Author: Kerry Barrett

  • All the Emmerdale stars who’ve appeared on Strictly Come Dancing from Kelvin Fletcher to Claire King

    All the Emmerdale stars who’ve appeared on Strictly Come Dancing from Kelvin Fletcher to Claire King

    Strictly Come Dancing has been a favourite show for Emmerdale stars since the early days of the glittering show! And Emmerdale dancers are among the fans’ top competitors of all time.

    Here’s the lowdown of all the Emmerdale stars who have taken part in Strictly Come Dancing, who they danced with, and how far they got in the show.

    Emmerdale stars on Strictly Come Dancing

    Brendan Cole partnered Emmerdale star Claire King on Strictly Come Dancing and they pose on the red carpet together
    Brendan and Claire famously did not get on (Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock)

    Claire King

    Claire, who plays iconic Emmerdale villain Kim Tate, took part in the fourth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2006. She was paired with the show’s ‘bad boy’, Brendan Cole, who’d won the very first series with newsreader Natasha Kaplinski. The pressure was on!

    Claire was competing against fellow soap star Louisa Lytton (aka Ruby Allen in EastEnders) and one-time Corrie mechanic Ray Fearon, as well as Spice Girl Emma Bunton, and rugby player Matt Dawson.

    She was eliminated eight in the competition – making it through to the end of November – when her samba scored just 25 out of 40.

    In the end, cricketer Mark Ramprakash won the series with his partner Karen Hardy.

    Claire has made no secret of the fact she and Brendan didn’t get on. Her crippling arthritis also made competing on the show a challenge, but she was determined never to give up.

    Responding to reports she and Brendan were romantically involved, Claire told The People at the time: “Our routines, may be hot but that’s as far as it goes. Brendan grinds down my confidence and I don’t feel like he’s given me a lot of support.”

    She continued: “Brendan’s been defeatist from the word go about his chances of winning when he found out I was his partner. I’ve had no moral support or team spirit from him.

    “I’m not a dancer and I needed someone to help me through it.

    “It takes me longer than the younger contestants to pick things up and Brendan is very intolerant and impatient with me. He’s got a very short temper – both of us have.”

    Lisa Riley

    Mandy Dingle‘s alter ego Lisa Riley took part in the 10th series of Strictly in 2012, taking on Olympians Louis Smith (who won the series) and Victoria Pendleton (who also once appeared on Emmerdale!), as well as current EastEnders star Colin Salmon (who plays George Knight), and Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh.

    Lisa was partnered with Robin Windsor and the pair were certainly a big hit with viewers, making it all the way through to December before being eliminated in the semi-final!

    Lisa and Robin became firm friends and she was devastated when Robin died in February 2024, aged just 44. She paid tribute to her friend, calling him her angel.

    Gemma and Gorka
    Cute couple Gemma and Gorka met on Strictly Come Dancing (Credit: BBC)

    Gemma Atkinson

    Former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson, AKA Carly Hope, took to the dancefloor in 2017. It was series 15 of the show and Gemma was paired with Aljaž Škorjanec.

    Gemma took to dancing immediately and was therefore a big hit with Strictly fans. She and Aljaž were runners up in the series, which was eventually won by Holby City star Joe McFadden and his partner Katya Jones.

    But though Gemma didn’t win the series, she did win a different prize! She hit it off with professional dancer Gorka Marquez and the pair started a relationship.

    They’re now engaged and are also proud parents to daughter Mia and son Tio.

    Kelvin and Oti with the glitterball trophy
    Kelvin won Strictly with Oti (Credit: BBC)

    Emmerdale stars on Strictly Come Dancing: Kelvin Fletcher

    Kelvin wasn’t even supposed to be in Strictly in 2019. He was a last-minute replacement for Jamie Laing following his injury. Kelvin only started training two weeks before the first live show.

    He was partnered with Oti Mabuse, who was in her fifth year as a Strictly professional.

    Kelvin started with a bang, achieving the highest score of week one with his salsa. And he didn’t stop there! The farmer and racing car fan went on to smash the competition. He then won the whole series!

    adam and Luba
    Adam danced with Luba (Credit: BBC)

    Adam Thomas

    One-time Emmerdale star Adam, who now stars in Waterloo Road, took part in Strictly in 2023 partnered with Luba Mushtuk.

    Adam loved every minute of his appearance on Strictly, spreading joy with his infectious enthusiasm.

