Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper has opened up about the ‘happy storyline’ for character Belle Dingle

The Emmerdale village will experience a Christmas miracle this festive season as a character is ‘set to return from the dead’.

Setting the scene, Emmerdale spoilers reveal Belle becomes increasingly unsure about the fate of pet dog Piper – who is understood to be dead. At Piper’s grave, a pensive Belle admits to Vinny that she never saw the body.

Suspecting that abusive Tom may have been lying about her death, Belle asks Vinny to get a shovel so they can see for themselves. Having dug up the grave, Belle and Vinny prepare to open Piper’s coffin. Belle’s mind races when she discovers that Piper’s body isn’t inside…Later, Belle considers visiting Tom in order to find out where Piper is.

On Christmas Day, Belle visits her dad’s grave. She’s overwhelmed with joy when Piper runs over to her, having been found by Vinny and Gabby. Appearing at an Emmerdale press day, Eden Taylor-Draper, 27, who plays Belle Dingle spoke to the media about some of the soap’s festive storylines – referring to Piper’s return as ‘a Christmas miracle’.

Eden admitted she wasn’t initially aware Piper’s great return was part of the writers’ plans. She said: “It was really nice. Especially it being Christmas. I think it was just lovely and it felt like a real treat.”

Piper’s return comes following some sleuthing by Belle’s loved ones. Eden admitted: “I think it is just through the wonders of soap.”

Speaking to the media, Eden said she believes character Belle will have to endure a long period of ‘healing’ following the damage inflicted by abusive partner Tom. Eden added that she feels Piper will be vitally important to that.

Addressing the upcoming Christmas Day scenes, Eden concluded: “This is the moment. I think it’ll be lovely.”