Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) is devastated to learn that her abusive ex, Tom King (James Chase), will be released from prison next week. As the news spreads through the village, everyone has opinions on how she should cope, but Belle's own decision leads her to consider visiting him.
Belle's turmoil over Tom's release
On Monday, October 19, Belle is floored by the news and bolts, worrying Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah). When Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) overhears Belle telling Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler), he reveals he has spoken to Tom as prison chaplain and assures her Tom is seeking forgiveness. Belle's mind races, and she decides to visit him.
Tuesday sees Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and Kammy convince Belle not to visit Tom after returning from a fishing trip. Belle heads to Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) for support, but Rhona privately warns Cain that Tom could emerge even more dangerous than before.
Thea's revenge mission escalates
DS Thea Ramsden's (Chelsea Edge) thirst for vengeance against secret mum Kim Tate (Claire King) grows. After listening in on a conversation between Kim and Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick), she launches her latest attack. By Wednesday, Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) is concerned over Thea's worsening obsession, and a social worker arrives at Home Farm over an allegation of illegal adoption.
On Friday, Thea gets her hands on Kim's phone, downloads message chains, and heads away to investigate what she has found.
Sadie's sabotage and village secrets
Sadie King (Patsy Kensit) continues her mission to destroy Caleb and Ruby Miligan (William Ash and Beth Cordingly), noting Caleb's dinner plans with Ruby and actively sabotaging his efforts. Meanwhile, the missing poker money saga rages on, with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) and Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) interrogating suspects.
Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) takes Cain on a fishing trip before his radiotherapy, while Sam and Lydia (James Hooton and Karen Blick) plan for Samson Dingle's (Sam Hall) return. Lydia is wounded when Kim tells her there is no job for Samson, and Thea gets her wires crossed over baby Tate's fate. Kammy tells Belle he loves her on Friday, but she flees, unable to cope with Tom's impending release.
