ITV Emmerdale star confirms major return and says 'it's a Christmas miracle' amid Tom King exit

Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has confirmed a major return to the village - and it's a 'Christmas miracle'. Viewers of the ITV soap have been left heartbroken by the actress' recent portrayal of Belle Dingle's abuse at the hands of her husband.

As fans know, Belle and Tom King reunited last year following his return to the village but soon into their relationship, signs of Tom's violent and emotionally manipulative behaviour became apparent.

They later got married following a Christmas proposal Belle organised with the help of skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, but once legally wed, Tom stepped up his abuse, leaving Belle subject to domestic abuse and in a coercively controlling marriage.

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After months of shocking abuse, Belle found the courage to speak out and despite facing setbacks along the way, she was recently relieved when Tom was arrested and charged with coercive behaviour and assault and remains behind bars until he faces trial.

But while her ordeal is far from over, and facing her first Christmas without her beloved father Zak Dingle, Belle is set to be given a bit of joy this festive season, thanks to the help of Vinny Dingle and Gabby Thomas, in the shape of a much-hoped-for return.

Wth bosses having teased a surprise arrival would head to the village for the festive episodes, Eden has revealed that it will be Belle's beloved pooch Piper who is finally returning to the show after she thought Tom had purposely killed her as part of her abuse. But her death was faked by Tom and Piper was seen being given to a new couple.

Eden revealed that she wasn't told for a while that Piper would