Co-stars heap praise on Eden Taylor-Draper and James Chase over ‘phenomenal’ performances in standalone episode
James and Eden pulled out all the stops
The cast of Emmerdale have showered stars Eden-Taylor Draper and James Chase with praise following last night’s ‘INCREDIBLE’ (to quote Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley) episode of the soap.
In a culmination of months of abuse, Belle Dingle finally broke free of abusive husband Tom King’s campaign of terror. This came as he brought her and pup Piper out to an isolated cottage in Wales, where he hoped to start their new life.
Belle flees as Tom turns the screw
Belle was horrified as Tom turned up his cycle of abuse, reprimanding her for a dry roast and burned toast. He then locked poor Piper out in the garden overnight, while locking Belle in the house.
As his manipulation turned violent – striking Belle while he mansplained a story to her, Belle began to realise that it was make-or-break for their marriage – as in, she needed to make a break for it.
Emmerdale stars praise ‘incredible’ performances of Eden Taylor-Draper and James Chase
As the episode ended, with Belle boarding a bus away from a rampaging Tom, the actors’ co-stars took to Instagram to praise Eden Taylor-Draper and James Chase, who play Belle and Tom.
“Phenomenal, that finale,” said Ella Forster actor Paula Lane, in an Instagram story.
“INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE. @swedentd @justjimmychasing @seanhealy.jnr on tonight’s gripping episode. Edge of your seat all the way – a tough watch, this story is going on in so many households – what a team, you should all be so proud of yourselves. Such power in this episode. Mr Sean, BRAVO,” wrote Lisa Riley, tagging in the episode’s director, Sean Healy.
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“Well done Eden, Jimmy. You brilliant girl, so proud of you,” said Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden on the soap.
“Absolutely outstanding episode of Emmerdale tonight… all concerned smashed it,” wrote former Emmerdale star and Dan Spencer actor Liam Fox.
“Well done Emmerdale a powerful episode tonight. Felt sick watching it! Well done Eden and Jimmy incredible work,” agreed Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Robinson.
“Such a tough but important story,” said Matty Barton star Ash Palmisciano.
In their praise for Eden and James, members of the cast highlighted the importance of the story in raising awareness of abusive relationships such as Belle and Tom’s.
Refuge’s free National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 for confidential specialist support on 0808 2000 247.
Those struggling can also visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to speak to an adviser on their live chat.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.