Emmerdale has seemingly confirmed the new romantic storyline for the show's antagonist Tom King, but it's left fans in an uproar.
Long-time viewers will remember that the despicable character, portrayed by James Chase, has been subjecting his wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) to a campaign of abuse and manipulation. However, after a revealing trip to Wales, Belle finally escaped his clutches and declared their marriage finished.
Since then, Tom has found refuge with the Kings, who are oblivious to his sinister side. On the other hand, Belle has returned to Dale Head after Tom deceitfully changed the locks on their home.
Unbeknownst to Belle, Tom not only kept a key for himself but also installed surveillance cameras in her house.
In the episode aired on Friday (August 16), Belle was at the Woolpack celebrating Sam's (James Hooton) birthday when Tom cornered her for a 'chat', reports the Manchester Evening News.
Belle stood firm, requesting Tom to steer clear of her family's festivities, which infuriated him. He resorted to grabbing her wrists and issuing threats.
The confrontation escalated quickly as Belle, pushed to her limit, insisted he leave at once, a scene overheard by the entire Dingle family. A humiliated Tom made a swift exit, but Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell), watching from across the bar, jumped to Tom's defence.
Amelia confronted Belle, questioning why she had to be so "awful" to Tom, and innocently inquired: "What's he done that's so bad?" leaving Belle speechless and shocked.
Fans are buzzing with speculation that Tom and Amelia from the hit show could soon be an item. On a Reddit discussion, a viewer claimed: "The way Amelia stood up for Tom was weird.
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"She treated Noah badly after they broke up so her comments make no sense. I can't help feeling she'll end up in a relationship with Tom. She's single now. I wouldn't put it past creepy Tom to do it thinking it'll make Belle jealous."
Another chimed in with their concern: "I really hope not! Can Tom be trusted around Amelia's daughter? ..it is possible he could harm her."
The New Storyline Sparks Controversy
EMMERDALE viewers have been left disgusted and furious after the soap broadcast terrifying abuse scenes which saw Belle's dog Piper murdered.
Last week, ITV viewers could not believe their eyes as they witnessed Tom cruelly run over Piper leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
His actions were all part of his plan to keep control over Belle amid their abusive marriage.
Having taken Piper to the vets, he knew Belle would have no choice but to interact with him.
Later, as Tom confirmed he was putting Piper down after being 'unable' to save her from his cruel acts resulting in Belle crying into his arms once more.
However, Belle soon clued up to the fact that Tom had a part to play in Piper's death as she realised that he only did it just to be around her.
But fans are less than impressed and have now sent hundreds of scathing messages to the soap to express their frustration as the vile scenes.
Writing online, one disgruntled viewer said: "There’s literally no need to be bringing animal abuse into this storyline (AGAIN) at all. Too far."
Another roared: "Who the hell wrote this awful animal abuse storyline ? They need sacking !!"
Emmerdale Addresses Criticism
"Working with the charities and hearing first hand stories from domestic abuse survivors it's clearly all too common that domestic abusers will use the family pet as a weapon,” producer Laura Shaw said.
"In upcoming scenes viewers will see Tom go to desperate measures to try and keep control of his imploding marriage to Belle, which puts Piper in great jeopardy. Could this terrible act be the motivation that finally urges Belle to report her husband as an abuser?"
Tom actor James Chase added: "Tom is well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog in his abuse of Belle. This deliberate act, although horrifying, is Tom’s way of getting back in Belle’s life.
"He knows her reaction to Piper being injured will mean he can then be the one to comfort her and get close to her again. It’s a desperate act, but Tom is clutching at anything at this time."
Emmerdale Fans Remain Divided
The controversy has not been helped by Emmerdale's own official Instagram account hinting at a more heinous turn in Tom's manipulative tactics. In one teaser, Tom, as played by James Chase, is seen deliberately revving his car in the direction of Piper.
Viewers aren't happy though. One said: "Don't know if I can watch now. Why include the dog in this, storyline is upsetting enough."
However, some viewers have leapt to the series' defence, commending its courage for tackling difficult subjects. One fan said: "All these comments are typical of what's wrong with society turning a blind eye to abuse. For all the people saying they are not watching well who cares.
"Those people can't possible begin to know what it's like to be in an abusive relationship or to grow up in an abusive family. Well done Emmerdale for highlighting this taboo abuse."
Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden labeled the storyline as "incredibly distressing" but acknowledged its authenticity to real-life occurrences. She said: "The recent storyline involving Belle, Tom and Piper is incredibly distressing, but sadly it is reflective of what we too often see through our work."
The Future of the Storyline
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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.
