Belle recently decided to take some time away from the village, following her split from abusive husband Tom. Tom has continued to try to win Belle back and was delighted to learn she’d be returning this week.

The villain had offered to let Belle live with Piper the Dog in their home at Dale Head, while he stayed with Jimmy and Nicola King at Victoria Cottage. However, Tom secretly had a key made for himself for Dale Head too.

Thursday’s (August 15) double bill revealed Tom had gone even further to keep tabs on Belle by installing secret cameras throughout Dale Head — including in the bathroom.

Belle was horrified to find Tom already in the house when she went downstairs in the latest episode. Tom made an excuse that the door was unlocked, but Belle remained sceptical.

Tom offered his estranged wife a brand-new car, but she refused to accept it. Belle had earlier sent Tom a text asking to speak with him so he assumed their chat would be about reconciling.

“The reason I won’t accept [the car] is because I don’t want to get back together,” Belle explained. “I need space, Tom. I need you to stop contacting me.”

Tom once again suggested he might end his life if Belle left him. While Belle said she’d never want Tom to hurt himself, she stood firm that she didn’t want to see or speak to him.

“I have to put myself first,” Belle insisted.

Tom menacingly moved towards Belle, but stopped himself and asked if she’d made her “final decision”. Belle assured him their marriage was over as she handed back his car keys.

When Tom stormed out, a frightened Belle locked the door to make sure he couldn’t re-enter Dale Head. Later, as Belle was puttering around the house, viewers saw Tom watching live footage from the secret camera apps he’d installed.

The soap showed Tom’s twisted expression as he spied on Belle getting ready for a bath. Will Belle discover she’s being watched?