Next week in Emmerdale, Tom’s coercive behaviour escalates again as he continues to torment Belle.
Thomas King (portrayed by James Chase) has been rubbing ITV viewers the wrong way as his mistreatment of his new bride Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) becomes increasingly alarming.
The pair tied the knot in recent scenes of the Yorkshire-based program but the commitment didn’t stop Tom from humiliating and chastising Belle at every opportunity.
In scenes due on our screens next week, Belle’s coercive control turmoil continues as Tom gives her the silent treatment when she gets a job opportunity from Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough).
Tom tells Belle he’d promised that she would talk to his cousin Angelica King (Rebecca Bakes) about the Secure Children’s Home given her experience in one when she was facing her own legal troubles following Gemma Andrews’ death.
He makes her feel guilty at the thought of saying no and, soon, Belle gets serious with Angel as the reality finally sets in.
Angelica faces the music after she revealed she was responsible for Heath Hope’s death in a joyride gone wrong on New Year’s Eve.
Belle opens up about what other children in the SCH might be like, and Angel’s fear grows.
She worries she’ll face similar mental health difficulties to Belle, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Coming down the stairs in Victoria Cottage, Jimmy King (Nick Miles) discovers them both upset, and comforts Angel as he admonishes Belle, who flees distraught.
Upset to have had her past brought up, Belle’s even more regretful when Tom backtracks on the idea that he made her speak to Angelica.
She’s grateful when he promises to protect her in future.
But what else does he have in store for Belle?
While this remains to be seen, viewers have taken to X to share their thoughts about the storyline as they’ve predicted that Tom could, one day, face the Dingle wrath.
EMMERDALE NEWS
Everything you need to know about Emmerdale
“God help Tom when the Dingles find out how he’s treating Belle!”, one of them penned.
Another added: “Please Emmerdale get fucking rid of this vile human. He’s horrible and if Belle will end up like her mum & dad if she’s not careful. If Cain finds out what’s going on then Tom’s a dead man walking.”
“Belle, THIS IS YOUR SIGN. Annul that marriage or have your family take care of Tom”, a third fan wrote.
How will it play out?
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.