EmmerdaleΒ spoilers follow for Mondayβs (June 24) episode, which can now be streamed on ITVX. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.
Belle Dingleβs (Eden Taylor-Draper) attempt to fleeΒ Tom KingΒ (James Chase) backfired quite dramatically when her abusive husband was rushed to hospital after he was electrocuted, with doctors confirming that he was momentarily dead.
The events planner, as viewers know, has been gaslit and manipulated by the abuser ever since they tied the knot a few months ago, with Tom even pressuring her into having a baby β despite the fact that Belle has been struggling with herΒ mental health.
But after discovering that she was pregnant, BelleΒ knew she couldnβt have the babyΒ and therefore arranged a termination, going to great lengths to keep her trip to the clinic a secret from Tom, who watches herΒ every move.
In a bid to throw him off the scent, Belle told Tom that she had a miscarriage. The news left Tom reeling and, in typical Tom fashion, he was less than supportive and even attempted toΒ pressure her into trying for another child.
Mondayβs (June 24) edition of theΒ ITVΒ soap dealt with the aftermath of the abortion, with Belle struggling with guilt over what sheβd done.
At Dale Head, she received a visit from Mental Health care co-ordinator Rachel, who was keen to know why Belle hadΒ missed her latest appointment.
Belle branded herself a terrible person,Β revealing her abortion ordeal to Rachel, who was incredibly supportive, but as the two discussed Tom, the medical professional grew concerned about the level of control he has on Belleβs life.
In a bid to ensure Belleβs safety, Rachel provided her with a list of domestic abuse charities but Belle told her that sheβd got the wrong end of the stick β thatΒ sheΒ was the problem in the marriage,Β notΒ Tom.
Rachel, however, remained convinced that something wasnβt right with Tomβs behaviour, urging Belle to take some time out of the marriage in order to protect her mental health. Realising Rachel was right, BelleΒ set in motion an escape plan, making arrangements to joinΒ Debbie DingleΒ (Charley Webb) in Scotland.
Tom, meanwhile, headed up to Butlerβs farm for a job with Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), where he confided in Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) about losing the baby.
Things, however, took a sinister turn, with Tom finding a parking ticket for a Green Row carpark in his vehicle. Doing some research, the abuser realised that the car park in question is located next to an abortion clinic.
Realising that Belle had a termination, he lashed out at the barn, grabbing a crow bar and attacking everything in sight, suffering a high voltage electric shock which stopped his heart for a minute.
Belle, meanwhile, returned to Dale Head to get Piper the dog to take with her whenΒ Rhona GoskirkΒ (Zoe Henry) popped over to inform her about Tomβs accident.
Belle was numb, realising her escape attempt had failed, as she headed to the hospital to visit Tom, who was revived by Paddy after his heart had stopped.
Tom regained consciousness and informed Belle that heβsΒ neverΒ leaving her.
While Belleβs nightmare is set to continue, the fact that Rachel knows what heβs truly like is certainly a sign that his days are numbered. Will Rachel report her concerns about Belleβs welfare? If so, will TomΒ finallyΒ get his comeuppance?