Emmerdale star calls for Manpreet role in Tom storyline
Note: The following article references physical and emotional abuse.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale star Rebecca Sarker has called for her character Manpreet Sharma to have a role in the ongoing Tom King storyline.
The soap has explored the issue of domestic abuse with Tom and wife Belle's story, which began last October. Tom's controlling and violent behaviour has rapidly worsened since he married Belle in February.
Tom's coercive control over Belle took an even darker turn earlier this week, when he injected their dog Piper with poison as a way of forcing his wife out of a mental health crisis assessment centre.
Related: Emmerdale star Jonny McPherson confirms end for Liam and Ella
Speaking to Inside Soap, Sarker explained why she'd like Manpreet to play a part in the important storyline, saying: "Someone I'd like more scenes with is James Chase, who plays Tom.
"A while ago Charles had a go at Tom in the Woolpack and Manpreet had to smooth things over. I really enjoyed working with James. Tom is so layered as a character."
She added: "If Manpreet were to have more interaction with him, I'm sure alarm bells would start ringing. Maybe she'd be the one to expose his treatment of Belle?"
Related: Emmerdale star Paula Lane confirms Ella Forster's ally in dark storyline
Back when the coercive control storyline was first unveiled, Belle star Eden Taylor-Draper explained that she and co-star Chase "were fully aware of the responsibility that would bring".
"But it is an important story to tell," she added. "Soaps offer the viewer a glimpse of life behind closed doors and reveal what people present to the world isn't always a truth.
"The sad reality is that behaviour like this in a relationship is all too prevalent. I hope we do this story justice. And if people are in a situation like this they should definitely get help."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk), New Beginnings Peer Support (www.newbeginningspeersupport.com) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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