Tom King was sentenced after his campaign of abuse towards Belle Dingle
Emmerdale star James Chase took to his social media and teased an “exciting” future after he left the ITV soap last year.
James Chase joined Emmerdale as Tom on 2023, where his character began a relationship with Belle Dingle. Although the pair seemed happy at first, things soon turned sour after their wedding day.
In harrowing scenes, Tom ran a vicious campaign of abuse against Belle, making sure she was isolated and manipulating her at every turn.
He became physically violent on a few occasions including one scene where he ran her arm under scalding hot water after he found out she had been taking her birth control.
Tom’s harrowing crimes haunted Belle even after he was arrested(Image: ITV)
Tom also attacked Belle before she managed to make a run for it with a hunting rifle, Tom swiftly followed wielding an axe. As she hid, Tom hacked the door down.
She tried to shoot him but the safety lock was on, which he instantly removed and held the gun to her head. In a moment of panic, she struck him in the back with the axe as he fell onto the floor.
In December, Belle received justice as the villain was sentenced to three years in prison after subjecting Belle to assault and coercive control.
On Thursday (27th February), James Chase posted a selection of headshots on his Instagram and wrote: “2025 is starting to look like an exciting year”. Since his exit last year, he did appear in an Emmerdale episode as Belle visited him in prison to demand a divorce.
While he’s kept fairly tight-lipped so far about what’s next after the Dales, it seems that he has some things under his sleeve.
Fans rushed to the comments, @janice.h.wilson wrote: “I hope it gets better and better for you James” and @into_feet_socks added: “Nice to see you back on Emmerdale even if was a quick visit.”
The actor also recently reunited with Eden Taylor-Draper at the Broadcast Awards, after Eden posted a snap of the pair all glammed up and wrote: “team Emmerdale”.
James also posted a snap of the pair on his Instagram story, he wrote “Your new Bond. Sorry Aaron” as they both enjoyed a glass of wine, referring to Aaron Taylor-Johnson being rumoured as the next James Bond star.