    Unfortunately, he didn’t go the distance and he and Luba were voted off the show in the seventh week, after being in the dance-off two weeks in a row. They were eliminated when the judges chose to save newsreader Angela Rippon and her partner Kai Widdrington.

    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.

  • Classic Emmerdale on ITV3: When it’s on and what’s happening

    Classic Emmerdale on ITV3: When it’s on and what’s happening

    Classic Emmerdale has been airing on ITV3 since 2019. Old episodes of the show air twice a day on the sister channel of ITV – and they’re certainly popular with fans.

    So when is Classic Emmerdale on ITV3? And what’s happening in current scenes?

    Did Classic Emmerdale start from the beginning?

    When Classic Emmerdale began airing on ITV3 back in 2019, it didn’t start with the very earliest episodes.

    Instead it started in 1989. Some fans might wonder why, but that was a big year for the show!

    Emmerdale's Tate family: Frank, Kim, Zoe and Chris pose on a fence
    The Tates arrival caused a stir in 1989 Emmerdale episodes (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    What happened in Emmerdale in 1989?

    Emmerdale began in 1972. Back then it was called Emmerdale Farm and the show had a real farming focus. Plus it only aired in the afternoons at first.

    By 1989 the show had moved to an evening slot in every ITV region, and the storylines had shifted to be less about the farm and more about the residents of the village. Things had spiced up a lot!

    In fact, that same year, the name of the soap changed to just Emmerdale.

    And there was another important change that year, too. In 1989, a new family bought Home Farm.

    Their name was Tate!

    Kim, Frank, Chris and Zoe moved into the village and immediately caused a stir. They remain on of the most iconic Emmerdale families to date.

    Home Farm blows up in flames in Classic Emmerdale
    Home Farm was blown up by Zoe Tate in recent Classic Emmerdale episodes (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Do viewers like Classic Emmerdale?

    They definitely do! In fact, many fans think it’s even better than current episodes of the show.

    “It’s quite startling how much better Classic Emmerdale is,” one disgruntled viewer commented on social media.

    While another agreed: “The difference is startling.”

    When is Classic Emmerdale on?

    Classic Emmerdale airs on ITV3 every week day from Monday to Friday at 1.40pm and 2.10pm. There is then a repeat the following morning at 6am and 6.30am. It’s also available on catch-up on ITVX.

    Ashley and Laurel Thomas show off their wedding rings after getting married
    Happy for now, Ashley and Laurel got married in 2005 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    What’s happening in Classic Emmerdale right now?

    Currently, the episodes are in 2005. The Kings are big on screen as Max tries to prove himself a worthy member of the family.

    But in upcoming scenes, it’ll be the end of Max when he is mown down by Robert Sugden. Robert then leaves the village after Jack tries to protect him from being arrested.

    The exit of Zoe Tate also aired in 2005, and that was explosive – quite literally!

    Also coming in 2005, Ashley and Laurel Thomas get engaged and are set to marry for the first time.

    Tearful Alice in Classic Emmerdale tells Sam she has cancer
    Tragedy was to come for these two (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    The devastating news that Alison Wilson, Sam Dingle’s first wife, has cancer hit in 2005. She kept it a secret at first, but then confessed all to Sam. Pregnant Alice proposed to Sam and the following year they got married before she tragically died.

    Meanwhile, the big Christmas storyline of that year saw Belle Dingle and Daz Eden trapped in a mineshaft. Fortunately they were rescued by a man walking his dog.

    The scenes won the soap a Spectacular Scene of the Year award at the 2006 British Soap Awards. A young Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle) also won the Best Dramatic Performance From a Young Actor or Actress.

    The death and funeral of long-time favourite Seth Armstrong also happened in 2005.

    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.

  • Who has had a cameo in Emmerdale? From Katherine Jenkins to The Vivienne, all the famous faces that have appeared

    Who has had a cameo in Emmerdale? From Katherine Jenkins to The Vivienne, all the famous faces that have appeared

    Soapland is known for a good cameo and Emmerdale is not different! In fact, when it comes to Emmerdale, there seem to have been more famous faces visiting the Dale than have popped into Weatherfield or Walford.

    Here’s our round up of all the familiar faces you may have spotted over the years!

    'Emmerdale' - Katherine Jenkins
    Katherine Jenkins sang at a pageant in the village (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Celebrity chefs cameo in Emmerdale

    Marlon Dingle’s vocation in the kitchen has led to some celebrity encounters. In 2005, he met Aldo Zilli at a cookery competition and Antony Worrall Thompson showed up in 2008 when the Woolpack was nominated as Pub of the Year.

