Emmerdale’s Nicola admits defeat in unexpected move as Tom King wins – but a twist beckons

Emmerdale’s Tom King (James Chase) was taken aback when Nicola (Nicola Wheeler) relented in her mission to take him down, offering him an apology.

The abuser, as viewers know, is desperately trying to control the narrative after Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) exposed him for the abuser that he is when she reported him to the police.

Tom is currently under investigation, with almost everyone in the village knowing full well that he’s guilty – with the exception of Jimmy (Nick Miles) and new girlfriend Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell).

Nicola, however, ardently believes that Tom is capable of abuse after she discovered that he’d tormented her son Carl Holliday (Charlie Joyce).

The incident in question prompted Nicola to move out of her own home, begging Jimmy to see sense and kick Tom out, but she ultimately decided to move back to Victoria Cottage last week.

Tom took great pleasure in rubbing Nicola’s face in the fact that he was still living in her home, reiterating his belief that Jimmy will support him wholeheartedly.

Nicola, however, reiterated her stance on the situation, telling Tom that looking at him makes her feel ‘ill’.

The matriarch was subsequently left horrified when she returned home on Friday (November 22) to find Amelia in tears after Tom rejected her.

On Monday (November 25), Nicola made it quite clear that she wouldn’t stand by and watch another girl be abused by Tom, ordering Jimmy to open his eyes.

Nicola reiterated her concerns about Tom to Jimmy (Picture: ITV)

Determined to get Nicola on side, Tom turned his attention to Amelia, visiting her in the church where he claimed to be seeking advice from God, which left Amelia seeing him in a whole new light.

The abuser claimed that he rejected her advances because – in the eyes of God – he’s still a married man and therefore they should wait until they’re married before they have sex.

Tom spoke to Nicola, with Amelia backing up his version of events (Picture: ITV)

Nicola unexpectedly apologised to Tom – but it seems she’s playing the long game (Picture: ITV)

Amelia was delighted that Tom was contemplating a future with her and therefore she agreed to tell Nicola that the incident last week was a misunderstanding.

Nicola thought on it and offered Tom an apology in return.

But has she really relented so easily? Highly doubtful. The legendary character is known for her calculated thinking and stern approach to situations so this is likely just a trick to make Tom think she no longer poses a threat.

It seems like Nicola is merely buying her time and throwing him off the scent. And she won’t have long to wait as this week will see the beginning of the end for Tom.

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