ITV Emmerdale exit 'sealed' as fans 'work out' when Tom King dies - and who kills him

Emmerdale could see more than one exit from the village as fans are convinced two characters could end up being killed. Wednesday night's episode saw Belle Dingle (played by Eden Taylor-Draper) turning on her own family after Tom King (James Chase) continued to manipulate her.

Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) attempted to reason with Belle, warning her about the potential impact of her schizophrenia medication on a future child - a concern that Tom has exploited by suggesting to Belle that Mandy was gaslighting her.

The tension eventually led to a heated argument in the Woolpack pub as Tom continued to isolate Belle from her loved ones. "I was only trying to give you some advice", Mandy remarked during their heated encounter, attempting to avoid further argument. "Even if it's pessimistic and frightening?" Belle shot back with a dose of sarcasm.

Despite Mandy and Paddy's (Dominic Brunt) attempts to explain their actions, Belle remained unimpressed, while Tom silently observed as the tension between them amplified.

Elsewhere in the episode, Ethan Anderson (Emile John) was going to do a runner from the villager following his arrest for leaving Nicky Milligan (Lewis Cope) for dead. However, the solicitor had a sudden change of heart and he returned to await his fate.

Fans have taken to social media in droves to share their thoughts and theories on both storylines and many believe death could be on the cards for Ethan and Tom, especially after Caleb (Will Ash) and Ruby (Beth Cordingly) said they were out for revenge.

Others also think Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) will take down Tom when he finds out about his controlling behaviour towards Belle, while others suggested Belle is playing Tom at his own game.

One fan theorised: "All I can say is that wait till Cain Nate Aaron and Caleb all find out what Tom's been doing to Belle he’s gonna wish that he never came back to the village in the 1st place #Emmerdale." (sic)

Another suggested: "Belle is not stupid I definitely think she’s playing Tom if she can dealt with the likes of what Lachlan was capable of I’m sure she knows deep down what Tom is doing is not right and trying to come up with ways to get him back #Emmerdale." (sic)

"Is that the real Belle#emmerdale or a ruse," a third asked as a fourth echoed: "Is Belle really that dim...or is she playing him at his own game?#emmerdale."

Someone else went on: "Who's gonna mow Ethan down? Caleb? Sunni? Ruby? Will the scriptwriters go for a "who shot JR" Dallas moment and spin it out over months & months & months & months & months & months & months ad nauseum? #emmerdale." (sic)

Fans are also convinced Tom will be killed next month after the soap director, Debbie Howard, dropped a clue.

After sharing a snap from a filming location in the woods, fans think this is an indication that Tom would be killed in the woods.

Taking to X - formerly Twitter - one wrote: "So…is Tom dead come June?" Another replied with a wide-eyed emoji.

Another fumed: "One of the Dingles needs to shoot the s*** outta Tom!"

As the plot thickens, Belle's nightmare with coercive control seems to escalate. In the drama ahead, an exasperated Belle implores Tom to seek help for his alarming actions, threatening to leave him if he refuses.

Tom's manipulation intensifies as he guilt-trips Belle into staying home for a delivery, causing her to miss a significant family event commemorating her late mother, Lisa, with Lydia (Karen Blick) and Sam Dingle (James Hooton). The tension reaches a breaking point when Belle, pushed to her limits by Tom's constant torment, physically retaliates against him in front of the villagers.

Unbeknownst to Belle, Tom has already sown seeds of doubt about her behaviour with village GP Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson), showcasing his manipulative prowess. The question on everyone's lips is how Belle will navigate this ordeal and whether Mandy will uncover Tom's deceitful scheme.

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV.