James Chase is the English actor who plays Tom King in Emmerdale. After portraying the character throughout the soap’s domestic-abuse storyline, he left as a regular cast member when Tom King received a prison sentence.
ITV has now confirmed that the actor will return later in 2026 as Tom King becomes eligible for parole.
Content warning: This article discusses domestic abuse and coercive control.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Chase |
| Date of birth | 26 April 1996 |
| Age in 2026 | 30 |
| Birthplace | Leicester, England |
| Profession | Actor |
| Emmerdale character | Tom King |
| First appearance in the role | April 2023 |
| Drama training | East 15 Acting School and Mountview |
| Return status | Confirmed for later in 2026 |
Who Is James Chase?
Born in Leicester, the actor developed an interest in performance through productions at the Little Theatre in Leicester. His early stage roles included Hamlet and Harry Philton in Zigger Zagger.
He later moved to London and completed a foundation course at East 15 Acting School. He then trained at Mountview, graduating with a BA in acting in 2020.
His drama-school productions included Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and Nicholas Nickleby. He played Macduff in Macbeth, a performance he has described as one of the highlights of his training.
Before joining the Emmerdale cast, he appeared as Callum in the 2021 short film The Beginning and End of Everything. He was also credited as Sir Guy of Gisborne in Robin of Loxley.
James Chase as Tom King
Tom King is the son of Carl King and Colleen King. The character appeared intermittently as a child before returning to the village as an adult in April 2023.
James Chase was not the first performer to play the character. Previous child actors included Connor Hill, Mark Flanagan and Jack Ferguson. The 2023 return therefore introduced a recast and a more developed adult version of Tom King.
The character initially appeared caring and successfully rebuilt his relationship with childhood girlfriend Belle Dingle. They married in February 2024, but his controlling behaviour had already begun to emerge.
The Domestic-Abuse Storyline
Tom King gradually isolated his wife from her family and attempted to control nearly every part of her life. His behaviour included:
- Monitoring her through technology
- Controlling money and household decisions
- Undermining her confidence
- Using her mental-health history against her
- Physical and psychological abuse
- Cyber-stalking
- Harming Piper to frighten and control her
ITV worked with Refuge while developing the coercive-control storyline. The Dogs Trust also provided guidance for scenes involving Piper.
The storyline deliberately showed how abuse can develop behind an apparently respectable public image. Tom King frequently manipulated other residents into believing that he was the victim while making his wife increasingly isolated.
Why Did James Chase Leave Emmerdale?
Belle Dingle eventually reported her former husband to the police. Tom King went on trial and was found guilty of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour on 19 December 2024.
He received a three-year prison sentence, bringing the main part of the storyline to an end. The conviction allowed the actor to leave his regular role without killing the character or making a future appearance impossible.
He briefly appeared again in February 2025 as Belle Dingle began divorce proceedings. In a 2025 interview, the actor spoke positively about the programme and said the experience had helped him develop both professionally and personally.
His departure was therefore connected to the planned conclusion of the storyline rather than a reported disagreement with ITV.
When Is James Chase Returning?
ITV announced the return on 22 September 2026. The first new appearance will be broadcast later in the year, although an exact episode date has not been revealed.
The new story begins when Belle Dingle learns that her abuser is being considered for parole. Her family and current partner, Kammy Hadiq, will support her as she deals with the possibility of Tom King re-entering her life.
Being eligible for parole does not mean that his release has been approved. ITV has not confirmed whether the character will leave prison, return to the village or attempt to manipulate people from inside.
The broadcaster has also not described the comeback as permanent. It could be a limited return created to continue the existing storyline.
See everything ITV has confirmed in our Tom King return guide.
What Has James Chase Said About the Return?
James Chase acknowledged that returning to such a difficult role carries responsibility. He described Tom King as someone driven by obsession and a need to control other people.
His comments indicate that the character will not return as a reformed man. The actor instead suggested that upcoming episodes will explore how far Tom King is prepared to go to regain influence over his former wife.
ITV’s official announcement says the storyline will focus on the lasting effects of abuse and the fear created by a possible release.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is James Chase?
Public cast records list his date of birth as 26 April 1996, making him 30 years old in 2026.
Where is the actor from?
He was born in Leicester and developed his early acting experience at the city’s Little Theatre.
Is he related to any other Emmerdale actors?
There is no public information indicating that he is related to another member of the programme’s cast.
Is James Chase married?
The actor keeps his personal life largely private. No marriage has been publicly confirmed.
Is this the Tom King who died in 2006?
No. The character played by James Chase is Thomas King, the son of Carl King. The older Tom King, who was murdered in 2006, was the character’s grandfather.
Is James Chase returning permanently?
ITV has confirmed an on-screen return later in 2026 but has not revealed the length of his contract. It is therefore too early to describe the comeback as permanent.
Support Information
Anyone affected by domestic abuse can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.
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