JAMES CHASE REPRISE ROLE OF TOM KING ON EMMERDALE, FIRST LOOK IMAGE
The village of Emmerdale is set for a chilling shake-up as actor James Chase returns, reprising his role as the abusive Tom King.
Viewers previously watched in horror during a long-running domestic abuse storyline that exposed the sinister, coercive control Tom exerted over his wife, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper). From psychological abuse and cyber-stalking to harming the family pet, Piper, Tom’s calculated actions left Belle terrified and isolated.
Although his behaviour ultimately led to a conviction and prison sentence, Tom is up for parole, and his unexpected return in Belle’s life threatens to reopen old wounds and inflict fresh trauma on Belle.
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?
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.”
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. It’s a dark path, and I’m ready to see how far Tom will push it.”
Emmerdale continues weeknights at 8pm on ITV1.
