Emmerdale’s Nicola makes unexpected and calculated move to secure a victory as Tom King reels

Emmerdale’s Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) took a stand to protect her children from the nefarious Tom King (James Chase), refusing to move back home until the abuser had vacated the premises.

Nicola, as viewers know, suspects that Tom, who has been accused of abuse by wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper), might actually be guilty when she found out that he’d terrorised her son Carl Holliday (Charlie Joyce).

Jimmy (Nick Miles) believed Tom’s cover story – that he’d shouted at Carl in a moment of madness due to the pressure of the situation he’s in – but Nicola knows a liar when she sees one.

After getting Carl to report what he saw in Tom destroying the tablet, Nicola informed Jimmy that she wholeheartedly believes that Belle was telling the truth, but the couple were soon distracted by word of daughter Angelia’s (Rebecca Bakes) impeding return.

Angelica, as viewers know, was serving time in young offenders following the death of Heath Hope, who perished in a car accident back in January.

Determined to make Angel’s return to the village as painless as possible, Jimmy urged Nicola to let this situation with Tom – who was released without charge – go for the sake of the kids.

Nicola agreed to such a thing but, ultimately, she knew that she couldn’t have Tom around her children, especially after leaving Carl so terrifed.

Tom attempted to pull the wool over her eyes, claiming that he wanted to get to know her better and put this ordeal behind them but Nicola made it quite clear that she sees him for who he is, calling him as an abuser.

At the exact moment she did so, Jimmy arrived home with Angel, who stormed out in tears, horrified to see her mum and dad arguing once again.

Nicola gave chase, sharing a heart-to-heart with her daughter on the bridge, realising that she needs to put her first.

In a bid to protect her children – and seemingly to play the long game – Nicola returned to Victoria Cottage, where she told Jimmy that she’s taking the kids to Mulberry to stay with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) – and she won’t be returning until Tom has packed his bags and left.

Way to go, Nicola!

Jimmy argued with her, insisting that he and Tom deserve an apology from her but Nicola clapped back, reiterating that the kids are her number one priority and therefore she doesn’t want Tom around them.

Will Jimmy come to realise that his wife’s suspicions of Tom are, in fact, correct? Will he see Tom for the abuser, liar and manipulator that is?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX.