Emmerdale confirms sinister return for Tom King as he fights for release

Emmerdale is set for a major shake-up later this year as it has been confirmed that Tom King will be returning to our TV screens.

Fans of the ITV soap are well aware that Tom, played by James Chase, is currently behind bars after he was convicted and sentenced in late December 2024 for his campaign of abuse and assault against his wife Belle Dingle.

Despite Tom's various attempts to derail the trial, Belle bravely decided to give evidence against him so that the truth would be heard. She later revealed that she'd found the strength to testify after attending a domestic abuse support group.

Sinister Tom hasn't appeared on Emmerdale since February 2025, when he made a shock appearance during some episodes from his prison cell after learning that Belle had initiated divorce proceedings.

However, he's now up for parole and his unexpected return in Belle’s life threatens to reopen old wounds and inflict fresh trauma on her.

Speaking about reprising the role, actor James said: "Stepping back into Tom’s shoes is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. He is a character driven by obsession and a desperate need for control, and it is both fascinating and challenging to step back into that mindset.

"The audience knows exactly who he is and what he is capable of, so the challenge now is to show the lengths he is willing to go to in order to get what he wants, even if it means dismantling Belle's life all over again."

He then added: "It’s a dark path, and I’m ready to see how far Tom will push it."

Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, said of the upcoming storyline: "James’ return isn’t just about bringing back a familiar face; it’s about reigniting a complex and challenging story.

"When Belle gets the news that Tom is up for parole she's forced to confront a trauma she battled hard to overcome. With her family and new partner Kammy by her side, we explore the lasting impact of Tom's abusive actions on Belle as she fights to keep Tom away from the village."

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