Belle and Tom’s showdown had devastating consequences as one of them fights for life – here’s what happened in Emmerdale tonight

Emmerdale tonight saw Tom left potentially dead after Belle stabbed him in the back with an axe. This isn’t going to look good for her, but will he pull through?

Meanwhile, Laurel and Charles gave into passion and John was suddenly enthusiastic about a job in the village.

Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale tonight.

Belle finally fought back – with devastating consequences

Amelia pretended she was no longer on Tom’s side and she now believed everything Belle says. She told Amy she needed a private word with Belle to go through what they ‘have both experienced’ at Tom’s hands. Amy bought every word, but Tom was lurking again and soon emerged to talk about their plot.

Amelia managed to trick Belle into meeting at the Dingles’. She was then was left shocked and horrified when Tom turned up instead of Amelia.

Tom taunted her, but Belle stood her ground. However then he locked them in and took her phone.

When it became clear none of his manipulative behaviour was working, Tom flipped, threw Belle to the floor and started beating her. Then, as she tearfully cradled her bruised and bloodied body, he calmly decided it was time for a coffee. However, even the attack hadn’t dampened her fighting spirit and he lost control again, ranting and raving at her.

She took her chance when his back was turned and grabbed Sam’s shotgun. Belle then escaped, but instead of running down the road to town for help, she ran to a derelict building instead. Tom just followed her and smashed in the door with an axe.

Meanwhile, in the café Amelia let slip she had set Belle up. The family rushed off to save her – but they might be too late…

Tom had got in and although Belle shot him, she hadn’t taken the safety off the gun. He laughed and took it off her, but the fact she’d pulled the trigger made him realise he’d lost all control of her. He then held her at gun point, but as he turned round she stabbed in the back with the axe. Tom fell on to a disused mattress as Belle sobbed in shock at what she’d done. But is Tom going to die?

Credit to James Chase and Eden Taylor-Draper for chilling performances, but something tells us Belle’s pain is far from over…

Laurel slept with Charles in Emmerdale tonight

Laurel organised a disco and karaoke for the harvest festival, but Charles was not impressed and told her to cancel the DJ. He ripped the posters down and said he was taking over everything.

Meanwhile, Manpreet and Laurel were still acting like BFFs despite never having spoken before. And Jai suddenly wanted his former stepmother’s advice on his romantic life.

Laurel made a stand and went to visit Charles at home, but their rowing turned into passion and soon they were kissing, before heading upstairs.

And right at that moment, Manpreet was advising Jai to tell Laurel how he feels. She then went to visit Charles and caught him running down the stairs doing up his shirt. She saw Laurel’s jacket and worked out what had happened. Manpreet was clearly disappointed, but decided not to tell Jai.

Laurel worried their friendship was over as she’d broken girl code, but given their friendship only started yesterday, it’s probably not that big of a deal.

Also in Emmerdale tonight…

Cain left town

Cain didn’t want to leave Moira to go and look after Zak. But she insisted he was to go and not worry about her. Easier said than done when she’s got a mass growing on her brain.

But another call from Debbie alerted Cain to the fact his dad’s a lot worse than they first thought.

He did momentarily stop to worry about leaving Belle, but stupid Mack convinced him Belle was safe. Let’s hope Cain gives Mack a special ‘thank you’ for that mistake.

John stayed in town

For someone who didn’t want to stick around in the village and who didn’t want to use any of his medical training, John went to the doctors for an interview, during which he saved Pollard’s life. After a rather awkward exchange during which Dr Liam suggested he would be good eye candy (eh?) John told him he’d love to accept the job. Very out of character.

Of course busy body Victoria was thrilled with the news and eagerly watched over as John signed on the dotted line. Bet he’s thrilled to be sticking around, no really.