wednesday July 24 showed TomÂ continuing to manipulate Belle as he succeeds in isolating her from her loved ones. And unfortunately, Piper also came in for it.

After Belle took her for a walk and she escaped off the lead, Piper came back muddy. Tom told Belle if she couldn’t train Piper then he would – and he locked her up outside overnight. When he then left the house, he locked Belle in and she had to escape out of a window to give the dog water and food. But she quickly darted back inside the house when Tom came home.

He then proceeded to tell Belle she was being cruel to the dog by not bringing her inside. Belle protested Tom had locked her in, but he denied it.

Belle and Piper eventually made their escape, getting on a bus that drove far away from raging Tom. But will Belle – and Piper – be safe now?

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

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

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

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

24th July 2024