Emmerdale fans ‘refuse to watch’ as they beg bosses to end storyline that has ‘gone beyond the realm of plausible’

EMMERDALE viewers have declared they ‘refuse to watch’ while pleading with bosses to end a controversial storyline.

For several months, fans of the ITV soap have watched Tom King (James Chase) terrorise his now ex-wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).

ITV

Emmerdale fans have begged bosses to end Tom and Belle’s abuse storyline[/caption]

ITV

Some have declared they refuse to watch until the plot is resolved[/caption]

ITV

Although she broke free from Tom’s coercive control, their drama was far from over.

He continued to torment Belle and made her think her beloved dog Piper had been killed.

In recent scenes, Belle took actions into her own hands by plunging an axe into Tom’s back as he unleashed fury on her.

The villain survived, although Belle is now facing criminal charges.

Viewers were left extremely frustrated by a recent blunder that could’ve sent Tom to prison.

His tablet, which Tom used to secretly film Belle from all his hidden cameras in her cottage, came to be in Moira’s (Natalie J. Robb) possession.

She logged on and was horrified to see videos of Belle in the bathroom, as well as footage of her panicking after being locked in the house by Tom.

Moira called Belle, having realised this was evidence of abuse – while she left a vague voicemail message before deciding to take the tablet to her.

Considering Moira’s active brain tumour, this plan didn’t work out and she ended up having a seizure in a forest.

Her brother Mackenzie (Lawrence Robb) soon found Moira, took her home and got medical help from John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).

Later on, Moira, Matty and Mackenzie all had a discussion about the tablet when Belle walked in asking what the voicemail was about.

Despite the tablet being discussed not seconds before, none of them mentioned it.

Belle was devastated, convinced she was going to prison for defending herself and Tom would be free to continue his reign of terror.

Taking to social media, viewers shared their general irritation with the storyline, as one wrote: “I’m not watching #Emmerdale until this is resolved.

“The way they have ruined this storyline is unbelievable. I actually can’t watch it it makes me so annoyed.”

Another commented: This whole storyline is p*****g me off now it’s gone beyond the realm of plausible and now it’s just farcical END IT I beg #emmerdale.”

A third chimed in: “It’s not artistically satisfying. I hesitate to say it’s poor writing but it IS poor plotting.

“Belle going to the police and being believed was such a satisfying plot twist, but tonight’s episode is idiotic twiddling.

“We deserve closure and payoff. #emmerdale”

Darkest soap storylines

Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…

EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.

Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.

Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.

Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.

Yet another added: “I cannot bear how stupidly the scriptwriters are making everyone behave. #emmerdale”.

While a fifth remarked: “What a load of b*****s this is.

“Absolutely farcical. Turned what should be a serious subject in to a parody. Writers should hang their heads in shame. #Emmerdale.”

Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available to watch on ITVX.

ITV

Recent developments could see Belle be the one sent to prison[/caption]