Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has revealed that she wants Piper the dog to make a shock return to the soap.

Fan favourite Piper has been absent from our screens in recent weeks after becoming a victim of Tom King's evil abuse.

Last month, Tom deliberately knocked over Piper in the road and pretended to his wife Belle that he'd found their pet already injured.

The scenes formed part of Tom and Belle's domestic abuse storyline, which has been running since last year. Tom has often used Piper to manipulate Belle's emotions, and this intensified after Belle decided to end their relationship.

Speaking in a new interview, Eden Taylor-Draper - who plays Belle - expressed hope that Piper's true fate can be revealed to her character at some point in the future.

Eden explained: "I would love that more than anything, because Piper meant everything to Belle.

"When Belle and Tom were in the holiday cottage in Wales, Belle didn't leave because she was hurt - she left because Piper was hurt and that is huge.

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"Piper is Belle's little lifeline and has saved her. For her to know her best friend is there, of course she would fight to get her back and I hope that happens."

In real life, Piper is played by Minnie the dog, who's among the nominees for the Best Pet prize at the Inside Soap Awards 2024 later this month.

Next week's episodes see Belle and Tom's story continue, as Belle considers reporting her abusive husband to the police following advice from her sister-in-law Lydia Dingle.

Tom also pays a menacing visit to Belle at Wishing Well cottage, leaving her terrified over her safety.

For more detail on these stories, check out our collection of 10 huge spoilers from next week's episodes and 23 spoiler pictures previewing what's in store.