EMMERDALE TO AIR 'STYLISED' DOMESTIC ABUSE EPISODE

Emmerdale is set to air a special hour long, stylised episode focused upon Belle King and the domestic abuse she’s been suffering at the hands of her conniving husband, Tom. 

Belle, played by Eden Taylor Draper, has suffered months of abuse at the hands of her controlling, manipulative husband Tom (James Chase). 

In this special episode due to air on ITV1 on 5 September, which is written by Tony Higgins and directed by Tim O’Mara, the audience will be privy to three different potential future realities that could happen to Belle.

The night before Tom has threatened Belle saying he will never give up on her. 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 Producer Sophie Roper explains: “In this stylised episode we explore Belle’s worst fears and see the true extent of the impact her abusive relationship with Tom has had on her. If one person seeks help for a situation they are in because of seeing Belle’s plight it will be an achievement...

"Domestic abuse can be undetectable from outside a relationship and hopefully the scenes of Belle and then Amelia’s relationships, though difficult viewing at times, may shine a light on some aspects of domestic abuse. Charity Dingle told Belle she would be available to listen whenever Belle was ready to talk. Could now finally be the time for Belle to open up about the extent of her abusive relationship?”

Actress Eden Taylor Draper elaborates "I'm excited for everyone to see this dream“ episode as I feel it’s a great representation of what’s going on inside Belle's mind and the constant fear even though she is no longer “in“ the abusive relationship. It was a very special episode to film, I understand viewers will find it distressing and uncomfortable but I am so proud we are exploring this to its full potential to give people a real insight to what can go on.” 

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge said: “Domestic abuse is sadly all too common, with 1 in 4 women experiencing some form of abuse in their lifetime. It is important that shows like Emmerdale explore these types of storylines, and work with experts such as ourselves when developing these on-screen portrayals so viewers can be informed about domestic abuse and how it presents and learn to recognise signs of abuse in the real world.  

Emmerdale airs Monday-Friday at 7:30pm on ITV1.