Emmerdale fans warned Belle Dingle episode will be 'distressing and uncomfortable'

Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper has warned fans the Belle Dingle special episode is “distressing and uncomfortable.”

The ITV soap is set to air a special hour-long episode focused on Belle and the domestic abuse she’s been suffering at the hands of her conniving husband, Tom.

As fans will recall Tom (James Chase) has been abusing and gaslighting his wife Belle for months. She has since ended their marriage - but Tom has shown no signs of letting her go, even resorting to desperate measures when he appeared to murder her dog, Piper.

In the special episode due to air on ITV1 on 5 September, the audience will be shown three different potential future realities that could happen to Belle.

The night before, Tom threatened Belle saying he would never give up on her. His words are then a catalyst that propels Belle into a dream-like day, as what might happen in her future life is reflected on her.

The episode, written by Tony Higgins and directed by Tim O’Mara, follows a dazed Belle leaving her house with each scenario she then encounters playing out within the world of the famous village.

Throughout the instalment, Belle interacts and observes situations that may never actually happen in reality, as viewers realise the horror of what could occur in her future. Up until now, Belle has been fearful of speaking out about the abuse she has been suffering, typical of a coercive relationship.

Emmerdale’s writers and story team have been working closely with the charity Refuge, and as a consequence, the programme is enormously grateful for their advice and support in bringing this fictional domestic violence story to air.

Actress Eden Taylor Draper has spoken out about the special episode - but issued a warning to the soap’s loyal