Emmerdale confirms Tom King return as Belle Dingle faces new threat
Belle Dingle’s nightmare is set to return to Emmerdale.
James Chase will reprise his role as Tom King later this year, with the character’s possible release from prison putting Belle at the centre of another difficult chapter. Tom is now up for parole, raising the prospect that the man who subjected her to a prolonged campaign of abuse could once again enter her life.
ITV has described the upcoming storyline as a chilling shake-up for the village. The return will revisit the lasting consequences of Tom’s abuse while Belle, supported by her family and her new partner Kammy, tries to prevent him from gaining control over her life again.
Tom King’s history with Belle
Tom, played by James Chase, arrived back in Emmerdale in 2023 and began a relationship with Belle Dingle. What initially appeared to be a happy romance gradually became something far more disturbing.
After their wedding, Tom’s behaviour became increasingly controlling. His abuse left Belle isolated and frightened, with his actions eventually escalating into physical violence.
One particularly harrowing incident occurred when Tom discovered that Belle had been taking birth control. In retaliation, he forced her arm under scalding hot water.
His abuse also extended to psychological manipulation and surveillance. The storyline included coercive control and cyber-stalking, with Tom taking calculated steps to isolate Belle and maintain control over her. His actions even involved the family pet, Piper.
Belle’s terrifying escape
The situation reached a dangerous climax when Tom attacked Belle and she attempted to escape with a hunting rifle.
Tom followed her while carrying an axe and began hacking through the door where she was hiding.
Belle tried to shoot him, but the safety lock on the rifle was still engaged. Tom immediately removed it and pointed the gun at her.
In a desperate attempt to protect herself, Belle struck Tom in the back with the axe. He fell to the floor, bringing the confrontation to an end.
Tom was eventually arrested and faced the consequences of his treatment of Belle. In December, he was sentenced to three years in prison for assault and coercive control.
Tom’s parole puts Belle’s future at risk
Belle has since tried to move forward with her life, but Tom’s potential release threatens to reopen the trauma she has worked hard to overcome.
The upcoming storyline begins when Belle learns that Tom is up for parole. The news forces her to confront the possibility that her former abuser could once again be free.
Her family will rally around her as they attempt to keep Tom behind bars. Belle will also have the support of her new partner, Kammy, as she faces the possibility of Tom returning to the village.
ITV has not revealed exactly how the storyline will develop or whether Tom will ultimately be released. The broadcaster has, however, confirmed that the Dingles will try to prevent him from returning and that Belle will have to deal with the possibility of his influence over her resurfacing.
Laura Shaw on Tom King’s return
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said James Chase’s return would allow the soap to explore the continuing effects of Tom’s abuse on Belle.
She explained that learning about Tom’s parole forces Belle to confront trauma she had worked hard to overcome, while her family and Kammy stand beside her.
The storyline will focus on the lasting impact of Tom’s actions and Belle’s efforts to keep him away from the village.
James Chase promises a dark new chapter
James Chase has also spoken about returning to the role.
The actor said stepping back into Tom’s mindset was a responsibility he did not take lightly. He described Tom as someone driven by obsession and a need for control, adding that the challenge would be showing just how far the character is prepared to go to get what he wants.
Chase also teased that Tom could once again attempt to dismantle Belle’s life, describing the direction of the storyline as a dark path.
The actor will make his first appearance as Tom later in 2026, although an exact episode date has not yet been announced.
What happens next for Belle?
The central question now is whether the Dingles can prevent Tom from being released and returning to Belle’s life.
For Belle, the threat is about more than simply seeing Tom again. His previous abuse left a lasting impact, and the possibility of his freedom forces her to confront a period she had been trying to put behind her.
With Kammy and her family supporting her, Belle will have to find a way to protect the life she has rebuilt while dealing with the possibility that Tom could once again try to manipulate those around her.
Tom’s return is confirmed for later this year, but the details of his parole and exactly how far he will go remain under wraps.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, with episodes available from 7am on ITVX. The soap is also available on YouTube.