Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has addressed the end of the storyline for Belle Dingle and Tom King, describing it as “very important”.

Tom is due to stand trial on the ITV soap after being charged with coercive controlling behaviour and the assault of his wife Belle, though he has still attempted to evade

justice by intimidating her away from testifying.

With Tom’s day in court to come, Taylor-Draper – who has played Belle since 2005 – has spoken about the impactful scenes, sharing that the ending provided an important message for general audiences.

“It always felt like the right way to end this story and show to people out there that you can be listened to [and that] you can be heard,” she said. “I think that is very important. This is the ending that feels right.

“And I think it’s great we are showing this and we are showing the steps on how anyone out there can find the strength to do this. And you will be heard and you will be listened to. And for us just to show there is hope.”

Having played the character since she was just eight years old, the storyline has naturally been one of the most challenging in Taylor-Draper’s career, with the star sharing that she had learned “so much” from the arc.

“I’ve learnt so much,” she surmised. “From the minute I was told that I was being trusted with this storyline, there were research chats set up with the writing department, producers and the charities.

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“In an hour’s zoom call I already just couldn’t believe the state of what was happening and how often it was happening to people. But also how many people it affects and obviously things like technology abuse and control have been on the rise recently. They showed me how abuse is actually changing and adapting.

“And it is just the smallest little things that I think have probably stuck with me most. So yes I’ve learnt so much. I also feel like I am definitely more aware of certain red flags that might be at the beginning of an abusive relationship. I also hope viewers can perhaps pick up on red flags more readily too.”

Whilst the storyline has left an impression on Taylor-Draper, the narrative has also had a profound impact on audiences, with the star sharing that she was touched by the feedback she had received from fans.

“It has been incredible feedback,” she said. “I have never before experienced so many people reaching out. It has been very impacting to hear all their stories and just the way this story has touched people. I think it is so special and you know I’ve had people reach out and say this story has made them evaluate their relationship.

“Or that they’ve now managed to get themselves and their children to safety and they are now in a refuge. It is just incredible but also just so sad the vast numbers – just how many people this is affecting, so I’m really proud that we have shown this.”