When Zak and Lisa Dingle have a row, Lisa collapses and it's Belle who calls the ambulance and goes with her to hospital. Emmerdale's Jane Cox explains all to Soaplife…

Liv Flaherty and Gabby Thomas are up in court for spiking Lisa Dingle's drink, but it’s not making Lisa feel any better. She’s been out of sorts since that night and following an argument with Zak after the case, she has another terrifying episode…

What's the story?

Zak argues with Lisa, not realising she is in pain. She shouts at him to go, then collapses. “She keels over,” actress Jane Cox told Soaplife. “She thinks this is it. It’s an angina attack and the doctor warns Lisa that she must avoid stress.” So Lisa makes a decision on how to keep herself well… but what is it and how will her family react?

What's happening in Emmerdale? See the latest soap storylines

Jane Cox's interview with Soaplife about Lisa Dingle rushed to hospital after collapsing…

Soaplife: How has Lisa been since her heart attack?

JC: "She’s exhausted and feels pretty bad. It takes a while to recover after a heart attack. She also feels quite down. The family aren’t being as supportive as they could be and she’s upset that Liv could do such a thing to her. She could have died."

S: What do the rest of the family think about Liv’s crime?

JC: "Everyone apart from Belle fails to see the severity of the situation. When they thought it was Gabby, they believed she should go to prison, but when they found out it was Liv, they felt that Lisa shouldn’t have dobbed her in. Even Zak isn’t  on Lisa’s side."

S: How poor is Lisa's health?

JC: "She does have angina and when you have a heart attack, even if it is a minor one, it makes it more likely that you could have a major one and that could be fatal."

S: How does Lisa feel about Liv being up in court?

JC: "Liv is desperately upset about it and has been brave enough to admit what she did. Lisa wants to go to court and explain that Liv is a good girl really. However, Lisa isn’t allowed to do that because they get a different lawyer who says that Lisa mustn’t make a witness statement. Lisa wants Liv to learn a lesson, but nothing more."

S: Why does Lisa fall out with Zak?

JC: "On the way back from court, Zak turns on Lisa and is horrible to her because she phoned the police and reported Liv. He doesn’t think she is fit to be a Dingle any more and says he can’t bear to look at her. Lisa is heart broken, she goes and sits down and then she collapses."

S: Belle calls an ambulance and Lisa is rushed to hospital… what's the news?

"She is told it was an angina attack and the doctor explains that any more stress could be dangerous, so on the back of that, Lisa makes a decision. I won’t tell you what it is, but it is the only one she feels she can make."

S: Can Lisa and Zak get through this together?

JC: "There is massive rift between them, so who knows? It’s been really interesting for me as Zak and Lisa are usually on the same page about things."

It's Lachlan White's birthday but he's not having the best of times as Gerry spikes his drink and tries to snog Belle!

It's Lachlan White's birthday and tonight is meant to be the night for him and girlfriend Belle in Emmerdale. But Gerry puts a huge spanner in the works when he spikes Lachlan's drink with laxative... and tries to make a move on Belle himself!

Unhunged Lachlan is soon raging... What will he do to get revenge on his so-called mate?

Gerry has a birthday surprise for Lachlan... Should the teen accept this drink?

Gerry has a birthday surprise for Lachlan... Should the teen accept this drink?

Earlier, Lachlan has big plans for his birthday evening – he's going to take things with Belle 'to the next level'…

… but when Lachlan accepts a drink from Gerry, he makes a grave mistake. It's drugged with laxatives.

While Lachlan is out of the way, Gerry makes a move on Belle!

But Lachlan walks in on the awkward situation…

Furious, Lachlan lashes out at Gerry – and starts planning his revenge. As we know, he's not a man to cross...Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, July 24

Bailey’s wife Angie hears Belle Dingle talking to herself in Emmerdale and realises her pregnancy is a lie. So she tells everyone, reveals Eden Taylor-Draper

Belle Dingle's baby lies are brutally exposed in Emmerdale and, following a dramatic breakdown, she goes missing. Eden Taylor-Draper reveals all to Soaplife.

The drama starts with Belle’s first baby scan, doesn’t it? “Yes. She’s dreading it. She has an appointment to have a scan with Bailey [Micah Balfour] in tow. She knows she’s going to be found out and the fact Bailey’s a doctor makes it even worse. She’s in a panic.”

What does she do? “Charity [Emma Atkins] thinks Belle is really pregnant and she shows her a baby scan of Noah, to reassure her it won’t matter that the baby is a bit smaller than it should be at this stage in the pregnancy. Belle takes Charity’s scan and decides to pass it off as her own, telling Bailey the appointment was brought forward and she had to go on her own.”

Does the scam work? “Bailey’s upset, but he’s over the moon when he sees the photograph and that makes Belle feel terrible because she knows it’s not real.”

Why hasn’t anyone noticed that Belle is acting oddly? “She’s done a really good job of hiding her illness. Her family also have problems of their own: Lisa [Jane Cox] has got Zak [Steve Halliwell] to worry about, and Charity’s busy trying to impress Cain [Jeff Hordley].”

How does Angie learn Belle isn’t really pregnant? “Belle gets in a bit of a state when Bailey gets excited about the scan picture, so she rushes to the loos at The Woolpack to calm down. Angie [Nina Toussaint-White] has turned up to see Bailey, goes to the loo and hears Belle have a row with Ellie over the fake pregnancy. Angie knows Belle has a history of mental illness and goes out into the pub and blurts out the truth.”

How does Belle react? "Ellie starts screaming in Belle’s ear and she starts talking to her in front of everyone. Of course, they can see there’s nobody there and they realise her illness has returned. It’s an awful moment for Belle. She runs off and has a breakdown in the cafe, where her family see her crying on the floor.”

What happens next? “Belle runs away. She’s so caught up with Ellie that she can’t think straight. She doesn’t know what to do or who she is any more.”

Will she be found before something bad happens? “You’ll have to wait and see. It will go on for a while. What Belle really needs is help. She isn’t capable of sustaining a relationship with Bailey. She should be with her family.”

Emmerdale, ITV

There's a shocked silence in Emmerdale's Woolpack when Bailey's wife Angie tells everyone that Belle's pregnancy is all in her head… And it's followed by Dingle family fear when Belle disappears!

Belle's mental health has been fragile since she accidentally killed her friend, Gemma Andrews.

That led to Belle hearing voices and she was sectioned.

She had been doing better, though – until she met married doctor Jermaine Bailey.

When his wife, Angie, found out about their affair, Jermaine wanted to dump Belle and run.

Desperate to keep him with her in Emmerdale, Belle lied and told him she's carrying his baby.

In a heartbreaking twist, Belle started talking to the imaginary "Ellie", who has encouraging Belle to continue lying to Jermaine and her family.

Then Angie turned up to talk divorce with Jermaine – and she heard Belle in the pub's toilets, talking to herself about her fake pregnancy…

The Dingles are stunned when Angie tells them Belle's baby is all in her head

Angie has come to The Woolpack to talk divorce with her cheating ex, Jermaine

Jermaine is upset when Belle interrupts him and Angie to show him the scan she says she has had done of their baby. Jermaine thought they were going to the scan together

Belle says the scan was brought forward and she had to go without him. But she has a picture of their baby to show him

Jermaine looks at the scan, not knowing it is an old scan of Noah that Belle stole from Charity

But Angie discovers Belle's pregnancy is fake when she hears her talking to the imaginary Ellie in the Ladies. And Angie tells the whole pub!

But Angie discovers Belle's pregnancy is fake when she hears her talking to the imaginary Ellie in the Ladies. And Angie tells the whole pub!

Frightened and confused, Belle does a runner and the police are called in by the Dingles

Jermaine tells the Dingles he wants to help look for Belle. But they tell him to stay out of it. Can anyone find Belle safe? Or are the Dingles facing heartbreak? Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, August 8

Cain's livid to discover he's been duped by Bailey and Belle and lashes out!

Belle's in big trouble when the police arrive to arrest her for stalking Bailey and trashing his house. Will she be forced to tell the truth?

When Belle learns the police are on their way to arrest her, she blurts out the truth to Lisa. She's not Bailey's stalker, she's been having an affair with him!

Meanwhile Bailey's suspicious wife Angie is determined to know exactly what's been going on. She confronts Belle, but will her slippery husband spin yet more lies?

When Cain learns he's been duped and the 'stalking' story was all a ruse to cover Belle and Bailey's affair, he's livid

Lisa and his little sister are scared when he comes round with bruised and bloody knuckles. Belle instantly knows what he's done...

She races off to hospital to find Bailey nursing a badly cut forehead and a wounded ego!

Belle pours out her heart and tells the doctor their love will overcome all obstacles (she's optimistic!)

Her beloved Bailey is soon discharged from hospital. He returns to the surgery knowing he needs to talk to his boss and tackle all the scandal head on

But oh dear, his wife Angie seems to have already filled Dr Cavanagh in on her hubby's lying, cheating and downright devious capers. Oops!

Bailey's mortified when his boss has no hesitation in telling him, 'You're fired!'

The upset doc clears out his desk and later tells Belle she and he are finished! Belle's furious that everything's escalated because of Cain and Lachlan...

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She decides Cain needs to pay for his actions. Is she really going to dob her big bro in to the police? Watch Emmerdale on ITV, from Monday, June 19

Being the twisted friend that he is, Lachlan trashes Dr Bailey’s house – leaving Belle in a lot of trouble in Emmerdale… Eden Taylor Draper tells Soaplife all about it.

Why is Belle still seeing the cheating doctor?

“When she first fell for him, she didn’t realise he was married, but now the feelings have grown to a point where she can’t deny them. At first, I think she was impressed by his status and money, but now they have connected on an emotional level. She believes that they’re in love and will work through their ups and downs.”

Which is why she won’t date Lachlan, then?

“Lachlan [Thomas Atkinson] is in love with her and they’ve been friends for years, but he’s a bit odd. He keeps intervening, but every time he tries to help Belle, he makes things worse.”

And there’s big, bad brother Cain…

“She thinks it’s all talk with Cain [Jeff Hordley] and stands up to him because she thinks Dr Bailey is worth fighting for.”

What happens when Belle sees him out with his wife?

“She takes Lisa for a meal at this restaurant where Bailey [Micah Balfour] took her. It’s their special place and she’s horrified when she sees him there with his wife, Angie. She flips and it turns into a bit of a situation.”

What does Bailey say?

“He says that Angie [Nina Toussaint-White] forced him to go to that particular restaurant and she believes him. She really thinks he is a good guy.”

Lachlan doesn’t, though. Why does Lachlan trash the doctor’s house?

“There’s a bit of a bombshell that comes earlier and it angers Lachlan so much, he goes barging into the house and goes mad.”

And he finds something…

“Lachlan shows Belle a booking for a Christmas trip, which suggests Bailey sees his future with Angie. At this point, Belle is so blinded by love, she doesn’t want to believe Lachlan, but it is a bit of a turning point for her.”

What happens when Bailey gets home?

“Belle and Lachlan are in the house, which has been trashed. It all gets very messy as Belle decides to help Lachlan out, which leads to another situation…”

Emmerdale, ITV

The teen is horrified when she's caught in a compromising situation!

Bailey and his wife are horrified when they find their home trashed and Belle in their kitchen!

Earlier, Belle treats Lisa to a slap-up meal at a fancy restaurant to apologise for all the recent stress she's put her through

But the evening soon takes a very awkward turn...

Belle's horrified when Bailey and his wife roll up at the very same restaurant!

Belle's not only squirming but hurt to see her secret lover playing happy families with his wife. But the teen's later got more mayhem to deal with...

When she gets a call from Lachlan, she discovers he's gone to Bailey's house to teach the cheating doc a lesson. She races round to stop him doing any harm...

Too late! Lachlan has trashed Bailey's home and had fun smashing crockery! Belle's fuming but as she goes inside to survey the carnage there's a noise at the front door...

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Bailey and Angie are back and are stunned to find "stalker" Belle alone and their house trashed. Explain this one Miss Dingle!? Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Mon, June 13.

Is Belle expecting a baby in Emmerdale? She certainly thinks so!

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Charity is horrified when Belle reveals she might be pregnant

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Earlier in the week Belle's delighted when Bailey suggests they meet in the park for a picnic...

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The two of them have fun frolicking in the grass

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...and Belle sees relaxed Bailey in a new light as they chill out together

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But Charity's horrified when she chats to Belle the following day and Belle tells her she thinks she's pregnant. Charity urges her to take the morning-after pill

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...the same day Cain spots Belle talking to Rakesh and is immediately suspicious. How will Cain react? Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, May 2

Rejected Belle takes revenge on Dr Bailey in Emmerdale

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Dr Bailey is caught in a VERY uncomfortable position this week

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Lisa and Belle are happy when Rishi offers Belle back her factory job but Belle's squirming when Lisa suggests she invite her boyfriend to the pub...AWKWARD!

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Dr Bailey and Belle's date is cut short when Lisa suffers an angina attack and rings for help.The doc dutifully makes his way to the Dingle abode...

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...But he's shocked when he spies a photo of Belle in her school uniform. How will he react when he realises just how young his secret lover is?

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Later, Dr Bailey is on a knife-edge as brazen Belle strikes up a conversation with his oblivious wife Angie at the fundraising event..

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Belle's not happy about the way Bailey's been ignoring her. Is she about to reveal all?

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The cheating doc wishes the ground would swallow him up. Later Belle asks Charity to help her teach Bailey  a lesson. What does Charity have in mind?

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Angie finds a lipstick in the car that definitely doesn't belong to her. Who could possibly have put that there?! Watch Emmerdale on ITV from Monday, April 25

Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper tells Soaplife about Belle’s affair with a married man...

Is this affair legal?

“Yes. Belle is 17, although at first Dr Bailey [Micah Balfour] assumed she was 22 or 23… and he’s 35. He’s not technically Belle’s doctor, either, although he did bandage her hand when she cut it.”

Why go for a married man?

“They get on really well. When Belle found out he was married, it did put her off, but then Lisa [Jane Cox] had a rant about how love doesn’t exist, so Belle decided she would be the other woman after all."

Would she be doing this if Zak (Steve Halliwell) and Lisa were still together?

“I do think that it’s partly fuelled by what’s happening at home. This is an escape for her. Dr Bailey has status, buys her things and takes her to nice places. She’s had a terrible time lately and he makes her feel amazing.”

How does Belle feel about Zak getting engaged to Joanie?

“In Belle’s eyes, Joanie [Denise Black] is the worst woman in the world. She’s still hoping that her mum and dad will get back together. Even though Belle is sleeping with a married man she thinks to herself, ‘I am not like Joanie’. She hates Joanie.”

Belle start a fire at the factory – how does that happen?

“She takes Dr Bailey there after hours and lights a candle in the office. They are having yet more nookie when the candle starts a fire in one of the bins. Belle gets in trouble for it, but the fire’s kept under control. Nobody dies.”

Is it a teenage crush?

“I think Kirin [Adam Fielding] was Belle’s teenage crush. She has really fallen for Dr Bailey.”

What will happen when the truth comes out about the affair?

“It’s bound to end in tears. I imagine Joanie will have her say and it will be hard for Lisa to deal with. I’m not sure the Dingles would be understanding and there will probably be a punch-up!”

Emmerdale, ITV

Joanie gets angry, VERY angry when she realises Belle and Lisa set her up on Emmerdale

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There's nothing sweet about life in the Sharma chocolate factory when Joanie reaches the end of her tether with Belle and gives her a slap

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Belle has been sour with Joanie ever since her dad, Zak, walked out on his family to be with Joanie…

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After yet another row between them, Belle can see what's coming when Joanie raises her hand (and so can Zak and Lisa)

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Even gobby Kerry is speechless when Joanie follows up her stinging criticism of Belle with a stinging slap across Belle's face. Ouch!

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Belle's shocked by Joanie's actions – and so is everyone else. Having a row is one thing, hitting a girl is something else, even if she was asking for it

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Lisa rushes to comfort Belle and Joanie raises her hand again – but this time to see if Belle is OK

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But Belle wants people to see her as the injured party. Where does this leave Joanie with Zak? Watch Emmerdale on ITV, from Monday, April 18

Belle blames Joanie for ruining Zak and Lisa's marriage and lashes out!

Belle's jealousy over the chemistry between ex-lovers Kirin and Vanessa puts her in peril...

Belle Dingle was already fragile in Emmerdale… After hearing about Katie and stopping her medication, she is pushed to the edge – literally, Eden Taylor-Draper reveals to Soaplife...

Why does Belle stop taking her medication?

“When Sam [James Hooton] tells her about Katie, she is numb and doesn’t feel it because of the medication. She wants to feel the pain, so she stops taking the pills.”

But that’s dangerous!

“Yes. Belle is in denial again. She believes Gemma is real. She didn’t hear her when she was taking the pills, but as soon as she stops, she is back again and this time, she is angrier and it is all on a much bigger scale.”

Doesn’t Belle care about making Lisa (Jane Cox) worry?

“She does. She sees her getting out of breath at home and using her angina spray. She is scared about her mum being ill.”

Yet she still leaves home. Why?

“Belle thinks that Gemma will hurt people, so she is distancing herself from all of those she loves. She thinks she has to leave home and that it would be best if she left everyone to crack on without her.”

Where does she end up?

