ITV Emmerdale actor 'quits after less than two years' and 'it's right time to leave'

Emmerdale's Tom King, portrayed by actor James Chase, is set to depart the popular ITV series after a controversial stint of under two years.

Chase entered the beloved soap in 2023, cast as belle Belle Dingle's seemingly perfect partner. Showrunners initially teased that his role would lead to domestic bliss for Belle.

Regrettably, the character's dark side was swiftly revealed, showing Tom to be the epitome of malevolence as he conducted a campaign of abuse against Belle.

Viewers recoiled as he systematically broke her down mentally and physically, leaving her in a state of absolute fear. The drama peaked in recent episodes with Belle finally resisting Tom's manipulation.

When he tried to isolate her further by moving her to an isolated cottage in the Welsh countryside, Belle seized her moment of courage and escaped, warning him of her brother Cain's wrath should he dare harm her again.

An insider confided to The Sun, saying: "The story isn't over yet. Things are going to get even worse before they get better. It's the right time to leave. James has loved his time on the show playing such a powerful story but the truth is that characters like Tom have a shelf life for a reason.", reports the Daily Star.

The source added, "There's no long-term redemption for Tom coming - he has to leave one way or the other. And either way it will be dramatic. James is rightly proud of the part he's played in raising awareness of the issue with the story but it's time to go and spread his wings."

Emmerdale's latest harrowingly realistic storyline spotlights the distressing tale of Belle being emotionally and physically battered by Tom, a character who has inflicted terror and trauma upon her. The soap opera is running this important