As James Chase’s exit from Emmerdale looms, fans have been voicing their concerns on social media about the potential fate of his character, Tom King. Many viewers believe that Tom should not be killed off, as doing so could send a harmful message regarding the portrayal of abusive characters.

Tom King made his dramatic return to Emmerdale last year after a decade away in Saudi Arabia, bringing with him a dark cloud over his reunion with Belle Dingle. Since his return, Tom has become one of the most reviled characters on the show, known for his cruel behavior towards Belle and her loved ones. His actions have escalated from psychological manipulation to more severe acts, including running over Belle’s dog and best friend, Piper.

The storyline took a dark turn when it was revealed that Piper was not actually dead, as Tom had led Belle to believe. Instead, Tom had secretly given Piper to another family, confident that Belle would never search for her beloved pet. With James Chase set to film his final scenes later this year, fans are eagerly anticipating Tom’s downfall, but they are also cautioning the show’s producers against killing off the character.

Fans draw a parallel to a similar storyline in rival soap Coronation Street, where the character Yasmeen Nazir, portrayed by Shelley King, faced a harrowing ordeal with her abusive husband, Geoff Metcalfe. Like Tom and Belle, Yasmeen’s relationship began on a seemingly positive note, with Geoff’s charming façade concealing his true nature. However, Geoff’s abusive behavior soon became apparent, including isolating Yasmeen from her friends and manipulating her into believing she was an alcoholic. His abuse culminated in a traumatic incident where Yasmeen, driven to desperation, stabbed Geoff in self-defense during a heated confrontation.

Following Geoff’s eventual death after falling from a roof, Yasmeen’s ordeal highlighted the systemic issues surrounding the portrayal of abuse in soaps. The resolution of Geoff’s story—his death rather than facing a meaningful consequence—left many viewers unsettled and questioning the messaging.

Fans argue that Tom King’s death would similarly send a problematic message, suggesting that the only resolution for abusers is death. Instead, they advocate for a storyline that focuses on justice and the consequences of abusive actions, rather than a sensationalized ending. They believe that portraying Tom facing legal repercussions or personal redemption would offer a more responsible and impactful message, underscoring the seriousness of abusive behavior and its consequences.

As Emmerdale approaches this pivotal moment in Tom King’s story, the discussions surrounding his potential demise reflect broader concerns about how soaps handle sensitive topics. Viewers are hoping that the show’s creators will take this opportunity to address abuse in a way that offers closure and justice, rather than opting for a dramatic but potentially harmful resolution.

Ultimately, the direction of Tom King’s exit will not only affect the characters in Emmerdale but will also resonate with viewers who see their own experiences reflected in the storyline. As the final scenes are set to unfold, fans remain hopeful that the show will choose a path that respects the gravity of the issue and provides a thoughtful conclusion to Tom’s character arc.