Emmerdale Tom King’s real plan for Belle as permanent return ‘sealed’

Emmerdale’s Tom King made a return tonight – as his control of Belle Dingle continued.

James Chase departed the ITV soap a number of months ago when Tom was sentenced to prison following his coercive control, emotional and physical abuse of his wife Belle Dingle.

However, in surprise scenes this week, Tom made his return. With her and Tom’s one year anniversary looming, Belle finally had a chance to divorce her evil husband – but he was adamant he wanted them to give it another go.

Belle visited Tom in prison, which he thought was an olive branch, but she was adamant she wanted to divorce him and go through with the proceedings as planned. Belle bravely came face to face to Tom tonight.

Speaking to his estranged wife, Tom said: “So what about you? Wedding planning again? I didn’t tell you about the prison chaplain. He’s a great guy; you’d love him. And even I might be finding God. I’m not saying this for you Belle, I’ve changed. You must have thought it was a possibility or you wouldn’t be here. Surely you’re here for the right reason.”

Tom had been tormenting Belle for months ( Image: ITV)

“What might that be?” Belle asked, before Tom then said: “That you see something to save here, that we can still achieve something together.” Belle was adamant, as she told him: “We can achieve a divorce together.”

Whilst Tom seemingly accepted Belle’s decision, we know that Tom isn’t the kind of person who would go down with a fight. Could Tom make a permanent return to the show and spell more trouble for Belle?

Speaking about making his exit a few months back, James – who plays Tom – said: “Obviously all good things have to come to an end,” he says of his departure from the soap. It’s sad to walk away from so many nice people on Emmerdale. I have made so many great friends and I am going to miss them all a lot. After we finished on my last day, I did choke up.

“Everyone had gathered to say goodbye and they asked me to make a speech. I found myself starting to choke up because you suddenly realise it really is coming to an end. But, if they want to put me in for an accolade of good villain, I will take it! Jim Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle, gave me a big hug and told me ’d played such an iconic villain and that I should be really proud. It was really nice of him to say this and everyone has been so lovely. Being a part of Emmerdale has been an amazing experience.”