Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) received a letter in the post during tonight’s episode of Emmerdale, which confirmed some huge news about her ex Tom King (James Chase).
When Tom and Belle got together, it wasn’t long until we started to see signs of controlling behaviour from him. At first, Tom’s actions were small, but he then became hellbent on isolating Belle from her entire family.
Over the next year, Tom was responsible for installing security cameras in the house, tracking Belle’s every movement, physically and mentally abusing her, as well as pretending her dog Piper had died in an attempt to get close to her again.
Belle eventually reported Tom and he was sent to prison for three years.
![FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 10th December 2024 Emmerdale - Ep 10172 Wednesday 25th December 2024 On Christmas day, Belle King [EDEN TAYLOR-DRAPER] visits her dad’s grave. She’s overwhelmed with joy when Piper runs over to her, having been found by Vinny Dingle [BRADLEY JOHNSTON] and Gabby. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Danielle Baguley This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SEI_232051327_b2c532.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘I always knew to some extent Tom was going to lose, because we had always had that conversation’, actor James Chase said of the outcome last year. ‘Months ago, the producers and I spoke and I agreed with them that Tom had to get his comeuppance.
‘So I always knew he was going to. I didn’t initially know in what form the justice would take. At one point I thought maybe he’d get k.i.l.l.e.d off but I knew it would be either k.i.l.l.e.d off or sent to prison.’
In February of this year, Belle decided she would begin divorce proceedings, but it meant visiting Tom in prison.
Fortunately, strong-willed Belle was able to stand up to Tom and ignore his attempts at getting inside her head. Since then, Belle has worked hard on her healing journey, and has even started running Take a Vow in the wake of Leyla and Suzy’s d.e.a.t.h.s.
In tonight’s episode, Belle and her family arrived at Home Farm for Lydia’s (Karen Blick) birthday party. She had a letter addressed to her but hid it in her bag, not wanting to draw any attention to herself on someone else’s big day.
As time ticked on though and the Dingles became tipsier, Chas (Lucy Pargeter) found the letter and wanted to know what it was. In front of Chas, Mandy (Lisa Riley) and Paddy (Dominic Brunt), Belle revealed that she has got confirmation the divorce process is very nearly over.
The trio were thrilled for Belle but she was adamant she didn’t want to celebrate on Lydia’s birthday.
