What lies BENEATH

EDEN TAYLOR-DRAPER and JAMES CHASE on how a groundbreaking episode of Emmerdale hopes to show relationships in a new light...

- ALISON SLADE

EMMERDALE HOLIDAY MONDAY-FRIDAY, 7.30PM, ITV1 SOAP

ITV1’s Emmerdale has a history of delivering stories in new and innovative ways, and this week, there’s another break from the norm when Belle King hosts a dinner party. Writer Jo Maris has crafted the episode to explore two perspectives of the same evening.

‘We’ll show how what you see in public is not necessarily what you see behind closed doors,’ says producer Laura Shaw.

While Rhona Goskirk and Marlon Dingle’s relationship is laid bare (see box, top right), it’s the events surrounding Belle (played by Eden Taylor-Draper) and husband Tom (James Chase) that are set to be particularly uncomfortable viewing. 

‘Their wedding night ended with Belle in tears, and since then, we’ve seen how Tom has manipulated and coercively controlled her,’ says Laura.

‘We’ve been given access to real-life stories and spent time with charities like Refuge. What we’ve learnt is just how quickly these coercive-control relationships can turn physical.’

Here, stars Eden, 26, who has portrayed Belle since 2005, and James, 27, who joined the cast in April 2023, give us their take on the storyline…

What can viewers expect in this special episode? 

EDEN In the first part, you see all of the groups arriving and you think everything’s great. And then, at different points, you see the reality of what’s happening behind closed doors. It’s like everyone is putting on a show in front of their friends, and then the audience becomes a fly on the wall and you see the reality.