‘Sinister’ Emmerdale return ‘sealed’ for villain 18 months after prison sentence
Emmerdale viewers are fearing the return of one major soap villain and the Dingles will not be happy
Emmerdale fans are convinced that a villainous criminal is set to be freed from prison and will make a dramatic comeback to the village.
Throughout 2024 on the ITV soap, Belle Dingle (portrayed by Eden Taylor-Draper) and local vet Tom King (James Chase) tied the knot, but their wedded happiness rapidly deteriorated.
For months, Tom put on a charming facade for the outside world, but in private, he inflicted horrific abuse on his wife, both psychologically and physically.
Tom’s behaviour included striking Belle, monitoring her every movement, and even convincing her that her cherished dog Piper had been knocked down and k.i.l.l.e.d.
Belle Dingle’s abusive husband Tom King could be back(Image: ITV)
As Tom’s abuse escalated in severity, he increasingly cut Belle off from her relatives and friends.
After a string of brutal attacks and controlling manipulation, Belle eventually fled from Tom, and following weeks of deliberation, she contacted the police.
Despite his arrest, Tom made numerous attempts to sabotage the legal proceedings, including staging a false suicide attempt while in custody, reports the Express.
In December 2024, both Belle and Tom faced each other in court, each attempting to persuade the jury in harrowing scenes.
Emmerdale Tom King could be released from prison after serving half of his sentence (Image: ITV)
As the couple confronted one another, recalling different episodes from their marriage, the jury deliberated their verdict.
Following an anxious wait, the jury found Tom guilty of assault and coercive behaviour, and the judge handed him a three-year prison sentence.
However, Emmerdale fans have now figured out that Tom could walk free in June 2026 if he completes half of his sentence, according to UK sentencing guidelines.
Meanwhile, Belle has discovered fresh love with local garage worker Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah), but could her shot at happiness be destroyed by Tom?
Writing on Facebook, one viewer posted: “I wonder… Belle is happy now if the Script Writers will bring Tom King released on good behaviour and cause trouble.”
Tom subjected Belle to abuse for months (Image: ITV)
A second responded: “Probably due for release, wouldn’t be surprised if the writers put a spanner in the works. Hopefully not, it would be nice if we could have a bit of a good feel factor for once, Belle deserves a bit of a happy storyline.”
A third added: “Probably they don’t like their characters having happy ‘normal’ lives”, while another shared the view: “Wouldn’t surprise me. No one’s allowed to be happy in soapland (laughing face).”
“Put a cat among the pigeons”, wrote one fan as another commented: “I don’t think they’ll bring him back now but I’d never rule it out in the future.”
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX
