Emmerdale’s most evil villain returns to soap after two years away – and fans will be horrified

EMMERDALE’S most evil villain is set to return to the soap after two years away, and fans are horrified. Actor James Chase will reprise the role of Tom King, after viewers watched him in a long-running domestic abuse storyline that exposed the sinister control he exerted over his wife, Belle Dingle, played by Eden Taylor-Draper. Emmerdale’s most evil villain is set to return to the soap after two years away James Chase said ‘stepping back into Tom’s shoes is a responsibility I don’t take lightly’ Credit: ITV His behaviour led to a conviction and prison sentence, but he is now up for parole and will make an unexpected return to Belle’s life, much to the horror of Emmerdale fans. The last time Tom was on screen, he had stepped up his campaign to discredit her to save himself from prison, after Belle managed to break free from his control. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! However his luck ran out when the police managed to recover his secret recordings of Belle. Tom was taken in for further questioning and confronted with the police’s new evidence. Shown screengrabs of the footage he had taken of Belle in the house alone, Tom, ignoring the advice of his solicitor insisted he could explain it all. Though it soon emerged that he failed, and fans were delighted that he’d finally been charged. Now, discussing his return, James 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. Most read in TV “It’s a dark path, and I’m ready to see how far Tom will push it.” The question will be whether the Dingles can find a way to keep Belle’s abuser behind bars, and whether Belle will find the strength to keep free from Tom’s psychological grip. Emmerdale fans should brace themselves, as James will first appear on screen later this year. Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “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 8PM, weeknights on ITV1 and STV or from 7AM on ITVX and STV Player and YouTube. Comment now