Zak Dingle ‘to return as ghost haunting Belle’ in Tom’s sickest plot yet in new theory

Even Tom would never go so far... or would he?
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

Fans of Emmerdale think that Tom King has something particularly monstrous up his sleeve for Belle this Halloween – a sick scheme which involves using dad Zak to torment her.

Last night’s episode of the soap (airing Tuesday, October 22) found Belle in a fragile state. Grieving the death of her father and convinced that Tom was up to his old tricks, Belle confronted her ex in town.

Accusing him of taunting her with a bunch of flowers, she put everything at risk by breaching the terms of her bail. This, Tom gleefully informed her as he warned her she could end up back in the secure ward.

He then popped by the Dingle ranch to spy on his ex-wife while he called the police himself. But does Tom have something even more sinister planned for Belle?

Belle looking sad at her dad's grave on Emmerdale
As Belle mourned her dad, Tom continued to spy from afar (Credit: ITV)

Fans predict ‘creepy’ Tom’s cruelest plan yet

Writing on X as the episode aired, viewers shared their thoughts as to what Tom could have planned for Belle. And, with the Dingle household full of Zak’s old clothes – and his body buried outside – some suspected the story could take a grisly turn.

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“With all of Zak’s stuff returning and Halloween approaching, I can see Tom dressing up as him to spook Belle,” wrote one fan.

“Wouldn’t put it past Tom to dig up Zak’s body then chase Belle around the fields with it,” said another.

“Tom is so creepy … always watching Belle from afar,” shuddered a third.

“Poor Belle is going to regress again and start hearing her dad’s voice. Tom can’t win Belle. You’ve come too far,” said another viewer.

Will Tom take advantage of Belle’s spiralling mental health and use her dad’s death against her?

Belle in the police station on Emmerdale

Tom has Belle arrested (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale spoilers tonight: Belle arrested after confronting Tom

As the storyline continues tonight, Belle is shocked when DS Foy arrests her for breaking her bail conditions. Hauled down to the police station, she is warned that, if she contacts Tom again, she’ll be going to jail.

Back home, Belle puts on a brave face, but it’s clear she’s struggling. Can Belle regain control of her ailing mental health before it’s too late?

Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list 2024

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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