Emmerdale has aired a major Tom King update, revealing the violent prisoner has secretly been in contact with a well-known villager ahead of his release. In December 2024, Tom (James Chase) was sentenced to three years in prison following months of coercive control and harrowing domestic abuse towards his wife, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).
Belle learns of Tom's imminent release
During Monday's (October 19) tense visit to the Dales, Belle was shocked when her victim liaison officer, Lizzie, arrived at Wishing Well Cottage and informed her that Tom would soon be released from prison. The officer explained that Tom would be under strict conditions and wouldn't be allowed near her, but the news left Belle overwhelmed.
Later, at the café, Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) overheard Belle talking to Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) about Tom's imminent release. The local vicar revealed that he already knew Tom was due for parole, as he'd been talking to him while working as the prison chaplain.
Charles reveals Tom's request for forgiveness
Charles confirmed Tom is claiming to be a reformed character and bitterly regretted everything he had put his ex-wife through. "I had a conversation with him a few days ago, at Tom's request", Charles told Belle. "He asked to talk about some things; he asked about forgiveness and atonement, specifically."
Charles added: "He said over the course of his sentence, he's accepted culpability for his actions. He also seemed anxious to ask for your forgiveness. To try and make his peace with you before he's released."
Looking shocked, Belle stated: "It's happening again, isn't it? He's trying to get to me, control things, and play the victim", but Charles appeared to believe everything Tom had said.
Fans predict Tom will move in with Charles
As fans will know, Charles and his mum Claudette (Flo Wilson) welcomed Kev Barton (Chris Coghill) into their home following his release from prison, and now Emmerdale viewers think the vicar will also allow Tom to move into their home - which is in close proximity to Belle.
Turning to X, one Emmerdale viewer predicted: "I bet Tom will be living with Charles", while a second stated: "Tom will be living with Charles and Claudette, like Kev was after his release from prison. #Emmerdale."
A third chimed in: "Charles in his second home #emmerdale", as another added: "You know that Charles will be the fool who gives Tom a home. #Emmerdale."
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
