It’s another really tough week for Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) as she is on the receiving end of Tom King’s (James Chase) violence once more, and a complex curveball comes in the form of a pregnancy.
Meanwhile, Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) is seeking love, while Ruby Fox-Miligan is consumed by guilt.
For Belle, an angry confrontation is halted when she blurts out to Tom that she is expecting his baby.
His demeanour immediately changes and he makes a vow to be a better man, for however long that will last.
Emotionally exhausted after months of abuse, Belle later falls asleep as a fire ignites…
Meanwhile, Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) finds herself doing a u-turn as she decides to take a chance on romance with Vinny.
But she is then mortified and disappointed by his unexpected rejection.
And finally, with Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) struggling with Ethan’s death, Ruby finds herself cracking under pressure…
Monday June 10
After finding out she’s pregnant, Belle feigns illness to hide her pregnancy from Tom and Mandy.
She later registers to visit the doctor with Wendy’s support, feeling apprehensive about her options.
There’s a charged moment between Gabby and Vinny.
Tuesday June 11
Tom is affronted as Cain lectures him for selling Belle’s car without consulting him. Paranoid Tom accuses Belle of mouthing off about the car and Tom interrogates her.
As he raises his hand, fearful Belle blurts out that she’s pregnant. As the dust settles from Belle’s shocking revelation, Tom’s demeanour changes as he pulls her in for a hug. They both cry, but Belle’s tears are not tears of joy…
Belle urges him to keep it between them for now. As the two of them take an afternoon stroll along River Walk with Piper, Belle is unsure whether to trust this new version of Tom as he promises to be a better husband.
Manpreet is surprised at herself as she confides in Ruby about Charles. Ruby is riddled with guilt and wants to help.
Wednesday June 12
Tom seems sincere in wanting to change and Belle softens as she dares to hope they still have a chance. But, he can’t contain himself as he reveals the news about Belle’s pregnancy to Paddy.
When Jimmy later congratulates Belle, she is furious to learn that Tom let the cat out of the bag. Feeling her privacy’s been invaded, Belle struggles to keep a lid on her anger but Tom talks her round.
Softening, Belle feels hopeful and admits they might as well tell everyone now and she tries to convince herself it’s all going to be okay.