In a heart-stopping cliffhanger, Emmerdale viewers were left on edge as Belle finally escaped from her abusive husband, Tom. However, the gripping finale revealed that Tom isn’t ready to let her go. The double bill on Thursday, July 25th, showcased Belle’s successful escape, but the ominous final scene showed Tom’s refusal to release his grip on her.

Earlier in the week, Charity and Cain Dingle arrived at a remote Welsh holiday cabin, only to find it in disarray, with blood smeared on the walls. Flashbacks revealed Belle’s desperate struggle to flee from Tom after he turned violent over her reluctance to move to Wales. In the latest episode, Cain and Charity confronted Tom, finding him dazed in the cabin. Cain violently shoved Tom against the wall, demanding answers. Tom claimed that Belle had left him, trying to make it appear that she had a manic episode. He justified his controlling behavior, such as installing security cameras and tracking spending, as precautions Belle wanted after a recent burglary at Dale Head.

When pressed by Cain to be honest about what happened, Tom alleged that they had argued because Belle had lied about having a miscarriage, claiming she had actually aborted their baby. He further suggested that Belle was experiencing delusions due to being off her medication. Tom continued to lie, explaining away the blood on the wall as a result of Belle’s supposed breakdown. He expressed concern, saying Belle had nothing with her—no phone, no money. Charity suggested calling the police, but Tom tried to dissuade her, warning that Belle could be sectioned.

Meanwhile, back at Wishing Well Cottage, Lydia was surprised by Belle’s sudden appearance in the middle of the night. Belle, clearly shaken, told Lydia she just needed to come home. Charity soon received a call from Lydia, informing her that Belle had turned up at Wishing Well. Charity and Cain rushed back to the village. Belle resisted opening up to Lydia about her injured hand, which she claimed was caused by falling on glass. She broke down in tears as Lydia promised they would get her settled the next day.

The next morning, Belle was unhappy to learn that Cain and Charity had gone after her. When they arrived at Wishing Well, she accused them of going behind her back. Belle was devastated when Charity revealed they knew about her termination. Charity even defended Tom, insisting he was only angry with himself for letting Belle down. Horrified that her family seemed to be taking Tom’s side, Belle left Wishing Well to clear her head at Dale Head.

There, Tom was waiting for her. He taunted Belle, claiming he had turned the Dingles against her. “They think you’re mental. They think I deserve a medal for putting up with you,” he declared. Tom blamed Belle for ignoring his mental health issues and ruining their marriage. He reminisced about the kind, funny girl Belle used to be and accused her of losing her way. Tom promised they could start fresh if she moved to Wales with him, insisting he could make her happy. When Tom tried to force himself on Belle, she pushed him away, declaring, “I don’t want to be married to you. I’m going home.”

Tom attempted to physically stop Belle from leaving, threatening, “I will kill you before I let you leave this house.” Belle managed to break free, warning that Cain would seek revenge if Tom harmed her. This threat was enough for Tom to unlatch the door, allowing Belle to escape. As she fled, Tom ominously insisted, “It won’t be long before you come crawling back.”

Belle was last seen arriving at Wishing Well Cottage, announcing to her family that her marriage was over. As she sat alone, grappling with her emotions, Tom was shown watching from a distance, hinting that this saga is far from over.