Our Emmerdale spoilers reveal that Belle Dingle is horrified to learn that she is pregnant with abusive husband Tom King’s baby. With Tom’s controlling, violent behaviour not exactly conducive to a happy household, Belle is determined to keep the pregnancy a secret.

Discovering that she’s pregnant, Belle pretends to be ill so as to hide her condition from Tom and Mandy. Later, she registers to visit the doctor with Wendy’s support, feeling apprehensive about her options.

Elsewhere, Tom feels affronted when Cain lectures him for selling Belle’s car without consulting him. Paranoid, Tom accuses Belle of mouthing off about the car. As he interrogates a terrified Belle, she insists she’s done nothing wrong.

Before long, Tom’s ugly side really rears up and he raises his hand menacingly.

Scared and desperate to stop the incoming attack, Belle blurts out that she’s pregnant. As Tom takes in her revelation, his demeanour softens, and he pulls her in for a hug.

While they both break down in tears, Belle’s tears are far from tears of joy…

Belle begs Tom to keep the pregnancy a secret between the two of them. As they take an afternoon stroll with Piper, Tom promises to be a better husband.

Belle is unsure whether to trust this new version of Tom, although he does seem sincere in his desire to change for the better.

Softening her opinion, Belle dares to hope that their marriage might still have a chance.

Thrilled about Belle’s pregnancy, Tom is unable to keep the secret for long. He soon lets slip, breaking the news to Rhona.

Later, when Jimmy congratulates Belle, she is furious to learn that Tom spilled her beans.

Feeling that her privacy has been invaded by Tom’s big mouth, Belle struggles control her anger.

However, Tom manages to talk her round, and Belle admits that they might as well tell everyone. Belle tries to convince herself it’s all going to be okay.

The next day, Belle finds herself locked in at home. After absent-mindedly leaving food cooking on the hob, Belle takes a nap. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, a tea towel begins to to singe…