Who is Tom King's dad? ITV Emmerdale revisits past storyline amid explosive twist

Emmerdale took viewers on a trip down memory lane on Thursday evening as it revisited an old storyline.

In the latest instalment, Tom King made his way back to the village after being charged with coercive and controlling behaviour and assault against his ex-wife Belle Dingle.

Tom received a frosty reception, not least from his uncle Jimmy King, who had previously defended him. Upon learning the truth, a betrayed Jimmy kicked Tom out and didn't hold back in telling him some harsh truths.

During a heated confrontation, Tom lashed out: "You do realise how everyone around here thinks you're a joke, right? They see how weak you are! How you let Nicola boss you around, disrespect you in front of the kids. I mean, you're hardly able to form an independent thought without her telling you what to think!

"You know, dad used to say that you were the weak one, the stupid one, the embarrassment. At least he was right about something!", reports Leeds Live.

Jimmy hit back with: "Interesting that you bring up your dad... because you really are a chip off the old block, aren't you? He was the weak one, the bully, the abuser of women. When he died... I really thought the rot in our bloodline had died with him. How wrong I was. Now take your stuff and get the hell out of my house!"

For long-standing fans of the soap, Tom's late father Carl King and his demise will be familiar territory, but for newer audience members, this blast from the past may have been a bit perplexing. Here we delve into the backstory that was brought back into the spotlight on Thursday night.

Tom is the son of killer Carl. Carl was killed off during a live episode back in 2012 when serial killer Cameron Murray attacked him. Chas Dingle had attacked him shortly before this after he tried to rape her while Carl also killed his own father, also called Tom, in 2006.

Meanwhile, later on Thursday's episode, things took an explosive turn when Tom decided to go on the run and flee the country. However, he couldn't resist taunting Belle one last time where he told her his plans and attempted to intimidate her.

But brave Belle stood up to her estranged husband and later it was revealed she had hidden her phone on him, alerting the police so they were able to track him and arrest him for breaking his bail conditions as he attempted to flee the country.

If you have been affected by this story, you can access free and confidential support from Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and digital support via live chat Monday-Friday 3-10pm. You can also visit the tech safety website to learn more about technology-facilitated abuse.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.