    Antony tried to tempt Marlon to become a TV chef but he decided to stay put!

    Kathy bids farewell to her friends in Emmerdale and head for Australia, with locals arranging a leaving-bash in The Woolpack. But those gathered are genuinely shocked when singer Marti Pellow - Tricia's radio prize - emerges and serenades Kathy.
    Marti Pellow came to serenade Kathy Glover before she went to Australia (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Pop stars in Emmerdale

    Emmerdale’s regular village events mean there have been lots of opportunities for popstars to visit.

    Who can forget the tragic episode featuring Katherine Jenkins? She was closing the Emmerdale pageant in 2007, singing Time to Say Goodbye, as Len Reynolds died from a heart attack and was driven away. SOB!

    Happier cameos include The Proclaimers and Scouting for Girls. They performed at a festival at Home Farm, organised by Declan Macey and his sister Megan, in 2012. The special episodes were part of the celebrations for Emmerdale’s 40th anniversary.

    In 2001, teen hearthrob Marti Pellow serenaded Kathy Glover at her leaving party, while in 2005, Diane Sugden fessed up to having a fling with Tony Christie when he dedicated a song to her in his concert.

    And Spice Girl Mel B was an extra on Emmerdale before making it big as Scary Spice!

    Hunter the Gladiator in Emmerdale
    Hunter the Gladiator took part in a tug of war in the village! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Sports people

    We all know Yorkshire’s not short of sporting legends and there have a been a few cameos from all kinds of champions since the show began.

    Chris Kamara was “unbelievable” when his football team took on Bear’s back in 2019! And in 2014, Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton visited the village, as a nod to the Tour de France which started in Yorkshire that year.

    Chris Kamara in Emmerdale
    Chris Kamara played in the village football match (Credit: ITV)

    And there’s more sporting cameos in Emmerdale

    Winding the clock back further, rugby star Martin Offiah arrived in 1996 to play a ‘friendly’ charity match with some of the drinkers from the Woolpack. He even managed to send Mandy Dingle flying when he scored a try!

    And in 1995 Hunter from Gladiators took part in a village tug of war!

    That same year Ian Botham opened the newly refurbished Woolpack, while fellow cricketer Fred Trueman appeared in the show back in 1987.

    Meanwhile before she won gold at the Olympics, Nicola Adams worked as an extra. She appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale but once she’d won her medal she had to retire from being a background artist because she was too recognisable!

    The Vivienne came to Emmerdale for Pride
    The Vivienne took Emmerdale by storm! (Credit: ITV)

    Other famous faces who have had an Emmerdale cameo

    Doctor Who star Colin Baker appeared in an episode in 2021 as Diane Sugden’s date.  While actor and dad of Cherie Blair, Tony Booth was in Emmerdale in 2007. He played a homeless man called Errol, who may or may not have been a ghost. No, we don’t remember that either. Perhaps we’ve blocked it out?!

    Lionel Blair, who’s no relation to Cherie as far as we know, played himself in 2008, judging a dancing competition in the village hall. Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley interviewed Gloria Pollard in 2002, and Fern and Phil interviewed Alan Turner on This Morning in 2005. Alan was talking about the disappearance of his fiancée Shelley Williams. When the episodes were aired again recently, as Classic Emmerdale, Phillip Schofield was edited out.

    Drag queen The Vivienne visited the village for Emmerdale’s first Pride in 2021.

    Torvill and Dean appear in Emmerdale and pose alongside some of the cast
    Dancing on Ice faves Torvill and Dean appeared in 2023 (Credit: ITV)

    Most recently, Torvill and Dean showed off their ice dancing skills for evil abuser Tom King (if only they’d known what he was really like, eh?) as Belle proposed on the ice.

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.

     

     

  • All the times Emmerdale has recast its characters – from Aaron Dingle to Victoria Sugden

    All the times Emmerdale has recast its characters – from Aaron Dingle to Victoria Sugden

    Emmerdale has recast plenty of its main characters in its time. In fact, it’s a pretty regular occurrence in Soapland!

    Here’s our round up of all the times Emmerdale has found someone new to play someone old!

    Aaron looking shifty on Emmerdale
    Aaron’s been played by two actors, most recently Danny Miller (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale recast: Aaron Dingle

    Fan fave Aaron was played by Danny Webb for 19 episodes, before Danny Miller took on the role in 2008.

