Emmerdale‘s Tom King (played by James Chase) has been controlling every aspect of Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor Draper) life since they tied the knot back in February on Valentine’s Day.
The conniving veterinarian continues to keep Belle from being independent – and has even been physically abusive towards her at points in their relationship. She recently had a termination behind his back as she couldn’t cope with having a child with her abuser.
At this stage, no one in the village seems to realise what is going on behind the scenes with the Emmerdale couple.
However, Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Dingle, has suggested her character soon onto twigs what Belle is being put through in upcoming scenes.
Speaking with Express.co.uk and other media at a recent press event, Emma said there is a moment where Charity comes face to face with Belle and Tom in the village.
“There’s a standoff and Belle runs off crying and Charity’s first instincts are to run after her,” Emma explained.
“But Tom comes up in the wheelchair [he is using] and says, ‘Stop’ and ‘You leave Belle to me.'”
She continued: “He just shuts her down right there in the street and she’s just dumbfounded. I think she’s like, ‘Holy moly this is another level of control and masking, you know.'”
When asked if the character has been suspicious of Tom before, Emma said: “No but I think she has always found him to be a bit squeaky clean – a bit annoying and a bit smarmy.
“She’s just not had the best opinion of him, but of course, he ticks all the boxes, doesn’t he?”
Emma added: “On the outside world, everybody thinks he’s caring. He’s earning a wage and he’s the most decent human being Belle’s met so far.
“I think he’s putting on the most amazing show and she starts to smell a rat.”
Is there a way Charity will be able to help Belle get out of this heartbreaking situation she’s found herself caught in?
She’s never been lucky in love, but Tom’s abuse has made her hit rock bottom, with the character feeling as though she has no one to confide in.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.