Emmerdale’s Tom King has kicked off his new sick plan in a desperate fight for freedom

Emmerdale’s Tom King has launched a devious scheme in a desperate bid to escape justice. Viewers will know the malevolent vet faces charges of coercive control and assault against Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).

As the court date looms, drama unfolded when Tom (James Chase) is hospitalised following a suicide attempt, leaving his estranged wife Belle and uncle Jimmy King, acted by Nick Miles, utterly stunned. Belle is seen reeling from the news, while she and Jimmy recall that Tom had previously attempted suicide.

Belle had come to the realisation that Tom’s earlier overdose was likely a manipulative tactic to prevent her from leaving him. Amidst her confusion over what to believe, Jimmy reassures Belle that she is not to blame for Tom’s actions.

Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) and Sam Dingle (James Hooton) implore Belle to resist being swayed by Tom’s cunning ways. But Belle is visibly affected, empathising with the struggle of mental health issues, reports Leeds Live.

In the hospital, Tom feigns vulnerability after dismissing his doctor, secretly pleased that news of his condition has spread. He later reveals his intention to claim he attempted suicide to evade the upcoming trial.

Emmerdale viewers have been vocal in their support for Belle, urging her not to pity Tom or reach out to him. A fan expressed their frustration on social media, stating: “I swear, if any of them go to see Tom I’m going to scream. #Emmerdale.”

A second viewer was unsympathetic, commenting: “If Tom tried to kill himself, it’s because he’s not succeeding in his scheme and he’s a coward! He doesn’t deserve sympathy. I hope Belle doesn’t feel bad, she needs to be free of him! #Emmerdale.”

Another fan commented: “Tom has made an attempt on his life in prison, and it’s put doubts in Belle, Jimmy and Amelia’s head about Tom’s vulnerability, they are doubting whether he faked things before. #Emmerdale.”

One viewer expressed hope for the character’s resilience: “Just hope Belle remains strong. Charity saw her abuser jailed after many years of walking free. Now it’s Belle’s voice that the jury need to hear”, while another was sceptical of Tom’s actions: “It is an act Belle #Emmerdale.”

Meanwhile, a different user labelled Tom as manipulative: “Tom’s a pathetic man, trying to hold some kind of hold over Belle, #Emmerdale.”

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX