Emmerdale’s Belle Dingle faced a shock as villain Tom King ramped up his toxic behaviour in the episode that aired on Thursday (August 15).

Following her Scottish retreat aimed at escaping the turmoil, Belle (portrayed by Eden Taylor-Draper) came back to discover that Tom’s menacing deeds had intensified.

Last month saw the couple’s relationship sour during an eerie journey to a Welsh ghost town. In that period, Belle stumbled upon Tom’s concealed career plans

and was soon subjected to his anger, prompting her to flee their holiday home with her dog Piper in tow – a move from which she didn’t look back.

Belle, known for her determination, managed to keep a safe distance from Tom,

but he cruelly cut her off financially and tarnished her reputation by spreading nasty rumours of her getting close to Vinny Dingle (played by Bradley Johnson).

An impromptu trip followed as Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) suggested she escape to Scotland to see her father, away from Tom’s oppressive shadow. However returning to her normal life, Belle witnessed her husband’s full-blown meltdown.

Attempting to slither back into Belle’s favour with the gift of an expensive car, Tom was met with rejection. “The reason I won’t accept it is because I don’t want to get back together,” Belle firmly told an infuriated Tom, reports the Daily Star.

In a dark turn of events, Tom then shockingly threatened to end his own life unless Belle agreed to work on mending their broken relationship. Craving some space, Belle pleaded for a temporary separation.

In a disturbing turn of events on the Dales, Tom had been covertly setting up cameras in the cottage, which allowed him to intrusively observe Belle as she showered and slept, all through his smartphone.

Emmerdale fans were left horrified by Tom’s despicable actions to surveil Belle, with their shock taking to the internet.

One distressed viewer expressed their disgust on social media, writing: “Tom being in the house and also watching Belle when she has no idea is the creepiest sh*t I’ve ever seen #emmerdale.” (sic)

Another shocked fan condemned the actions, posting: “Tom testing new cameras to spy on Belle the creepy **** #Emmerdale.” (sic)

Adding to the outcry, another comment read: “Ah that’s a step too far, Tom installing cameras to spy is bad enough but in the bathroom ffs the sick t***.” (sic)

Sharing similar thoughts, another person commented: “Dear Lord. Tom is seriously sick #Emmerdale”. (sic)