Yahoo News Emmerdale's Eden Taylor-Draper addresses end of Belle and Tom story
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has addressed the end of the storyline for Belle Dingle and Tom King, describing it as “very important”.
Tom is due to stand trial on the ITV soap after being charged with coercive controlling behaviour and the assault of his wife Belle, though he has still attempted to evade justice by intimidating her away from testifying.
With Tom’s day in court to come, Taylor-Draper – who has played Belle since 2005 – has spoken about the impactful scenes, sharing that the ending provided an important message for general audiences.
Related: Emmerdale's Angelica King left devastated over Tom in ITVX episode
“It always felt like the right way to end this story and show to people out there that you can be listened to [and that] you can be heard,” she said. “I think that is very important. This is the ending that feels right.
“And I think it’s great we are showing this and we are showing the steps on how anyone out there can find the strength to do this. And you will be heard and you will be listened to. And for us just to show there is hope.”
Having played the character since she was just eight years old, the storyline has naturally been one of the most challenging in Taylor-Draper’s career, with the star sharing that she had learned “so much” from the arc.
“I’ve learnt so much,” she surmised. “From the minute I was told that I was being trusted with this storyline, there were research chats set up with the writing department, producers and the charities.
Related: Emmerdale's Bob Hope left upset in emotional Christmas plot
“In an hour's zoom call I already just couldn’t believe the state of what was happening and how often it was happening to people. But also how many people it affects and obviously things like technology abuse and control have been on the rise recently. They showed me how abuse is actually changing and adapting.
“And it is just the smallest little things that I think have probably stuck with me most. So yes I’ve learnt so much. I also feel like I am definitely more aware of certain red flags that might be at the beginning of an abusive relationship. I also hope viewers can perhaps pick up on red flags more readily too.”
Whilst the storyline has left an impression on Taylor-Draper, the narrative has also had a profound impact on audiences, with the star sharing that she was touched by the feedback she had received from fans.
Related: Emmerdale flashback to uncover Ruby's devastating past
“It has been incredible feedback,” she said. “I have never before experienced so many people reaching out. It has been very impacting to hear all their stories and just the way this story has touched people. I think it is so special and you know I’ve had people reach out and say this story has made them evaluate their relationship.
“Or that they’ve now managed to get themselves and their children to safety and they are now in a refuge. It is just incredible but also just so sad the vast numbers – just how many people this is affecting, so I’m really proud that we have shown this.”
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk), New Beginnings Peer Support (www.newbeginningspeersupport.com) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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