Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) has some news to share with Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) in Emmerdale soon, and it’s about Tom King (James Chase).
Tom is currently in prison after abusing Belle and making her life a misery. He was sentenced to three years behind bars but, in upcoming episodes, Belle will learn that her abuser is being released early.
When Belle’s Victim Liaison Officer turns up, she explains that Tom will soon be out of prison, but strict licence conditions mean he cannot legally go anywhere near her.
Later, when Charles overhears Belle telling Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) about Tom, he cannot help but poke his nose in and reveal that Tom has been speaking to him in his role as a prison chaplain.
Not only that, Charles reveals that Tom has accepted culpability and wants to seek Belle’s forgiveness.
Growing anxious, Belle can’t believe Tom’s already back in her head and he hasn’t even been released yet. With her mind racing, Belle decides to confront the issue by visiting Tom herself.
Back from his fishing trip, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) realises something is wrong with Belle. Soon enough, she accepts the advice from Cain and Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) about not visiting Tom, but worries about him finding her in the village once he’s been released.
In the week, Belle finds comfort in a chat with Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry), who knows what she’s going through. Rhona tells Belle to try and take control of her feelings and later feels more optimistic.
However, it’s revealed that Rhona kept a few of her thoughts from Belle, as she privately tells Cain that if Tom does come back, he could be more dangerous than ever.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said of this story: ‘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.’