Tom King (James Chase) has returned to Emmerdale, and his first interactions have already stirred trouble. The character, imprisoned since 2024 for abusing partner Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper), was due for release earlier this year, news that Belle received with dread. She has tried to keep busy with work, but this week her anxiety has spilled into her daily life.
Belle's concerns dismissed
After a meeting with engaged couple Jordan and Caz, Belle grew worried that Jordan was controlling his partner. She invited Caz round to share her concerns, believing she was looking at a victim of domestic abuse. Caz was horrified and adamant there was nothing wrong with her relationship, sacking Belle as wedding planner and calling her 'troubled' as she left.
In today's episode, Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) found a wreath of dead flowers on the doorstep. Kammy, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and Sam Dingle (James Hooton) assumed Tom had sent it. Cain, in protective big brother mode, headed to the prison to confront Tom, missing the moment Caz confirmed Jordan had sent the wreath.
Cain confronts Tom
In the meeting, Tom showed no sign of reform, speaking with a smug smile and taking pleasure in winding Cain up about his cancer. Back home, Cain told Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) that Tom seemed to be getting off on the fact he has cancer, looking at him like a 'walking corpse'. Moira suggested focusing on Samson Dingle's (Sam Hall) return, but Cain was convinced that letting a 'cockroach' like Tom go would only cause him to crawl back.
In upcoming episodes, Cain will arrange for Tom to be attacked, with Samson revealed as the one throwing the punches. This means Samson will not be coming home and faces an even longer stretch. Sam is crushed by the news that his son will not be released.
Belle's plan
As the Dingles fall apart, Belle concludes the only way to deal with the matter is to visit Tom herself in hospital. She heads there with Kammy but leaves him outside, promising to storm in if she is not out in 10 minutes. Belle takes a deep breath and goes in to see her abusive ex, leaving viewers to wonder what mind games he will play.