    Emmerdale: Amy and Matty hold hands as they get married
    Newlyweds Amy Wyatt and Matty Barton have both been played by other actors (Credit: ITV)

    Amy Wyatt

    When Amy Wyatt first came to Emmerdale she was played by Chelsea Halfpenny, who went on to play Alicia in Casualty as well as starring on stage. When Amy returned from her years on the run, she was played by Natalie-Ann Jamieson, who still plays the newly wed.

    Emmerdale: Angelica King stands by the gravestones
    Angelica is currently played by Rebecca Bakes (Credit: ITV)

    Angelica King

    As a baby in 2009, Angelica was played by Sophie Firth. Rebecca Bakes, who still plays the teen jailbird, took on the role the same year.

    Carly Hope

    Carly was played first by Rebecca Ryan, who went on to appear in Shameless, Casualty and as Lydia Chambers in Coronation Street. From 2015 – 2017 Gemma Atkinson played the role.

    Dolly Skilbeck

    Katherine Barker played Dolly from 1977, before Jean Rogers took over in 1980.

    Dotty Thomas

    When she was a baby, in 2016, little Dotty was played by Ellerie Carroll. The same year, Tilly-Rue Foster, who still plays Dotty, took on the role.

    Emmerdale Feb 7 Ellis has had a job offer abroad, and tells Al he's taking the job
    Aaron Anthony was the second person to play Ellis (Credit: ITV)

    Ellis Chapman

    Ellis was played by actor Asan N’Jie from 2018 until 2019. When N’Jie was sacked for “unacceptable behaviour”, Ellis went on a trip to Dubai. When he returned he was played Aaron Anthony, who was known for his roles in Midsomer Murders among others. In February 2022, Ellis left again. This time it was reported that Aaron had left due to an alleged racist incident on set.

    Elsa Feldmann

    Elsa was played by Naomi Lewis twice during the 1990s, and then by Natasha Gray in 1999 and 2001.

    Editorial use onlyMandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (1280431dn) Carl King [Tom Lister] tells Eve Jenson [Suzanne Shaw] he got a new phone just for her calls 'Emmerdale' TV Programme - 2010
    Hear’Say star Suzanne Shaw played Eve Jenson (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Eve Jenson

    Edna Birch’s sassy great-niece was played by Raine Davison from 2001-2002, and then briefly again in 2006. In 2010, Hear’Say singer Suzanne Shaw took on the part.

    Faith Dingle returned for one last goodbye last night in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Sally Dexter won praise for her portrayal of Faith (Credit: ITV)

    Faith Dingle

    Television actress Gillian Jephcott played Faith between 2000 and 2004, before Sally Dexter took on the role in 2017 and made it her own until Faith’s sad death in 2022.

    Frankie Smith

    Zoe Tate’s lorry-driving ex was played by Gina Aris, then by Madeleine Bowyer.

    Gordon Livesy

    Aaron’s evil, abusive dad was played by Gerard Fletcher in the early noughties. When Gordon came back into Aaron’s life, in 2015, he was played by Gary Mavers, who was known from Peak Practice.

    Clive Horny as Jack Sugden in 2002
    Jack Sugden was an legendary Emmerdale character who was recast to be played by Clive Hornby (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Jack Sugden

    Clive Hornby played Jack Sugden for almost 30 years but when Emmerdale first began, the iconic character was played by Andrew Burt. Andrew appeared in 100 episodes before his alter ego left the village to write a book. Jack returned in 1980.

    Jean Hope

    Bob’s ex-wife Jean was played by Julie Higginson from 2003-2004. In 2006 she was played by Susan Penhaligon. She’s the real-life partner of Duncan Preston, who played Laurel Thomas’s dad, Doug Potts.

    Johnny Woodfield

    Little Johnny has been played by Luca Hepworth and Jack Jennings.

    Kirin Kotetcha

    Johnny’s estranged dad, Kirin, was played by Adam Fielding. In 2020 when Kirin returned to Emmerdale, the role was recast and he was played Rish Shah. He’s since starred in the television series Ms Marvel.

    Emmerdale Rhona Down's Syndrome
    Harvey Rogerson plays Leo (Credit: ITV)

    Leo Goskirk

    Leo is now played by Harvey Rogerson, who’s had the role since 2014. Harry Whittaker, who shared the role initially with Theo Tasker, before taking it on solo, tragically passed away in 2015. Harry was the nephew of Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker.

    Lucas Taylor

    Dawn’s son Lucas was played by Dexter Ansell, before Noah Ryan Aspinall took on the role in 2021.

    Marian Wilks

    Marian, who was the first ever character to be seen on Emmerdale, was played by Gail Harrison and Debbi Blythe.

    Matty Barton

    Moira’s transgender son Matty is now played by Ash Palmisciano. Before Ash took on the role, Grace Cassidy played Hannah Barton.

    Nellie Dingle

    Zak Dingle’s ex-wife Nellie was played by Sandra Gough in 1995 – she had played Irma Ogden in Coronation Street in the sixties. When Nellie returned to the village in 2000 she was played by Maggie Tagney.

    Pat Sugden

    Jack’s first wife, and mum to Robert Sugden, Pat was played by Lynne Dalby in the early days of Emmerdale. When the character returned to the village in 1980, Helen Weir took on the role. Helen married Clive Hornby, who played her on-screen husband and the pair had a son, Thomas.

    Priya on Emmerdale
    Fiona Wade played Priya for more than a decade (Credit: ITV)

    Priya Kotecha

    Priya was played briefly by Effie Woods, before Fiona Wade took over the role from 2011 until she left the village in 2023.

    Victoria hugs Robert
    Sugden siblings Victoria and Robert have both been played by other actors before Isabel Hodgins and Ryan Hawley took on the roles (Credit: ITV)

    Robert Sugden

    One member of the most iconic Emmerdale family, Robert Sugden has been recast twice since Christopher Smith played the role as a youngster. Karl Davies – who has gone on to appear in shows including Happy Valley, Chernobyl and Game of Thrones – played Robert from 2001 until 2009. When Robert came home after time away from the village, he was played by Ryan Hawley, who transformed his character into one half of Robron!

    Sarah Sugden

    Robert’s adoptive mum Sarah was played by Madeleine Howard until 1994 when Alyson Spiro took on the role.

    Sarah Sugden is played by Katie Hill

    Sarah Sugden Jr

    Named after her adoptive grandmother by dad Andy Sugden, young Sarah was played by Lily-May Bartleby, Lucy Warren, and Amber Child-Cavilli. Sophia Amber Moore took on the part from 2007 until 2016, when Katie Hill took over.

    'Emmerdale' TV - 2006 Scott Windsor (Ben Freeman)
    Scott Windsor was played by Ben Freeman (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Scott Windsor

    Troublemaker Scott was played by Toby Cockerell when he first arrived in the village with his family. But Ben Freeman took over the role in 1996 becoming one of Emmerdale’s most talked-about cast members.

    Sebastian White

    Baby Seb was played by Lily Westmoreland and Opie Atkinson.

    Terence Turner

    Abusive, manipulative Terence was played by Stephen Marchant in the 1980s. When his sister Steph Stokes came to the village in the noughties it was revealed Terence had sexually abused her. Terence eventually came to the village too, played by Nick Brimble.

    Tom King is not happy
    James Chase now plays Tom King (Credit: ITV)

    Tom King

    Violent, abusive Tom King has been a regular face in the village over the years. He first arrived in the noughties as a small boy, played first by Jack Ferguson, then by Connor Hill.

    When Tom – who then called himself Thomas – came back to Emmerdale as a troubled teenager for a longer stint, he was played by Mark Flanagan.

    Now James Chase has taken on the part of Tom, turning him from a tormented teen to a fully fledged, evil abuser who’s making poor Belle’s life a misery.

    Tom Merrick

    Pat Sugden’s violent first husband was played by Jack Carr, Edward Peel and David Hill.

    Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale looks confused
    Isabel is not the first actress to play Vic (Credit: ITV)

    Victoria Sugden

    Another member of the Sugden family, Victoria was originally played by Hannah Midgeley. After a 2006 holiday in Spain visiting her grandmother, Victoria returned, now played by Isabel Hodgins.

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.

  • Tom King in Emmerdale: Troubled teen turned stalker and domestic abuser!

    Tom King in Emmerdale: Troubled teen turned stalker and domestic abuser!

    Tom King in Emmerdale is quickly becoming one of the show’s nastiest baddies ever as he torments his new wife Belle Dingle.

    It’s hard to believe it’s less than a year since he arrived in the village to take the job at the vet’s, much to the surprise of the Emmerdale residents who knew him when he was younger.

    So what’s Tom’s story? Here’s the lowdown on his shocking behaviour towards his wife – and his dodgy family background that means the way he’s treating poor Belle isn’t really a surprise!

