Note: The following article references domestic violence and coercive control.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Tonight’s (July 19) episode of Emmerdale saw Tom King make a sinister plan for his wife Belle, ahead of the soap’s special episode.
Emmerdale has explored the issue of domestic abuse with Tom and Belle’s story, which began last October. Tom’s controlling and violent behaviour has rapidly worsened since he married Belle in February.
In recent episodes, Tom secretly agreed to a job interview in Wales, convincing Belle that the relocation wouldn’t be permanent.
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Tonight’s episode saw Tom take a secret phone call to confirm he’d be able to attend another interview for a new veterinary job in Wales.
“She’s still totally on board. Belle loves the Welsh countryside, the quieter the better,” Tom said to his prospective employer.
While on a dog walk, Cain asked Belle and Tom to come over to his and Moira’s for a meal the next day to show their “family support” for Matty.
After Belle agreed, Tom wasn’t pleased, saying: “A bunch of Dingles talking over each other, that’ll be nice and relaxing.”
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Tom then suggested to Belle that they go on holiday to Wales as it will do them the world of good after recent weeks. “I’ll find us somewhere perfect, I promise,” he said.
Later, Tom revealed he had already booked a cottage in Pembroke, before trying to convince Belle to skip the meal and leave for their holiday early.
“I thought getting away would be healing for us,” he said, with Belle eventually replying: “We need to heal. Going away will be great for us.”
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As the couple were about to drive off on their holiday, Belle realised she didn’t have her phone with her and asked if she could go back inside to find it.
“Maybe it’s a blessing,” replied Tom. “That’s what holidays are for, shutting out the noise. We’re all you need, me and Piper. Now, let’s go and have some fun.”
With no way to contact her family, what does the couple’s holiday have in store for Belle?
The full extent of Tom and Belle’s week away will be shown through a series of flashbacks in a special episode on Wednesday, July 24.
