Emmerdale’s Tom King to return after two years away

Actor James Chase will reprise his role as Tom King, the abusive husband of Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).

He will be part of an upcoming storyline that promises to reignite painful memories and fresh danger.

Emmerdale star Tom King returning to ITV soap

James Chase will return as Tom King for a new storyline with Belle Dingle (Image: ITV)

Tom’s return follows a harrowing domestic abuse plot that saw him inflict psychological torment, cyberstalking, and even harm the family dog.

His behaviour ultimately led to a conviction and prison sentence, but he is now up for parole.

Tom’ reappearance threatens to reopen old wounds and inflict fresh trauma on Belle.

Mr Chase 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 added: “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 stars on Jimmy King’s exit from ITV soap

While one Emmerdale star returns, others have recently left the show.

Nick Miles, who played Jimmy King for 22 years, saw his character recently killed off.

Jimmy died following a car crash after losing control of his vehicle and crashing straight into the wedding marquee for Joe Tate and Dawn Fletcher.

Miles and Nicola Wheeler, his on-screen wife, Nicola King, spoke about filming Jimmy’s send-off.

The stars opened up about his death and the impact on his departure in interviews following Emmerdale’s National Television Awards win in the Continuing Drama category.

Speaking to Radio Times after the award win, Mr Miles said: “Not to talk about myself, but the clip they showed was my last ever Emmerdale, and so it’s just a lovely, lovely way to end my 22-year Emmerdale story.

“So I feel on top of the world right now.”

On his exit, Mr Miles added: “We cried.

“We cried a lot,” with Ms Wheeler agreeing.

She then said: “I’ll tell you what it was like to film.

“It’s a bit like in [the NTAs Winners Room].

“It was in 30-degree heat, but it was beautiful.

“The art team had done a fantastic job with the marquee, and it did look gorgeous, didn’t it?

“It was very technical with the dream sequence, and the other bits in the car were hot, sweaty, and smelt of cheese.”

He continued: “They packed a real picnic because Jimmy was planning a picnic, so there was a picnic in the car, and the cheese just started to pack up its bags and start to walk out.

“Yeah, and it stank like it became a smellier version a bit.

“I’d gone nose blind, but Nicola was nearly sick when she threw the car window for the first time.”

The actors also reflected on their long working relationship and the 17-year marriage between their characters.

Ms Wheeler said: “We’ve been together 17 years in the show.

“We’ve known each other for Nick’s whole 22 years in the show because I was in it a little bit before him, so we were good friends beforehand, but our characters never really interacted until we got together in the back of a van, and that was it.

“That’s history.”

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