Emmerdale viewers were left on the edge of their seats after Tuesday's episode, which featured a chilling cliffhanger for Belle and Tom King's troubled relationship.
Cain and Charity Dingle visited Belle and Tom's holiday cottage in Wales, only to discover a horrifying scene. The cottage had been ransacked, with blood splattered on the walls. The couple were nowhere to be found, leaving Cain and Charity deeply worried.
Wednesday's special episode offers a glimpse into the events leading up to this unsettling discovery. The episode unfolds in the form of flashbacks, revealing the escalating abuse and control Tom exerted over Belle during their stay.
While Belle initially hoped for a fresh start in their marriage, the idyllic setting quickly became a terrifying ordeal for her as Tom's controlling nature intensified.
Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper highlighted the importance of this storyline: "The story set to the backdrop of this beautiful cottage will be really hard-hitting and difficult at moments... Tom is very much isolating Belle from her family, from her surroundings, from everything she knows and loves, which is unfortunately a typical trait of abusers."
The episode focuses on Belle and Tom's tumultuous relationship, showcasing the escalating abuse over four consecutive days.
Beyond the special episode, the focus will shift back to Cain and Charity as they grapple with their shock and seek answers about Belle's safety.
Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, shared his thoughts: "I don't think Cain quite believed Charity's suspicions over Tom until he got there... If somebody has hurt his little sister, there's no saying what Cain would do."
Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, added: "It's just an unpleasant sight at the cottage... We know that Belle has gone away to Wales and she's now missing as there's nobody in the house. Charity and Cain immediately assume that Belle is in real trouble."
While the story is set in Wales, the special episode was actually filmed in a cottage on the Emmerdale set in Yorkshire.
"We recreated Wales in Yorkshire!" explained Roper. "Our fantastic design team [did it]... We've got a cottage up in the village, which we've re-dressed and made this beautiful Welsh retreat."
The story of Belle and Tom's relationship will continue to unfold in Emmerdale until the end of the year.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Important Note: This story deals with themes of coercive control and domestic abuse. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out for help.
You are not alone.
Here are some resources that can help:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk
New Beginnings Peer Support: www.newbeginningspeersupport.com
Women's Aid: www.womensaid.org.uk
National Domestic Violence Hotline (US): 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text LOVEIS to 22522