A sinister smirk has confirmed that Emmerdale abuser Tom King (James Chase) is not a changed man.
Between 2023 and 2004, fans of the ITV soap watched in horror as the character physically, verbally and psychologically abused his wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).
Despite initial warning signs during their engagement, she was coerced into believing he was a good man and proceeded with their wedding. His behaviour spiralled from cruel comments to raping her, before turning violent and leaving Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) for dead.
He smashed late mother Lisa's urn, faked the death of their beloved family pet Piper and recorded her every move using hidden CCTV cameras that he planted in her house.
Tom was eventually sent down for three years for the assault and coercive control of Belle.
Recent episodes have dealt with Belle's anxieties upon realising that he was going to be released from prison. Protective brother Cain (Jeff Hordley) decided to visit him, concerned that he was behind a wreath of dead flowers that arrived at Wishing Well Cottage.
While Cain was away, Belle realised that these had been sent by a client she'd clashed with.
Not convinced that Tom had listened to him, Cain then orchestrated an attack - asking imprisoned nephew Samson to get someone to do the deed. Ultimately, Samson has committed the crime himself and has had his sentenced lengthened.
Tensions have flared between Cain and brother Sam (James Hooten) - Samson's dad - who has demanded that he move out of their family cottage and seek alternative accommodation.
Caught in the middle, Belle knew that she had to go to the hospital and speak to Tom herself.
In today's episode, she nervously headed to his room and told boyfriend Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) that she'd only be 10 minutes. If she was gone for any longer, then he was to run to her defence.
For a moment, it seemed like Tom had changed. He said that he went to prison resenting Belle, though after speaking with a therapist, had realised the error of his ways.
Belle was stunned by his admission, and just as she started to accept that he had reformed behind bars, Kammy burst into the room and demanded to know what was happening. Tom was then introduced to his ex-wife's new love, and although he pretended that he was happy for her, it was clear that he wasn't.
When Belle and Kammy returned to the village, they were satisfied that the nightmare was over. Tom had told them that his friend had offered him a job in Northern Ireland, and when he was eventually released, he'd be moving there.
Alone in the hospital room, a grin was smeared across his face.
Is Tom lying about his plans?
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Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
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