    Belle Dingle looks scared as Tom puts his hands on her knees and pleads with her
    Belle is in danger from her husband Tom (Credit: BBC)

    Tom King arrives in Emmerdale

    Tom, who called himself Thomas back then, arrived in the village in 2004 with his sister Anya. They were Carl King’s kids, with his ex-wife Colleen. And we have to be honest – they were pretty troublesome!

    But what do you expect?

    In case you’d forgotten, the whole King clan were pretty murky and Carl was the worst of the lot. He was a cheat and he murdered his own dad – who was also called Tom.

    Not a nice person!

    The older Tom King was also a master manipulator, his son Matthew was ruthless, and even Jimmy – the only surviving one of the four King brothers – has his dark side.

    Matthew King Bursts in at the Last Minute Held Back by Carl King
    The King family were always trouble! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Tom and Anya

    So Tom and his younger sister came and went a few times, between 2004 and 2009, flitting between visiting their dad and their mum.

    Then they came back again for their dad’s engagement to Lexi Nicholls. By 2010, they were staying in the village full time as their mum had to care for their injured stepfather – though they were still up to no good, and caused trouble for Edna Birch, and Ashley and Laurel Thomas.

    Later Anya and Tom went to live in Saudi Arabia with their mum. But it wasn’t long before Tom returned, this time for his dad’s wedding to Chas Dingle.

    The wedding ended in drama when Chas jilted Carl at the altar, knowing he’d been cheating with Eve Jenson. Carl and Tom both went to to Saudi Arabia.

    Tom, Anya and Edna Birch in the vets in Emmerdale
    Thomas and Anya tormented poor Edna (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Tom King hits out over Carl’s murder in Emmerdale

    When Carl was murdered by Cameron Murray, at first everyone – including Chas herself – believed she was the killer. Chas was even in prison for a while. She’d hit Carl over the head with a brick when he tried to rape her – but it was serial killer Cameron who finished him off!

    Cain told Tom the truth about his dad. He was upset and blurted out that his dad was a rapist at the funeral service.

    It was Edna, who Tom had previously tormented, who gave the troubled teen a shoulder to cry on.

    Thomas King with his family at dad Carl's funeral
    Tom had an outburst at dad Carl’s funeral (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Tom King the stalker

    In early  2013 Chas Dingle’s life was made a misery by a creepy stalker who was sending her photos of her and Carl in the post, with her eyes scratched out. She was getting dodgy phone calls and generally her life was miserable.

    And it turned out her stalker was Tom King, who’d secretly come back to Emmerdale!

    He told everyone he wanted revenge on Chas for killing his dad – as everyone still believed to be true at the time – and persuaded his Uncle Jimmy to let him stay in the village.

    Tom and Belle part one

    Belle had a thumping great crush on Tom and even posed for provocative pics to entice him. They shared a kiss at Sandy Thomas’s 80th birthday party, but Belle’s parents, and Jimmy and Nicola weren’t happy about the romance.

    So of course the teenagers found a way to see each other anyway! And when the truth was revealed – thanks to Tom kissing Belle in front of her furious dad, Zak – they decided to run away.

    Belle and Tom beside Dan's stolen camper van
    Belle and Tom planned to run away together (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Runaway lovers!

    The pair stole Dan’s camper van and fled. But Belle’s mum Lisa was convinced Tom had abducted Belle, and reported him to the police.

    When Belle told Tom that his dad was in the van the night he died, he got upset and drove back to the village. Belle went home, but Tom drove away again. The van was found at the airport and later Jimmy discovered Tom had gone back to his mum in Saudi Arabia.

    And that was the last we heard of Tom King until he showed up in the village again last year.

    If only the Dingles had remembered Tom’s past history with their family, instead of welcoming him into their lives again with open arms, eh?!

    Belle Dingle looks really worried
    Things haven’t worked out as Belle hoped (Credit: ITV)

    Tom’s abuse of Belle

    Viewers have watched in horror as Tom’s controlling and punishing treatment of Belle has grown increasingly sinister and violent.

    He’s turned poor Belle into a shadow of herself, doubting her own instincts and terrified of her husband. And now he knows Belle terminated her pregnancy, he’s planning revenge. He wants to drag her off to the deepest depths of Wales to isolate her even further.

    Belle has realised the extent of his abuse, but will she find the courage to act on it?

    Who plays Tom King in Emmerdale?

    Tom is played by actor James Chase. When he first arrived in the noughties as a small boy, he was played first by Jack Ferguson, then by Connor Hill.

    When Tom – who then called himself Thomas – came back to Emmerdale as a troubled teenager for a longer stint, he was played by Mark Flanagan.

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.