Emmerdale is bringing Tom King back to the village, putting Belle Dingle face-to-face with the abusive ex she fought so hard to escape.
James Chase is reprising his role as Tom, and the return promises to drag Belle’s darkest memories back into her life. But has prison really changed him?
Abuser Tom King returns (Credit: ITV)
Tom King to return to Emmerdale
Belle was left terrified and isolated when her marriage to Tom turned sour. He psychologically abused her, controlled her every move, separated her from her family and eventually physically abused her too.
Belle became so frightened of him that she aborted their baby, fearing what bringing a child into such a twisted marriage would mean.
It all came to an end when Tom trapped Belle and she hit him in the back with an axe. Tom survived, but Belle found herself in trouble for hurting him.
She eventually told the police everything, and the brilliant DS Foy believed her from the start. He made sure Tom was caught when he tried to run away and also got the charges against Belle dropped.
Tom was convicted after a special episode starring Denise Welch, among others, which followed the jury discussions. He was sentenced to three years in prison.
Now Tom is up for parole, meaning he will return to Belle’s life and the trauma he inflicted on her. The Dingles will have to find a way to protect Belle and ensure Tom stays behind bars.
But could Tom once again find a way to manipulate the village against her?
Tom made Belle’s life hell (Credit: ITV)
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