Huge Emmerdale star quits soap after two years – and will leave in dramatic scenes
The star's storyline is set to get even worse before he leaves
A HUGE Emmerdale star has quit the soap after two years – and they will leave in dramatic scenes later this year.
The Sun can exclusively reveal that actor James Chase has quit the soap as Tom King and will leave later this year after filming his final scenes.
And it will prove good news for Piper the dog.
The ITV soap has come under fire for sickening scenes as adorable rescue Piper has been abused by vet Tom in his sick scheme to control wife Belle Dingle.
But that will now be at an end.
A source said: “It’s the right time to leave.
“James has loved his time on the show playing such a powerful story but the truth is that characters like Tom have a shelf life for a reason.
“There’s no long-term redemption for Tom coming – he has to leave one way or the other. And either way it will be dramatic.
“James is rightly proud of the part he’s played in raising awareness of the issue with the story but it’s time to go and spread his wings.”
The actor joined back in 2023 as the returning Tom King – with promises from show bosses that he would be Belle Dingle’s happy ever after.
However that proved short lived as Tom’s abusive nature came to light after he convinced Belle to marry him.
His sickening abuse has seen his emotionally and physically control and beat Belle leaving her terrified and traumatised.
Viewers watched this week as Belle bravely broke free of Tom’s control after he tried to move her to a remote cottage in Wales.
She fled and found the strength to stand up to him – warning him that they are over and if he hurt her again her brother Cain would deal with him.
However in worrying scenes, Tom was seen watching Belle as she tried to privately come to terms with what had happened to her.
The source added: “The story isn’t over yet. Things are going to get even worse before they get better.”
Emmerdale have worked with Refuge on the storyline to raise awareness of domestic abuse and coercive control.
Producer Sophie Roper said: “The behaviour Tom King is exhibiting is typical of a coercive controlling relationship and at times will prove difficult and uncomfortable to watch.
“The assistance the charity Refuge has given us whilst researching this storyline has been enormously helpful in bringing this incredibly important storyline to our screens.”