Emmerdale is facing a "chilling shake-up" as actor James Chase prepares to reprise his role as Tom King.
In 2024, the ITV soap aired a narrative spanning several months that detailed the coercive control and domestic abuse endured by Belle King, played by Eden Taylor-Draper, at the hands of her manipulative husband, Tom.
Set in the Yorkshire Dales, the storyline concluded with Tom being convicted and imprisoned for his crimes.
Two years later, however, the character is due to return to screens.
Broadcaster ITV stated that audiences "previously watched in horror during a long-running domestic abuse storyline", which featured psychological abuse, cyber-stalking and harm to Piper, the family pet, leaving Belle "terrified and isolated".
Despite receiving a prison sentence for his actions, Tom is currently eligible for parole, with ITV saying his "unexpected return in Belle’s life threatens to reopen old wounds and inflict fresh trauma" on her.
“Can the Dingles find a way to keep Belle’s abuser behind bars and will Belle find the strength to keep free from Tom’s psychological grip or will he succeed in manipulating those around her once again?” ITV has teased.
Chase will appear on screen later this year.
He 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. It’s a dark path, and I’m ready to see how far Tom will push it.”
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “James’s 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.”
In 2024, vet Tom used a syringe to poison his wife’s dog, Piper, in an effort to see her after she went to a mental health facility.
Before administering it, Tom said: “Don’t worry, this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you. Actually, maybe not.”
The scene sparked hundreds of Ofcom complaints – including 513 in one day and a further 363 the following day.
In a post on X, the soap reassured viewers that the dog was perfectly fine and there was no harm done to the animal while filming.
“These scenes can be distressing to watch, but we want to remind you that Minnie (aka Piper) is a very good actor and is always living her best life on set! We can confirm that no harm has come to her whatsoever,” a statement said.
At the 2024 National Television Awards, Emmerdale scooped the best soap prize, and Taylor-Draper was also recognised with a nomination.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV.