“She sleeps rough over at Wylie’s farm. Samson finds her and Gemma kind of takes over. Belle is scared for Samson’s life, so she scares him off. She says horrible things to him because she feels she has to.”

Where is Belle found eventually?

“She is on the roof of the barn at Wylie’s and there’s a crowd of people staring up at her. It’s all getting too much for Belle. Harriet [Katherine Dow Blyton] tries to connect with her by asking her to tell Gemma to be quiet for a couple of minutes. That works because Belle thinks that Gemma is real.”

Then what happens?

“There is a second where Belle thinks that Harriet is right. She decides she is going to sort herself out, but her foot slips. It’s sad because she doesn’t want to jump.”

Will Belle ever be well again?

“It will be hard for her no matter what…”

Emmerdale, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

When Katie tries to help Belle, the troubled teenager lashes out...

Emmerdale’s Jane Cox tells Soaplife how life with troubled Belle goes from bad to worse when she starts taking drugs

Alarm bells ring for Lisa when she discovers Belle’s been taking drugs with Lachlan. “Lisa finds these pills and Belle says they are only ‘legal highs’, but Lisa points out they could be harmful… And it turns out they are because Lachlan ends up in hospital after taking them,” Jane tells Soaplife.

How does Lisa find out Belle’s taking drugs?

“Lisa and Zak [Steve Halliwell] are playing with Samson when he finds a ‘sweet’ on the floor. He’s about to eat it when Zak takes it off him. Lisa can see it looks like a tablet and Samson says that he’s seen Belle eating them. That raises alarm bells because Lisa knows they are pills.”

What does Lisa do about it?

"She wants to have an honest conversation with Belle [Eden Taylor-Draper], but she acts as if they’re nothing serious. Lisa frightens Belle by asking: ‘Would you give one to Samson?’ because, of course, she wouldn’t.  A teenager wouldn’t realise that these ‘legal’ drugs can be very harmful. They have not been tested and there could be anything in them.”

When does Belle take more drugs?

“She goes out on New Year’s Eve. After telling Zak and Lisa that she will never take drugs again, they take pity on her and let her hang out with Lachlan [Thomas Atkinson]. The next thing, Belle rushes back to the Dingles in a terrible state to say that Lachlan has collapsed after taking more of these ‘legal highs’ and she has left him at Home Farm.”

Does Lisa know that Belle burgled Edna?

“No, Zak knows about that, but hasn’t told her. She knows that there is stuff going on with Belle as well as the pills. She has been drinking and getting very upset. Lisa is having to take each day as it comes as things seem to be happening one after the other."

Is there more trouble ahead for the family?

“Belle’s story is a long one that will unfold over time. I think it really highlights the fact that young people need to talk and they need a lot of support.”

Emmerdale, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper tells Soaplife that Belle is tormented by Gemma’s voice inside her head!

Belle continues to look tormented and act out of character, but now we know the cause – she can hear her dead friend Gemma’s voice in her head. She is clearly suffering from a mental illness, but Belle doesn’t want help and continues to struggle on alone. “She is very disturbed,” explains Eden. “She has mentioned Gemma when talking to Hamish the pig, but at this point, she doesn’t want to tell anyone else what’s happening.”

How is Belle feeling in herself?

“She is anxious, sad and paranoid. She is finding it hard to understand what is going on in her own mind. It doesn’t help that there is little communication between her and the rest of the family.”

Does she really believe that Gemma is talking to her?

“Yes, she thinks that Gemma is tormenting and bullying her. She is not seeing her -  this is coming from within her own mind. She is doing certain things because she thinks Gemma is telling her to.”

Why doesn’t she tell people that she can hear Gemma?

“She feels really guilty about what she did to Gemma… Although what is happening is having a negative effect, her best friend is still with her in some way and Belle doesn’t understand if it is right of wrong. She feels it is her responsibility to deal with it and doesn’t want to upset the Dingles in any way.”

Was it 'Gemma' who told Belle to rob Edna?

“Yes, ‘Gemma’ told Belle that Edna [Shirley Stelfox] hates her and that she should hurt her. Belle doesn’t have a problem with Edna, but she felt compelled to attack her in some way to make ‘Gemma’ calm down.”

What does she make of Lachlan  (Thomas Atkinson)?

“Her friendship with him is important to her. He becomes something of a rock, although he doesn’t understand what is going on with her, she feels a connection with him. They ‘get’ each other and form a good friendship.”

What will Belle’s Christmas be like?

“It is her birthday, but it is not a day all about Belle. A few things go wrong for her unfortunately.”

