Tom King (James Chase) and Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) have left the

Emmerdale village. For Belle, she thinks they’re currently driving to Wales for a

holiday in the countryside. For Tom, they’ve left the village – and won’t ever return.

Recently, Tom applied for a vet job in a very remote part of Wales. Wanting to completely isolate Belle from her family, Tom knew this would be the perfect way to have his wife all to himself.

Of course, Tom was never going to tell Belle about the new role, he needed a cover story. Shortly after Belle confessed she never experienced a miscarriage and actually aborted their baby, Tom put forward the idea of a few weeks away in the Welsh countryside.

He said even though it wouldn’t be a sunny country, it would be quiet and peaceful, a lovely place to relax and heal.

Belle agreed to the prospect of a nice holiday, but certainly wasn’t expecting to leave today.

In Friday’s (July 19) episode of the ITV soap, Belle was outside walking Piper the dog, and then Cain (Jeff Hordley) approached.

Cain highlighted to Belle that he hasn’t seen her for a while. She argued that she’s been busy looking after Tom following the barn electrocution, but Cain felt as though his sister needed to do more, because she had barely checked in with Matty (Ash Palmisciano) after his time in prison.

Belle got defensive and stuck up for Tom once more. To compensate, she agreed to attend Moira’s (Natalie J Robb) family dinner – but then Tom got in the way.

Earlier in the day, Tom had received an email confirming a second interview for the vet job.

Sitting down to talk to Belle, Tom revealed there had been a cancellation at the house in Wales and they can go that evening.

Belle was a little hesitant to say yes, given Moira’s dinner plans, but when Tom mentioned they can reconnect after a difficult weeks, Belle was backed into a corner once more and agreed.

In the car, just before they left, Belle realised she had forgotten her phone, unaware Tom had hidden it in a drawer. The evil man covered and said it was a blessing in disguise.

Next week, Tom and Belle will arrive at the cottage in Wales. In an episode that’ll focus entirely on their storyline, viewers will see what happens between the couple as Cain and Charity (Emma Atkins) race to try and save Belle.

Sophie Roper, producer of the show, said: ‘The behaviour Tom is exhibiting is typical of a coercive controlling relationship and at times will prove difficult and uncomfortable to watch.

‘The assistance the charity Refuge has given us whilst researching this storyline has been enormously helpful in bringing this incredibly important storyline to our screens.’