Will she find the courage to open up about her abuse?
31 AUGUST - 6 SEPTEMBER
Opening her laptop, Belle is devestated to learn by email that there will be no disclosure following her Clare's Law Application. Watching from his cameras, delighted, Tom is vindicated and enjoying her distress.
Later, Tom delivers a coded comment to Belle which alerts her to his knowledge of the results of her private email. And Belle freezes when he reminds her of some exposing photos he could release.
Soon, Belle is distraught as she realises that the password to access her photos has been changed. Forming a plan to play Tom at his own game, Belle steals his tablet and before long, the tables have turned and Tom is confronted by Belle in the Woolpack. But will anyone believe her accusations?
Meanwhile, Amelia unwittingly reveals that it's early days, but she and Tom are now in a relationship, leaving both Belle and Lydia incredulous.
When Tom lets himself into Belle’s house with his own key, Belle, terrified for Amelia's safety, tells him to leave her alone.
The next day, following her run in with Tom, Belle leaves her house in a trance-like state and wanders down Main Street where we see she is haunted by her imagined future.
In a special hour-long episode, focusing on Belle’s choices, will she find the courage to open up about her abuse?
Having suffered months of abuse at the hands of her controlling, manipulative husband Tom, the episode, written by Tony Higgins and directed by Tim O’Mara, will show us three different potential future realities that could happen to Belle.
The night before, Tom threatened Belle saying he will never give up on her and his words are the catalyst that propels Belle into a dream-like day, as what might happen in her future life is reflected back at her.
The story follows a dazed Belle leaving her house with each scenario she then encounters playing out within the world of the Emmerdale village.
As Belle interacts and observes situations that may never actually happen in reality, we realise the horror of what could occur in her future. Up until now, Belle has been fearful of speaking out about the abuse she has been suffering, which is very typical of a coercive relationship.
Emmerdale’s writers and story team have been working closely with the charity Refuge, and as a consequence the programme is enormously grateful for their advice and support in bringing this fictional domestic violence story to air.
Emmerdale continues Mondays to Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV1
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