Surprise engagement stuns Emmerdale village but it’s marred by devastating secret

ONE couple decide to take their relationship to the next level during an upcoming trip to the Dales.

But happiness is a long way away as a horrific murder rocks Emmerdale, leaving one resident to search for answers.

ITV viewers suspected Sam Dingle (played by James Hooton) would be taking action after finding out his beloved wife Lydia (Karen Blick) was raped by Craig Reed (Ben Addis).

Lydia and Craig share a heavy history together and rekindled a bond upon his initial arrival in the eponymous village.

However, after some friendly moments, it became clear Craig was wanting more from a married Lydia.

Caught up in the chemistry, Lydia knew it was time she needed to let Craig down gently after they nearly kissed.

But in heart-breaking scenes, Craig didn’t take “no” for an answer and raped Lydia, leaving her a shell of her former self.

In scenes airing next week, things take a murderous turn when Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) finds Craig’s lifeless and bloodied body on the Home Farm estate, where Lydia works.

The cleaner goes on the hunt for answers, convinced this can’t be the work of another serial killer in the village.

But during her quest, she’s shocked to find out that one couple have decided it was time for them to make a serious commitment and get married.

The Dingles are all gathered in The Woolpack as Lydia begins to question them about their whereabouts during Craig’s untimely death.

Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) caught out when the room shifts their focus to her alibi.

In a string flashback scenes we see Belle recount her day with Tom King (James Chase), who after a romantic meal proposed to Belle – but she’s not giving a full account of her day.

What exactly is she hiding? Will the Dingles accept Belle’s fabrication (or recollection) of events? 

Belle and Tom’s engagement may come as a surprise for many fans as the lovebirds have been encountered several issues throughout recent weeks.

Thomas King has been secretive but it was revealed that his mother Colleen had died in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to the news, Belle found Tom bloodied and beaten in the village but he refused to have the police involved.

What is really going on with Belle?

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.