Emmerdale viewers were left distracted by a glaring blunder on the ITV soap, as a fan favourite Belle Dingle was dealt a devastating baby bombshell in the Dales

However, with her menacing husband Tom King lurking, fans fear a dark twist could be on the cards. In the latest visit to the Dales, Belle popped into the GP surgery where nurse Wendy Posner, portrayed by Susan Cookson, broke the pregnancy news.

But it was clear from their chat that this wasn’t a joyous occasion, as Wendy picked up on the tension and started questioning Belle about her relationship with Tom King, played by James Chase.

Belle has been suffering at the hands of the vet ever since Tom returned from Saudi Arabia and re-entered her life. She remained tight-lipped and evasive during Wendy’s probing, leaving viewers at home biting their nails.

Soap buffs took to social media to express their concerns, with one fan writing: “Belle is pregnant and doubt she will keep the baby Tom don’t deserve Belle and a baby!” Another chimed in with: “Oh dear, Belle is pregnant by the ‘He Devil'”, and a third lamented: “Wait belles pregnant NOOOOOO.”

Soap fans were left gobsmacked as Belle’s baby bombshell dropped, with one viewer exclaiming: “Bloody hell Belle. The chance to get out was when you weren’t pregnant. This ties her to Tom even more because when he finds out, he’ll be blabbing to anyone who’ll listen.”

After discovering she’s expecting, Belle decided to keep the sprog under wraps from her hubby, but telly addicts seemed more worried about nurse Wendy’s credentials and the fact that Belle copped a punch from Tom weeks back, sparking fears for the nipper’s safety.

One eagle-eyed fan pointed out, “A few weeks ago didn’t Tom Punch Belle in the stomach ? ? Wouldn’t she have been pregnant then ? ? “, while another lamented, “I don’t know what’s worse. Being pregnant with the spawn of Tom or being told that you are pregnant with the spawn of Tom by Wendy. Poor Belle.”

Meanwhile, a cheeky comment came flying in: “Belle getting the bad news that she’s pregnant from Fake Nurse Wendy!” Tom’s been playing the villain with Belle, bullying and gaslighting her for months, even as she sought help for her mental health.

Next week’s episodes will see Tom chuffed to bits upon learning Belle’s preggers, and he can’t help but spill the beans to Rhona, setting the grapevine on fire.

Tragically, danger is imminent as he leaves and locks Belle and her dog Piper in Dale Head, demonstrating his coercive control. As Belle and Piper take a nap upstairs, a fire ignites in the kitchen with a tea cloth catching alight.