Emmerdale 'exit' for villager as fans 'work out' who finally brings down Tom King

Emmerdale viewers believe they've figured out who will come to Belle Dingle's (played by Eden Taylor-Draper) rescue following a revealing scene involving Tom King (James Chase) on Friday night. The ITV soap is currently exploring a coercive control plot with Tom and Belle, showing the vet isolating and manipulating his partner Belle.

His abhorrent and violent behaviour escalated recently when he took Belle to Wales under the guise of a holiday, but in reality, he intended to move there without informing his wife, even going as far as applying for a job.

Adding to the distress, Tom prevented Belle from informing her family about their 'getaway' and concealed her mobile to restrict her communication. However, Belle's relative Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) has been suspicious of Tom's actions, and upon discovering Belle's abrupt departure, she decided to probe further in Tuesday's episode alongside Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley)

They arrived at the ransacked cottage in Wales, finding no one present. In Wednesday's flashback episode, it was disclosed that Tom's repugnant behaviour had intensified in horrifying scenes. After targeting their dog, Piper, and confining Belle in the cottage, the courageous character decided to flee with Piper while Tom was showering, reports the Mirror.

Belle managed to board a bus and escaped just as Tom pursued her.

On Thursday night, Belle made a dramatic return to her family's abode while Tom fed the Dingles a pack of lies, suggesting Belle's erratic behaviour was due to her skipping medication, and painted himself as innocent.

Following this, Belle decided to head back home to collect some things but was met by Tom who chillingly threatened: "I will kill you before I let you leave this house."

Undeterred, Belle chose to ignore Tom's warning and courageously exited the premises.

The next evening's narrative twist saw Tom lurking around the Dingles household just as Sam Dingle (James Hooton) released Piper into the garden, momentarily allowing her to stray. Seizing the opportunity to deceive, Tom acted the good Samaritan, returning the seemingly runaway pooch.

Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), however, smelt a rat and later, in a private moment with Belle, he delicately broached the subject of Tom's possibly abusive tendencies.

Belle was visibly distressed, breaking down as she confirmed Tom's capacity for manipulation and verbal cruelty.

The plot thickened at The Woolpack pub, where Vinny inadvertently stumbled upon Tom denigrating Belle, sparking his resolve to challenge him.

In a shocking retort, Tom publicly revealed that Belle had terminated a pregnancy, a revelation that bombshell-struck her upon entering the pub at the worst possible time.

In a cascade of alarming developments, Tom further falsely accused Vinny of having an affair with his wife.

In a tense final scene set in the beer garden, Tom gaslit Belle, coaxing her into a vow of silence regarding his true nature. With the episode reaching its climax, Belle reprimanded Vinny, urging him to distance himself and steer clear of her tangled life.

Emmerdale enthusiasts have taken to Twitter, now abuzz with the theory that Vinny will be Belle's saviour and unveil Tom's true colours. One viewer tweeted: "Vinny knows Belle is being abused #Emmerdale", while another posted: "Ooooooh Vinny could be onto him #emmerdale".

A third shared: "Vinny can see Tom for who he is #Emmerdale" and yet another fan commented: "Vinny is the kindest soul in the village. He'll help Belle, no doubt.#Emmerdale."

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV.