Justice has been served as Tom is finally locked up – but fans predict huge twist
Tom’s time in the village came to an end – but for how long?
Tom finally faced his comeuppance in Emmerdale last night (Thursday, December 19), as the villain was found guilty for the torment he had put Belle through.
But it seems, fans are convinced we’ll see another huge twist play out.
After months of hoping that Tom will get sent to prison, Emmerdale fans finally got their wish. But he only got three years.
His sentence, mixed with good behaviour inside, means Tom could be back in the outside world in as little as 16 – 18 months. Which is a horrifying thought.
Fans fear Tom will return to Emmerdale
With that knowledge, fans are convinced we haven’t actually seen the end of Tom just yet.
After the episode aired, many fans took to social media to express their concern that he may make a future appearance.
One wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “I looked up the sentencing guidelines for coercive control. Maximum sentence is five years but the average is three. Parole is usually offered after half of the time is served. Tom King will be out in 18 months and will probably be seeking revenge.”
Another added: “My guess is in three years time when he is out he will come after Belle again and that will be a big Christmas storyline.”
A third penned: “So Tom will be out in about 18 months. Belle will be in great danger when that happens.”
James Chase speaks out on potential Tom return
The fear from fans is understandable, especially as his actor James Chase hasn’t ruled out a return to the show.
Discussing his exit from the show, he confirmed he would be open to revisiting the character again in the future – but that it depends on the bosses.
He explained: “There are many different avenues they could go with it. They could make it that Tom potentially had got even worse, and hasn’t changed at all. Perhaps, he could hate Belle even more for it. Or if he did go the other way and finally did realise the terrible things he’s done, and perhaps did, actually start to try to become a better man.”
One thing James does believe, is that Tom will struggle being locked up. And he expects the character will ‘hit rock bottom.’
If Tom were to return to Emmerdale, we’re sure the Dingles would make sure he knows just how unwelcome he is.
Read more: Emmerdale is the soap with the most Ofcom complaints 2024 – for one particular storyline
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.
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