Emmerdale Cliffhanger: Belle Escapes from Abuser Tom, Ominous Finale (2024) | Emmerdale spoilers

Emmerdale aired an intense cliffhanger as Belle Dingle successfully escaped from her abusive husband Tom King, but it became clear that Tom wasn’t willing to let her go so easily. The double bill on Thursday, July 25th, saw Belle’s dramatic escape, only for the final scene to reveal Tom’s relentless pursuit.

Earlier in the week, Charity and Cain Dingle arrived at the remote Welsh holiday cabin where Belle and Tom were staying, finding the place in disarray with blood on the walls. Viewers were then taken through flashbacks showing Belle’s desperate attempts to flee from Tom after he became violent again over her reluctance to move to Wales.

In the latest episode, Cain and Charity confronted Tom at the cabin, finding him dazed and disheveled. Cain violently shoved Tom against the wall, demanding to know what had happened. Tom claimed that Belle had left him and suggested she had experienced a manic episode, explaining away his controlling behavior as measures Belle wanted for security after a recent burglary.

Tom accused Belle of lying about a miscarriage, revealing she had actually aborted their baby. He further alleged that Belle had been off her medication, leading to delusions and their altercation. Tom tried to sway Charity and Cain against involving the police, suggesting Belle could be sectioned.

Back at Wishing Well Cottage, Lydia was surprised when Belle arrived in the middle of the night, seeking refuge. Belle, visibly distressed, refused to open up fully about her ordeal, claiming her injured hand was from falling on glass. Lydia promised to help her get settled, but the next morning, Belle was unhappy to learn that Cain and Charity had gone after her.

When they returned, Belle accused them of going behind her back. Charity revealed they knew about the abortion, and even defended Tom, saying he was only angry with himself for letting Belle down. Horrified that her family seemed to be siding with Tom, Belle left Wishing Well to get some air.

At Dale Head, Tom was waiting and taunted her, claiming he had turned her family against her. He accused Belle of ignoring his mental health issues and blamed her for their ruined marriage, stating that even her own family thought she had lost her sanity. Tom promised they could start anew if he took the job in Wales, insisting he could make Belle happy.

When Tom tried to force himself on her, Belle pushed him away and firmly told him she wanted out of the marriage. Tom threatened to kill her before letting her leave, but Belle managed to break free by threatening that Cain would take revenge. This was enough for Tom to unlatch the door, allowing Belle to escape.

Belle was later seen arriving back at Wishing Well Cottage, announcing to her family that her marriage was over. As she sat alone, Tom was ominously shown watching from a distance, leaving viewers on edge about what might happen next.