Emmerdale aired one of its biggest cliffhangers of the year on Thursday evening as Belle King was provoked into lashing out at her abusive husband Tom.

Tom’s fate has been left uncertain after a terrifying showdown played out in the ITV soap’s latest hour-long episode.

The villain has been keeping a low profile in recent weeks following Belle’s decision to confide in her family about his domestic abuse. However, he made a sinister return to Belle’s life after being tipped off over her plans to report him to the police.

Tom was in cahoots with his new girlfriend Amelia Spencer, who doesn’t believe the allegations against him.

Amelia tricked Belle into agreeing to meet with her at the Dingle family homestead. She hinted that she’d seen Tom’s true colours and wanted to discuss it, but it was all a ploy and Tom was the one who turned up instead.

The story took an upsetting turn as Tom let himself into Wishing Well Cottage, blocked Belle’s exit and locked both of the doors.

Tom tried to regain his cruel control over Belle and became violent again when she refused to comply. Belle only managed to escape by grabbing Sam Dingle’s shotgun and ordering Tom to let her leave.

Sadly, Belle’s ordeal wasn’t over as Tom chased her around the surrounding area, forcing her to find a hiding place. Belle sought refuge in the empty flat on the Dingle family property, but a relentless Tom forced his way inside with an axe.

Belle still had the gun in her possession and tried to scare off Tom by threatening to shoot him.

Tom taunted her in response by warning of the potential consequences: “They’ll lock you up in a cell – just like they did after Gemma. Because you’re not sane, Belle. You need help – and I’m trying to help you.”