Emmerdale is set to air some heart-wrenching scenes involving Tom King’s abusive behavior towards his estranged wife, Belle. Tonight’s episode, airing August 16, will reveal Tom’s disturbing attempts to control Belle by targeting their dog, Piper. In a shocking display, Tom deliberately revs his car towards Piper, demonstrating his malicious intent.

These scenes follow Belle’s recent return to the village, where Tom allowed her to stay at their home, Dale Head, with Piper, while he kept his distance. However, Belle is unaware that Tom has secretly installed cameras and made a spare key to the house. In the previous night’s episode, August 15, Tom deceived Belle into believing the door was left unlocked, and his invasive actions were revealed when he was shown watching her through the hidden cameras.

The upcoming scenes, focusing on Piper, are being filmed in collaboration with Refuge and The Dogs Trust. Research from The Dogs Trust has highlighted the grim reality that pets are often abused or killed by domestic abusers as a means of exerting control over their victims.

James Chase, who plays Tom, has discussed how Tom’s actions reflect his manipulative nature. Chase explained that Tom uses the threat to Piper as a way to re-enter Belle’s life, knowing that her reaction to Piper’s distress will give him an opportunity to comfort her and regain her trust. This desperate move highlights Tom’s willingness to use any means to maintain control over Belle.

Producer Laura Shaw added that these scenes aim to depict the harsh reality faced by many domestic abuse survivors, emphasizing how abusers often exploit family pets as a tool for control. In future episodes, viewers will see Tom resort to increasingly desperate measures to hold onto his crumbling marriage to Belle, potentially leading to a critical moment where Belle might finally decide to report Tom’s abuse.

Will this horrifying act finally push Belle to take action against her abuser? Stay tuned to find out.