Emmerdale, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper tells TV Times she's ready for Belle Dingle's challenging new storyline in the ITV soap...

Are you looking forward to what the future has in store for your character in Emmerdale?

“This is the start of a big storyline for me. It is such an honour to be given it and I want to make sure I do it justice. At first, I was very nervous, but now I have done some research, I feel that I can play it. It is definitely the most challenging thing I have done at Emmerdale and something I can get my teeth into.”

Are you pleased that your GCSEs are out of the way and that you are going to do your A Levels online at your own pace?

“When you are a child actor, you have to have three hours of tutoring for every day you miss off school. Now I have left school, I don’t have to think about tutoring and Emmerdale can be my main focus. I can completely get into this story as I have a lot of time.”

Your idea of ‘time’ no doubt differs from other girls of your own age. As the schedule at Emmerdale can be so intense do you have room for socialising?

“There is no time for me to go off the rails like Belle. I go home and learn my lines and I am in bed by 9pm – my mum and dad love it! I don’t feel like I have missed out though. I see my friends at weekends – my favourite thing to do is hang out with them for a sleepover and go to bed at 7pm watching Netflix with a Chinese takeway.”

You’ve played Belle since you were six; did you ever imagine you would still be in Emmerdale 11 years later?

“I didn’t really see it as a job. It’s was just something that was fun to do. When I first arrived, they were like ‘Right, you are going to fall down this well and then we are flying you to Spain’ and I was like ‘This is great!’ But acting has become my passion and although I haven’t been to drama school, I have learned so much from all the brilliant actors I’ve worked with at Emmerdale. Jane Cox [Lisa Dingle] and Steve Halliwell [Zak Dingle] have taught me so much. I have grown up with them so they’re a bit like real parents.”

Does your mum still accompany you to work as your chaperone?

“My mum is best friends with everyone. They all love her – she is mental and hilarious. As soon as I can drive, I won’t need a chaperone any more. I’m about to start lessons, which I am excited about. It will be great to feel like I am a grown-up, but it will be quite sad too. I think Mum will miss it. “

You live with your parents and five younger siblings, so life at home must be busy?

“I love being at home. I am quite a bossy big sister, but I adore my siblings. I couldn’t imagine not having them wake me up at silly o’clock in the morning”

Dark circles around your eyes aren’t a problem for your character though as Belle is supposed to look drained isn’t she?

“At the minute, she looks really rough. I don’t put any make up on; they put black circles around my eyes and pale my lips. I love it! It’s so much fun being something you’re not. What I like most is an injury. If I see that Belle has hurt herself in the script, I am like ‘More blood. Brilliant!’ I was a bit nervous about dying my hair though. I have never dyed or highlighted my hair and when I found out that Belle was going to colour hers, I was like 'Oh my word!' But now it’s done, I feel I can be a lot more adventurous about doing things with my hair.”

Do fans still recognise you in real life with the new hair colour?

“Nobody has approached me since it was dyed. Usually people come up and chat and it is never a problem as people are really nice. My friends don’t ask me about Emmerdale though. It’s not something that interests them and I wouldn’t want it any other way.’

You’re only 17... are you happy to stay at Emmerdale for the time being?

“‘I don’t really know what lies ahead. Right now, I know that I love this. I have been at Emmerdale for so long that I can’t imagine my life without it.’

Zak's daughter Belle is home but it's clear prison has damaged her, Emmerdale's Steve Halliwell tells Soaplife…

Zak Dingle is thrilled to have his daughter Belle home. But prison life has left scars. Belle is not the girl she was. She's being bullied and she won't reveal who the culprit is. "Zak's very concerned because he doesn't know how to help her," says Steve to Soaplife. "She's behaving oddly and Zak can't get to the bottom of it."

How is Zak trying to help Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper)?

"Both he and Lisa [Jane Cox] are trying to understand her and figure out if she's really ready to be back home. When Zak had a nervous breakdown, he felt that sometimes he was safer in the hospital, away from his life."

How is Belle different now?

"Underneath she's still his daughter, but a lot of armour has been put on emotionally. You'd expect that. She’s been traumatised by her friend dying at her hands and she's been locked away with some rough characters. Zak's trying to find his way back to the lovely child he knows."

What does Zak make of Lachlan (Thomas Atkinson)?

"He goes up to Home Farm ranting and raving about certain things he thinks Lachlan has done to upset Belle, but there is evidence that suggests it couldn’t have been him."

