Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle finally discovered the truth about the horrifying abuse sister Belle had suffered at the hands of husband Tom King

Hardman Cain Dingle had Emmerdale fans reaching for their tissues over his reaction to finding out about the abuse Belle had suffered at the hands of husband Tom King this evening.

In devastating scenes from last night’s episode, viewers watched as Belle played out various heartbreaking scenarios in her head from the fallout of either keeping quiet about Tom or letting the village know what was really happening. No matter which way she turned, it appeared that tragedy was inevitable – be it Cain locked up for killing Tom to Amelia dying at the hands of Belle’s husband.

Struggling and not knowing what to do, a brave but frail Belle sought help from Charity and revealed what was really going on. Initially, Belle feared that Charity wouldn’t believe her – but the pair had a deep heart-to-heart, leading Charity to discover the true nightmare behind Belle’s marriage. Belle went on to ask Charity to tell Cain, but implored her to keep him calm and not attack Tom.

Belle finally revealed what had been going on

After meeting up with Cain at his home, Charity told him about what had really been going on between Belle and Tom. Cain looked utterly devastated over the revelation and seemed dead set on beating up Tom.

Charity told him: “It’s mental and physical – punching her, scolding her hand-” Cain jumped up, ready to storm out and confront Tom, but she held him back and screamed. “No! Do you not think I wanted to have a go at him myself in the pub? Because then we’ll be doing to her what he’s been doing to her all along – listen! We’ve only had to hear this, okay? She’s had to live it. So we are going to do exactly what she wants us to do and nothing else – do you understand?”

Cain appeared to be close to tears as he hugged Belle close

The pair went on to talk more, with Cain asking why Belle hadn’t said anything before. “You know, if we make out it’s her fault she’ll never speak out again,” Charity pointed out. “Imagine you’re in water and you start going under – and yet everyone around you is swimming and splashing and having fun. And you’re like, why can’t anyone see that I’m drowning? Why is no one helping me? That’s what those men do – they isolate you. And then they make you watch everyone else living while you’re dying. We’re just lucky he hasn’t killed her.”

Cain’s face changed at that, utterly grief-stricken at the thought as he suddenly said: “I can’t listen to this.” He then stood up and stormed out, initially appearing to go to confront Tom. However, it was soon revealed that he had actually gone to see Belle and pulled her into a hug, seeming to be close to tears.

Holding her tight, Cain told her: “It’s OK, it’s alright. We believe you and we love you, OK?”

And fans were left in tears, with one commenting: “Cain in tears to Belle: “we believe you, and we love you” SOBBING.” While another wrote: “Cain and Belle hugging. I’m crying.” A third tweeted: “I have tears in my eyes after that scene with Belle and Cain #Emmerdale.”