Emmerdale villain makes sensational return to ITV1 soap after a decade off screen
EMMERDALE is preparing to deliver an explosive storyline that has one of the soap’s villains returning after ten years.
Killer Carl King’s son Thomas makes a shocking comeback next month, a decade since he terrorised the locals following his murderous dad’s death.
He left Chas Dingle petrified when he stalked her for her part in his father’s demise.
Thomas, last played by Mark Flanagan, also seduced Belle Dingle before convincing her to run away with him, changing his mind at the last minute.
The character, who will now be known as Tom, eventually stole a camper van from Dan Spencer before fleeing to his mum in Saudi Arabia.
A source revealed: “Tom’s return is going to be explosive. He shocks his uncle Jimmy when he returns to the village and it’s not clear why he’s back.
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“Fans will be glued to their screens watching Tom’s comeback unfold — and his presence could cause chaos.
“They will all be asking if he’s as evil as his dad Carl and wondering why he’s returned.”
Newcomer James Chase has been signed up to play the returning character.
Emmerdale boss Jane Hudson told The Sun: “We are working on summer storylines and I always like to have a summer spectacular.
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“So if I say that, I have to come up with something now.”
Asked about the potential of returning villagers, she said: “Ooh, I can’t tell you.
“We’re working on June storylines at the minute and I thought about a return, ‘Viewers would love that’.”
Jane also teased that Belle would finally find love this summer. So, could it be with her ex Tom, and does he have an evil plan up his sleeve?
She said: “We’ve got a bit of summer lovin’ for Belle. You’ll need to see but yes, that is going to happen. Belle is finally going to fall in love.
“Don’t say ‘aw’ too soon, you never know what might happen. But it could be the most perfect relationship ever.”
Or it could end in disaster . . .
KENNY IN VERA QUIT SHOCK
VERA actor Kenny Doughty has shocked fans of the ITV1 crime drama by quitting after eight years.
He plays the role of DS Aiden Healy, trusted sidekick of Brenda Blethyn’s Det Chief Insp Vera Stanhope.
Kenny announced his departure with a message on Instagram and described the veteran actress as his “buddy and inspiration”.
He added: “The perfect leading star who I owe so much to.
“I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and have been a rock for me over the years.
“I can’t thank you enough. Precious times.”
Viewers will be relieved that Brenda is unlikely to follow Kenny out of the door.
Asked if she wanted to leave last year, she said: “I haven’t got any plans to.
“All the time I’m fit and able, I’ll be visiting Vera.”
Sunday nights wouldn’t be the same if she jumped ship.
THE BBC gave more details today of the second series of hit thriller Vigil.
The six-parter will see Suranne Jones’s DCI Amy Silva probe the strange deaths at a Scottish military facility.
Previously set on a submarine, this time she’ll enter the “hostile and closed ranks of the air force.”
TANGO’S HAD LAST WALTZ
LAST Tango In Halifax’s Anne Reid says the BBC One drama probably won’t be returning.
The actress, who played Celia, revealed on Good Morning Britain today that the cast “wouldn’t do another series”.
But she did tease they might do a Christmas special with writer Sally Wainwright, who has been more busy recently with 2022’s Gentleman Jack and this year’s Happy Valley, also on BBC One.
Last Tango had its main run from 2012 to 2016, though it returned for another series three years ago.
Since then, Anne’s co-star Derek Jacobi has also said he was doubtful it would be coming back as a series.
Here’s hoping they’ve all got the wrong impression.
PADDY A LOCKALIKE
PADDY McGuinness has got so into his fitness that he’s turning into Body Coach Joe Wicks, with the help of a funny filter.
The Top Gear presenter, who was a personal trainer at a leisure centre before finding fame, posed for this hilarious snap on his Instagram page.
He joked to his two million followers: “Eight hours of solid sleep last night.”
The dashing hair and designer stubble is certainly a good look on Paddy.
And it is a throwback to when he had long locks, before his Phoenix Nights days.
Paddy has spent the past 12 months getting into shape. He’s got a gym inside his Cheshire mansion and regularly works out in down time.
Paddy’s got an even bigger incentive to stay lean as he has been included in the England Soccer Aid squad for the annual Unicef match against The Rest of the World in June.
He’s due to play in goal for the Three Lions in the fixture at Man Utd’s Old Trafford ground.
I’m sure that will provide a few hairy moments.
EM AND RIVALS RAUNCH
EMILY Atack loves a bit of fruity conversation – so it is little wonder she was cherry-picked for her latest acting gig.
The former I’m A Celebrity campmate and Inbetweeners actress has landed a plum role in the much-anticipated adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s raunchy novel, Rivals.
The star-studded show, which will air on streaming platform Disney+, sees her play ambitious Sally Stratton, who is married to a politician and uses her sexuality to get to the top.
Emily joins Poldark’s Aidan Turner, former Doctor Who actor David Tennant and ex-EastEnder Danny Dyer on the cast list.
A source said: “Emily is chuffed with the role, she’s really excited to get going.
“She’s very familiar with Jilly’s work and knows it will be a lot of fun.”
Everything seems just peachy for Emily so far.
THE holiday romance has officially expired for Love Islanders Casey O’Gorman and Rosie Seabrook, who’ve split a week after the series in South Africa ended.
The pair are the first coupled-up casualty of the most recent helping of ITV2’s dating show, but there’s no way they’ll be the last.
SUGAR IS FIRING UP FOR OZ
FANS of The Apprentice fearing that gaping hole in the schedules after Thursday night’s final will be pleased to hear that Lord Sugar is returning soon.
The BBC has secured rights to the Australian celebrity version, which is also fronted by the British tycoon.
The first episode drops on April 4 at 9pm on BBC Three.
Lord Sugar will meet the 16 famous contestants alongside his assistants, retail magnate Janine Allis and entrepreneur Nick Bell.
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The first challenge he sets them is organising a charity golf tournament.
Hopefully for the celebrities, some winter sun might make the boss slightly less grumpy.