Following a short (well-needed) respite this year, Emmerdale has decided to throw Belle Dingle back into the spotlight for 2026. According to Eden Taylor-Draper, there are some big stories on the horizon for her character.

Back in 2024, Belle was at the centre of a huge coercive control and abuse storyline, perpetrated by her husband Tom King. The long-running story saw Tom physically and mentally abusing Belle, isolating her from her family and leaving viewers worried for her life.

Belle ultimately reported Tom to the police and he was sentenced to three years in prison. Since then, she has been quietly trying to settle back into the village, even entertaining a brief romance with Kammy Hadiq.

But could there be a new relationship in store in the new year?

“I am looking forward to what is coming up for me in the New Year. I think there is some good stuff,” shared Taylor-Draper. “I’ve been chatting to a few people and I’ve heard some things so I’m excited. I think it’s going to be really nice.”

Thinking about Belle’s New Year’s resolutions, the actor suggested that her character should just “focus on herself” for a while as she starts to rebuild her life.

“Put everything into her work and her business. Spend time with her family but don’t let family drama get in the way of her just getting on with her own life.”

The star also admitted that she was looking forward to a break over Christmas before things ramp up again in 2026.

“This year, I’ve been quite quiet so I already feel quite well rested. But I know from last year, when my workload was so busy, how important the break is. I’m really looking forward to the time.

“We all just get back home to our own families. But then we all feel ready to get back filming after Christmas to catch up with all our work friends and family again.”