Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has discussed the importance of

keeping Belle and Tom King’s dark storyline running over the coming months.

Eden’s character Belle recently walked out on her husband Tom after his

violent and controlling behaviour reached a peak while they were on holiday in Wales together. Although Belle has stood firm over her decision to end things with Tom, the ITV soap is continuing to explore the villain’s disturbing attempts to further manipulate her.

Show bosses have confirmed that the plot will run until the end of the year, although it’s currently unclear what form this will take and whether we’re getting any closer to Tom’s downfall.

tom king, belle king, emmerdale Eden recently caught up with Digital Spy while taking part in Emmerdale’s official nominees photoshoot for the Inside Soap Awards 2024.

We filmed a behind-the-scenes video with the cast in Leeds as they posed for their glamorous photos, which can be seen in the current issue of Inside Soap. Our full footage can be viewed at the top of this page.

Speaking about Belle’s future, Eden told Digital Spy: “There’s still so much to see and such a journey to go on. It might not all be as smooth sailing as I and you would hope!

“Along with the research team, producers and writers, everyone is so passionate about telling the story correctly and showing that there are so many times when someone might feel ‘I can get out of this, I can change my life’ and something drags you back.

belle dingle, tom king, emmerdale

“They’ve looked at statistics and obviously everyone’s journey is different, but I think it’s important to show that it’s not that simple and it’s not that easy.

“It’s very easy as an out-looker to say ‘you could just get out’, but actually there’s so much to it.”

She continued: “These things do go over a long period of time and some people are in these positions for years and years. Some people can never get out. So I think it’s great that we’re showing a long-spanning story.”

The issue-based plot is well-represented in the Inside Soap Awards longlist this year. Eden is up for Best Actress and her co-star James Chase – who plays Tom – is in the running for Best Villain.

tom, belle dingle, emmerdale

ITV
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Tom and Belle’s plot is up for Best Storyline and Piper the dog is even included with a nomination for Best Pet.

Reflecting on the nods, Eden added: “It’s such an honour. This is the first time I’ve been nominated as Best Actress as an adult, so this is huge. I feel very lucky.

“I’m so lucky to be part of the Emmerdale family. I know I’m biased, but it really is a beautiful place to work. I think people should just vote for who they connect to and who their heart’s with.”