Emmerdale's Sam Dingle to make desperate plea to Tom King

Emmerdale's Sam Dingle does the unthinkable next week when he turns to jailed Tom King for help – handing Belle's abuser unprecedented power.

In a sickening twist of events, Tom alone can spare Sam's teenage son Samson from spending further years behind bars, so Sam visits him in prison.

Related: Emmerdale explains key character's absence in Samson Dingle storyline

Even though Tom is the cruel manipulator who put his sister Belle through months of violent torment, Sam feels he has no choice but to go grovelling to him. Will his sacrifice be worth it?

"Tom has all the power and Sam knows it, but he'll do anything for Samson," reveals our Dales insider. "It's a huge gamble and a terrible betrayal, but all Sam can think about is the prospect of his boy doing considerable time for the attack on Tom. Samson hopes he can get through to him."

Relations in the Dingle family have hit rock bottom since the truth about Samson's prison assault against Tom came to light. Sam lays the blame squarely at Cain's door for influencing Samson's decision, and despite Moira and Lydia's best efforts to restore peace at Wishing Well Cottage, nothing is working.

The situation becomes even worse when the full extent of Samson's legal troubles is laid bare, and Cain feels so bad that he tries to make amends. However, when he and Sam have a shocking showdown in the Woolpack toilets, Cain fears that his brother may never forgive him.

"Sam is so furious that he goes for Cain and, for the first time in their lives, Cain is genuinely scared of him," warns our source. "Not only does it prove the sheer intensity of Sam's anger, but it also reminds Cain that he's more vulnerable these days. In fact, he's completely shaken by the whole thing."

Related: Emmerdale explains key character's absence in Samson Dingle storyline

With her older brothers at loggerheads and Samson facing new charges, Belle is finding it hard to cope with Tom's impending release, and what the recent beating might inspire him to do. She's terrified about him being free and now having a reason to want revenge on the Dingles.

Belle has no idea that Sam has gone to see Tom and that the two men have had a conversation that puts Tom firmly in the driving seat.

Related: Emmerdale first look as Kim makes huge announcement at The Woolpack

As he prepares to leave prison, Tom takes the opportunity to speak to local vicar Charles Anderson, who believes that he is ready to seek redemption at last.

Will Tom prove he's changed and help Sam, or will the new power he holds be used to torment Belle and her family once again?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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