ITV Emmerdale star issues plea for return of beloved character after heartbreaking scenes

-Credit: (Image: (Image: ITV))
-Credit: (Image: (Image: ITV))


Emmerdale actress Eden Taylor-Draper is calling for the sensational return of Piper the dog to the popular ITV soap. In a recent twist, the much-loved village pet vanished after a nasty run-in with villain Tom King (played by James Chase), who was embroiled in a vile plot.

Fans were left in shock last month when evil Tom intentionally ran over Piper and then claimed to his on-screen wife, Belle (portrayed by Eden Taylor-Draper), that he had found the dog already injured. Belle found herself at the vet's with Tom coldly preparing to euthanize the critically injured animal in what looked like a lost cause.

In a callous move, Tom had actually handed Piper off to another family, pinning the blame on "an abusive owner" for giving her up and even staging a fake burial for the beloved dog. The storyline forms part of a greater arc concerning Belle's ordeal of domestic abuse at Tom's hands.

For far too long, the character has put Belle through emotional and psychological agony, managing to convince their acquaintances he's the one being abused. Audiences have also witnessed Tom cruelly locking Piper outside and using her in his twisted manipulation of Belle.

Eden Taylor-Draper, who portrays Belle in Emmerdale, has expressed her desire for the return of Piper during a chat with Digital Spy. The 26-year-old actress is eagerly anticipating the day when the beloved dog might make a comeback to the village.

She revealed: "I would love that more than anything, because Piper meant everything to Belle.

"When Belle and Tom are in the holiday cottage in Wales, Belle didn't leave because she was hurt she left because Piper was hurt and that is huge."

She continued: "Piper is Belle's little lifeline and has saved her. For her to know her best friend is there, of course she would fight to get her back and I hope that happens."

In an exciting turn of events, Minnie, the dog who plays Piper, is up for the Best Pet award at the Inside Soap Awards 2024 later this month.