What is happening to Belle?

"Somebody is bullying her at school. She's also attacked and comes home covered in scratches and upset. Zak tries to get her to talk about it, but she won't and doesn't want the police involved."

What sort of Christmas are the Dingles in for?

"There is not a particular big storyline for them, but it’s also Belle's birthday over Christmas, so maybe the family can cheer her up a bit."

Emmerdale, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper tells Soaplife that Belle’s a very troubled teen…

Belle’s done her time for her part in Gemma’s death and is back in the bosom of her family, but it’s not all smiles and welcome home parties. Belle finds it difficult to adjust to life on the outside and some very strange things start happening. “Belle puts on a great performance, but she has come out of prison feeling like a different person. It has damaged her," says Eden. And will that damage Belle’s chance to start over?

How does Belle feel about being released?

“She loves being back home. She walks through the door and all the Dingles are there to give her a warm welcome. She seems like the normal, old Belle, but inside she’s struggling.”

What happens on her first day back at school?

“Gabby, of all people, gets all her little friends to circle Belle. They prod her, pull her hair and say she’s ugly, she’s nasty and a murderer. It really messes with Belle’s head, but she stays calm and steps away. However, she doesn’t actually go to school after that. She hates it and bunks off.”

What does Lisa (Jane Cox) do when Belle says she won’t go to school again?

“She gets a tutor in to home-school Belle, who thinks it’s great as she can crack on with lessons and stay in her little bubble without having to deal with people.”

She does visit Gemma’s shrine, though…

“She’s there tidying it up as it’s not in a good condition. Then Lachlan’s dog tramples over everything. Lachlan [Thomas Atkinson] asks Belle if she knew Gemma and she finds that hard to deal with. He’s so full on about death and stuff that it kind of creeps her out. She doesn’t know who he is until Debbie points him out later.”

And then Belle dates him…

“Debbie [Charley Webb] encourages her to, but it doesn’t go well and Belle ends up leaving.”

She cheers up when Marlon (Mark Charnock) asks her to mind April, doesn’t she?

“It’s a massive step for Belle as she’s being given some responsibility. For so long, she’s been treated like a baby. However, Marlon then sees Belle being awful to Gabby, absolutely disgusting, in fact, and doesn’t want her anywhere near April. I think this is where Belle’s past comes into play and Gabby also has issues.”

Who spray paints ‘murderer’ on the Dingles’ wall?

“We don’t know. It’s horrible for Belle, though. She’s being bullied and nobody understands why or who it is.”

Are you glad to be back?

“Yes. I took some time out to do my exams and I am so happy to be back. It’s great that there’s so much kicking off with Belle.”

Emmerdale, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper tells Soaplife magazine that Belle still wants to be punished for Gemma’s death. But would the young Dingle be able to take her punishment?

Is Belle scared of going to jail?

“I think she’s pretending she’s not to Cain and Debbie. She really hopes she won’t end up in prison. But I don’t think she realises the seriousness of the situation.”

What’s happening with her plan to have a baby with Sean?

“That idea has been shelved at the minute, but who knows?”

Who has she got on her side?

“Zak and Sean. But Sean’s family are not letting him see her so really it’s just Zak. He totally runs the Dingles and Belle has got such a good connection with him. She turned to him when she couldn’t talk to her mum and they have a really strong bond.”

Does Belle realise how her parents are suffering?

“Yes, she does. She feels she has totally ruined her family.”

Then Sam tells her he’s planned to run away with her…

“Yes - and Belle goes mental. She knows you can’t run away from the law.”

How will she feel if she’s found guilty of murder?

“She would be so devastated, she will have lost everything, not just her best friend. I think Belle wants the punishment, but deep down I think she would be completely distraught.”

How would Belle cope in prison?

“She’d get advice from Debbie. Belle has always had security around her and she’s a clever kid. But it would be hard for her to cope because she’s soft. She will put on this massive front and pretend that she’s hard, but I don’t think she’ll cope.”

Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has said Belle Dingle will feel guilty no matter what the verdict is in her trial.

Teenager Belle is about to stand trial for murder after her best friend Gemma Andrews died from a severe head injury as a result of Belle pushing her over during an argument.

Eden revealed: "If she's found guilty, she would be devastated because she would've lost everything - literally everything...

"But if she's found not guilty, then she still won't be 'free' as such because she would be in turmoil with what's gone on. I think as she grows older, she would be happy that she didn't go to prison, but in the short term it's different because part of her feels she should be punished for what happened."

