Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) has spent the start of 2025 healing after being abused by Tom King (James Chase) in Emmerdale. The beloved character was subjected to physical and emotional abuse by Tom for well over a year. When Belle and Tom first got married, one of the first things he did in his campaign of control and coercion against her was to get her to give up her job. Belle had been offered work with Suzy (Martelle Edinborough) and Leyla (Roxy Shahidi) at Take A Vow after she showed flair for dealing with clients. This came after Belle had been her own boss in a wellness business. She was smart, ambitious and keen to build a career.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. As Tom systematically demolished Belle’s self-esteem and sought to isolate her from her family and friends, he knew that one of the best ways to do that would be to stop her from working. He used a full range of manipulative techniques, from lying about the job offer from Suzy, to sabotaging her clients, and even cutting his own hand so Belle would have to drop what she was doing to rush and see him.

Belle eventually gave in and agreed to stop work, and after that her world became much smaller as Tom tried to control every aspect of her life. When the storyline concluded, Tom was sentenced to time in prison. Following this, Belle has slowly made small steps to make her life a brighter and happier place. A few days ago, Belle accepted Suzy and Leyla’s offer to return to work at Take A Vow. In tonight’s episode, she continued to work with her colleagues, but had to make an announcement when Leyla told them about her new event idea.

Leyla decided to organise a raffle ahead of Valentine’s Day, with the winner eventually heading out to spend the evening in a limo. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who’s leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?. Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!.

As soon as Belle heard when the idea would take place, she told Leyla and Suzy she wouldn’t be around that day, because it is triggering for her. Remembering her wedding to Tom happening around the same time last year, Leyla and Suzy completely understood. It was a small scene, but a reminder that Belle has complete control over her life again now – which means things can only get better for her.