Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper, who has portrayed the beloved character Belle Dingle since 2005, has announced a major personal milestone with her long-term partner. The actress, who joined the iconic ITV soap at just eight years old, has revealed that she and boyfriend Ed Lewis have taken their relationship to the next level by purchasing their first home together.
A Decade-Long Romance Culminates in Property Purchase
Eden Taylor-Draper and Ed Lewis, who have been in a relationship since 2016, have now made a significant commitment by buying a flat together. The couple, who reportedly met while attending Harrogate Grammar School in North Yorkshire, have been together for nearly ten years, with their relationship blossoming from teenage sweethearts to adult partners making substantial life decisions.
In a recent TikTok video shared with her followers, Eden opened up about this exciting development in her personal life. "We moved, we bought a flat, we went travelling, I've been working, it's all lovely stuff!" she enthusiastically revealed to her audience. The video, which was posted on her book-focused TikTok account, served as both a life update and a return to content creation after a brief hiatus.
From Soap Drama to Real-Life Milestones
While Eden Taylor-Draper has been involved in numerous dramatic storylines on Emmerdale - including a harrowing domestic abuse plot, a shocking affair with the village doctor, and even a storyline where her character killed her best friend - her off-screen life has followed a more stable trajectory. Her character Belle Dingle, daughter of soap legends Zak and Lisa Dingle, has become a firm fan favourite over nearly two decades on screen.
In contrast to the turbulent narratives she portrays on television, Eden's real-life relationship with Ed Lewis has been characterised by consistency and shared interests. The couple frequently document their travels together on social media, having visited destinations including Vienna's Christmas markets and various global locations that reflect their mutual passion for exploration.
Building a Literary Sanctuary in Their New Home
The actress also shared exciting plans for their newly purchased property, revealing her intention to create "the ultimate reading nook" in their front room. "We've got a huge bookshelf and I've got a little sofa in there, and I just want to turn it into a little slice of reading paradise," she explained, highlighting how the new home will accommodate her well-documented love of literature.
Eden's announcement was met with overwhelming support from fans and followers, who flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages. One supporter wrote: "Aw, glad you're back!" while another commented: "This is such a cosy corner, I'm excited for more content." The positive response underscores the affection audiences have for the actress both in her professional capacity and personal life.
Ed Lewis: The Geography Graduate Behind the Scenes
Unlike his actress partner, Ed Lewis has pursued an academic path rather than a career in entertainment. He studied geography at Durham University from 2016 to 2019, graduating with first-class honours. This educational background provides an interesting contrast to Eden's life in the spotlight, with the couple representing a blend of creative and academic worlds.
The purchase of their first home together represents a significant step forward for the couple, who have maintained their relationship largely out of the public eye despite Eden's high-profile career. Their decision to invest in property together after nearly a decade of dating signals a deepening commitment and shared vision for their future.
As Eden Taylor-Draper continues to portray one of Emmerdale's most complex characters, her real-life narrative now includes this exciting chapter of home ownership with her long-term partner. The actress expressed her enthusiasm about returning to regular content creation and reading goals, suggesting that this personal milestone has inspired renewed creative energy alongside her established acting career.