But the16-year-old actress admitted than Belle hasn't been thinking much about the trial recently, following her romance with Sean Spencer (Luke Roskell).

Eden said: "She's just completely put everything to the back of her mind and hasn't really been focusing on it. She also doesn't seem to realise what could happen, and I think this thing with her and Sean and getting pregnant is all quite exciting for her!

"I really don't think she realises the seriousness of the situation.

"I think she hopes deep down that she doesn't go to jail, and she is optimistic that she won't, but she's not letting other people know that."

– Press Association

Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley reveals to Soaplife the desperate measures Cain takes to try to save Belle from herself - and Zak from another breakdown.

A life in jail is not what Cain wants for his little sister Belle, so he wades in with some strong arm tactics. “He takes her to the cliff where Zak lost it and says that if she pleads guilty, she’ll get a phone call saying ‘Your dad has killed himself’,” reveals Jeff. “At this point, Cain is desperate to get through to her.”

So, Cain doesn’t think Belle should plead guilty?

“He thinks she’s throwing her life away and he’s worried because Zak is showing signs of a breakdown again. Belle is not like the rest of the family, she’s the bright one, but now she’s following suit and Cain wants better for her. He’s desperate to change her mind.”

What makes him think Zak is cracking up?

“Cain finds Zak in the barn, holding onto this blanket. He’s lost the plot and is almost like he was on the cliff, when he started talking rubbish. Cain is shocked and it’s a catalyst to make him think that he has to do something to change Belle’s mind before it’s too late.”

Isn’t taking her to the cliff a bit over the top?

“No. He knows what it feels like to drive Zak to those extremes and he doesn’t want his little sister to be in the same position. He shows her the point where Zak was going to jump off. He’s not forceful with her. He’s just making a point. He sees it as the last roll of the dice.”

And does his gamble work?

“Cain drives Belle to court and, before Belle goes in, Cain whispers in her ear, ‘It’s down to you little sis’. But even if she changes her plea, she’s not necessarily going to get off because the charge is manslaughter. There’s a long road ahead.”

Are you enjoying working with Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle?

“I am. She’s no longer a child actor, she’s a mature actor and she’s fantastic. I think people forget that Belle is Cain’s little sister and it’s great to see them together like this.”

*Hour-long episode*

Thomas is ready to leave Emmerdale, but he's not going back to Saudi. He's nicked Dan's van and is taking off! He was planning to go alone, but Belle insists she's going with him. Ah, sweet…silly, but sweet. Thomas is in a hurry so he quickly packs Belle into the van. But that's not how it looks to Paddy, who's watching; to him it looks like Thomas has abducted Belle and that's what he tells Jimmy - and that's what Lisa tells the police. Goodness! That's two calls to the cops in a week from the Dingles! Usually they're running from the law, not to it! But Thomas running away and taking Belle with him is a serious business.

Vanessa is very serious about the veterinary practice now that it's her business, too. She's a boss now, Pearl's boss - and doesn't Pearl know it! Vanessa's first move? She thinks they should cut Pearl's hours! What??? That's what Charity did to Edna! And Vanessa was the one bagging up a food parcel for Edna. Now she's taking the food out of Pearl's mouth! No wonder Pearl's not happy.

Gennie and Nikhil announce their wedding plans, but Brenda's not happy. She thinks it's another way of them trying to get her to have the surgery on her brain tumour and she can't stand the pressure.

Has anyone else noticed how bad girl Belle has stressed out dad Zak so much she's turned his hair and beard totally grey? Or he's run out of hair dye... Lisa's definitely running out of patience with Belle. She tries to keep the little minx out of mischief with some chores, but the only work Belle wants to do is on Thomas - and that's who she's with when Lisa phones her. Belle's ordered home where yet another showdown results in Lisa and Zak confiscating Belle's phone. They can't do that! Teenagers can't function without a phone! Then Zak and Lisa see just how Belle has been functioning with her phone - it's full of rather raunchy pictures of the teenager. What??? She'll never get her phone back now!

Cain has shown no interest in getting back on talking terms with Chas - until now. He's not thinking of Chas as 'Sister of the Year' but after Chas said her piece a few days ago, Cain is speaking to her again - and he's not being snide or sarcastic... well, no more than he is with everyone. But he makes it clear that Debbie can't know. Which means Debbie's going to find out very soon...

Talking of women with attitude, Brenda's decided she's not going to be a pushover any more - and that turns Bob on! Oh, boy!