In a shocking revelation for Emmerdale fans, it has been uncovered that Tom King and Belle Dingle’s much-discussed holiday
cottage, which was portrayed as being in Wales, was actually filmed on the Emmerdale village set in Yorkshire.
The special flashback episode, airing on July 24, features Tom’s manipulative control over Belle as they retreat to what is shown
as a remote Welsh cottage. However, behind the scenes, the cottage scenes were shot at the Emmerdale set, specifically at a location
designed to look like a secluded holiday home.
Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle, disclosed that the so-called Welsh cottage is actually a new building at the top of the Emmerdale village set, previously used as Moira and Cain鈥檚 house. The set’s design team crafted an elaborate illusion to transform it into a believable holiday retreat. Gillian Slight, the head of design, explained that despite being in Yorkshire, the team transformed the set, including significant landscaping and decoration, to make it appear as though it was located 300 miles away from the Yorkshire Dales.
The storyline follows Tom and Belle’s distressing stay at this “cottage,” where Tom’s coercive control over Belle intensifies. In the episode, Cain and Charity Dingle discover the cottage vandalized, with blood on the walls and Belle missing, further escalating the drama. Flashbacks reveal Tom’s abusive behavior, isolating Belle from her support system and manipulating her into a state of desperation.
The decision to film the cottage scenes on the set was made to control the environment and ensure authenticity in portraying the emotional and physical abuse Belle endures. Laura Shaw, the producer, emphasized the importance of depicting the long-term effects of abuse realistically, stating that the storyline will continue to unfold until the end of the year.
As the plot develops, viewers are left wondering about the true extent of Tom’s control and whether Belle can find a way to escape his oppressive hold. The intricate set design and the emotional depth of the storyline have captivated audiences, highlighting the show’s commitment to addressing sensitive issues with authenticity and care.
