Emmerdale aired a shocking twist for Belle Dingle on Thursday (September 26) as she fought for her life.
Abusive Tom King (James Chase) has been tormenting and violently abusing his estranged wife Belle (portrayed by Eden Taylor-Draper) for months, and has even made her believe her beloved dog is dead.
Earlier this week, Belle made the brave decision to tell the police about Tom’s abuse after she found hidden cameras in her cottage proving he had been spying on her. But when the news reached Tom’s new love interest Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell), exposed Belle’s plan.
Trying to help Amelia escape the violent grip of Tom she invited the teenager to Wishing Well Cottage, and she immediately told Tom. In chilling scenes, Tom later allowed himself into the home as Belle froze with fear.
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Tom immediately exerted his control over Belle once again, before beating her bloody and pretending she is the problem. But it wasn’t long before Belle saw and seized an opportunity to run for her life, grabbing hold of a nearby hunting rifle.
Unfortunately, Tom soon followed suit with an axe in hand. Belle found shelter but she was eventually found and, in a horrifying move, hacked down the door to get through to Belle.
The pair were then face to face, with Tom dropping his axe and challenging her to shoot him. Belle pulled the trigger but the shot was blocked by the safety, which Tom later unlocked, holding the gun up to Belle.
As Belle stared death in the face, Tom was ready to bask in his glory, admiring himself in a broken mirror before Belle struck him with the axe he had left on the floor, terrified for her life.
But is Tom dead? Or will he survive?
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
