Emmerdale has officially begun Tom King's return storyline, leaving his ex-wife Belle Dingle terrified that his campaign of domestic abuse is about to restart. The ITV soap confirmed that Tom (James Chase), sentenced to three years in prison in December 2024 for coercive control and domestic abuse against Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper), will be released from custody.
During Monday's (October 19) episode, Belle was shocked when her victim liaison officer, Lizzie, arrived at Wishing Well Cottage to inform her of Tom's impending release. Lizzie clarified that Tom would face stringent restrictions and be prohibited from approaching Belle, but the news left Belle deeply distressed.
Charles Anderson's Involvement
Later, at the café, Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) overheard Belle discussing Tom's release with Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler). The vicar revealed he already knew about Tom's parole, having spoken with him while serving as the prison chaplain. Charles confirmed that Tom is claiming to be a changed man who deeply regrets his actions toward Belle.
"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."
Belle's Fears and Fan Predictions
Looking shocked, Belle said: "It's happening again, isn't it? He's trying to get to me, control things, and play the victim." However, Charles appeared to believe everything Tom had said.
Fans recall that Charles and his mother Claudette (Flo Wilson) previously housed Kev Barton (Chris Coghill) after his release from prison. Now, viewers are convinced the vicar will make the same decision with Tom, placing him uncomfortably close to Belle and potentially putting her at risk.
Taking to X, one viewer predicted: "I bet Tom will be living with Charles," while another said: "Tom will be living with Charles and Claudette, like Kev was after his release from prison. #Emmerdale." A third added: "Charles in his second home #emmerdale," and another wrote: "You know that Charles will be the fool who gives Tom a home. #Emmerdale."
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
