Emmerdale star and Belle Dingle actress Eden Taylor-Draper has teased a new storyline for her character after a huge milestone.

This year marks a whole two decades since Eden first stepped into Belle Dingle’s shoes, taking over the role.

And, it looks like the drama is set to just keep on coming for the much-loved character in upcoming scenes.

She’s celebrating two decades of Belle Dingle (Credit: ITV)

Eden Taylor-Draper celebrates Emmerdale milestone

Eden first joined Emmerdale when she was only seven (anyone else feeling super old?), being a key part of the ITV soap since 2005.

Over the years, she’s been involved in major storylines which have seen her struggle with her schizophrenia, accidentally kill her best friend Gemma, and be abused by husband Tom King.

We’ve loved watching Belle’s character evolve over the past 20 years, and it’s something worth celebrating. It’s a milestone not many actors get to achieve, so Eden’s now done some reflecting on this big soap achievement for her and her character.

Speaking on This Morning recently, Eden shared: “I’m so grateful to have gone from being a little baby to getting a storyline like that,” referring to the Tom King storyline.

Even though she’s been in the soap for 20 years now, that ‘pinch-me’ feeling still hasn’t gone away for the star who added: “Everyday I walk in, I can’t believe that’s work. I’m very grateful.”

Belle Dingle’s upcoming storyline teased

Now that Belle’s out of her abusive marriage to Tom King, she’s about to be thrown into a fresh storyline.

And, while not revealing much, when asked about a potential new love interest for Belle, Eden teased: “I’ve been in work recently and I had a really fun day… working with people. So yeah…”

Tom and Belle’s divorce was recently finalised meaning that she’s now free of her abusive ex-husband.

And, it looks like she’s about to form a romantic connection with someone else. But, who could it be?
John and Belle clash (Credit: ITV)

How John Sugden connects to Belle’s story

As well as a new potential love interest (please let Belle be happy for once), Belle’s also going to be involved with the current John Sugden storyline playing out on screen.

With John hiding a number of crimes from the Dingles, Belle’s got an inkling something’s not quite right.

But, could she help bring down the Emmerdale villain? Well, hoping that Cain could perhaps ‘kill John but not go to prison,’ Belle’s trying to keep her brother on the straight and narrow. But, could she and Cain team up to give John his comeuppance? Watch this space.

What viewers can expect in coming episodes

In upcoming episodes for the character, Belle will join the Dingles in the preparation for Nate’s memorial. With the Dingles being banned by Tracy from attending his funeral, Belle tries to encourage Tracy to change her mind.

But, will the Dingles get their chance to say goodbye to Nate Robinson?