Emmerdale viewers reckon they have sussed out what the long-running ITV soap’s upcoming Christmas storyline will be – but it appears fans are not too happy about it

Over on the soap at the moment, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Droper) is at the centre of a gripping domestic abuse storyline with her new husband Tom (James Chase).

Former flames Belle and Tom rekindled their romance last year – and ended up tying the knot. However, viewers have seen the son of villainous Carl King emotionally abuse Belle over recent months.

Over time, Tom’s control over Belle has intensified, culminating in physical attacks, with the storyline set to take an even darker turn. Adding to the drama, Belle recently discovered she was pregnant. However, feeling unable to bring a baby into their toxic relationship, she opted for a termination without informing Tom, instead telling him she had suffered a miscarriage.

In Monday’s episode (June 24), Belle confided in her mental health care coordinator about her abusive relationship while Tom was at work, leading to the suggestion that she should leave. Initially hesitant, Belle eventually agreed and began packing her belongings.

Meanwhile, Tom was fuming at the new Barn after finding out Belle had lied about their baby and decided to end the pregnancy. He was seething with anger, and armed with a metal bar, he accidentally hit the barn’s rotary isolator.

Despite being rushed or hospital, Tom managed to pull through. Now, angry fans are certain that this storyline will play out until Christmas – with one character a popular contender to get killed off.

Over on X, formerly known as Twitter, viewers shared their thoughts – with many thinking Tom could be heading six feet under. One fuming fan said: “Can’t believe they are really going to drag Tom & Belle’s story out until Xmas. How much further can the story really go? ( Unless Tom attempts to kill Belle).”

Someone else added: “I’ve worked it out. Belle will kill Tom and that will give us a good Christmas story.”

A third penned: “What’s the betting it’ll be 5 months of Tom ramping up the abuse by blackmailing belle that he will destroy Noah by blaming his dodgy wiring on his accident. Belle Will never be able to leave!!!!”

Another chimed in and wrote: “I can see Belle accidentally killing Tom as he pushes all her buttons.” A fifth said: “This is gonna drag on till Christmas.”