ITV Emmerdale Tom King's real father 'exposed' in 'sick' Zak Dingle twist

Soap fans have speculated a "sick" twist concerning bad guy Tom King's lineage after unearthing signs that could suggest his 'true' parentage.

The character, portrayed by James Chase, made a dramatic entrance to the village back in April 203 and quickly became embroiled in high-stakes plots, including an abusive relationship with on-screen wife Belle Dingle, played by Eden Taylor-Draper.

Following tumultuous events within their marriage that saw Tom exhibit violent behaviour, Belle bravely parted ways with him and exposed his actions to her family. Despite her efforts to break free, Tom has been relentless in his pursuit to keep Belle tied to him.

Their saga took a drastic turn this month when Belle lashed out at Tom with an axe and now faces legal consequences.

The former couple are legally banned from contact, yet Belle recently breached these conditions out of suspicion that Tom sent her flowers after Zak's (Steve Halliwell) death.

Outraged after Tom shunned the accusation, Belle got herself into further trouble by tossing the roses at him, an act he promptly reported to the authorities.

Amidst rumours that actor James Chase might be leaving the soap, avid Emmerdale watchers are eager for Toms tyrannical rule to end. Speculation is rife as they anticipate a shocking reveal on the horizon, reports .

In an astonishing plot twist, Emmerdale enthusiasts suspect that Tom's father might not be Carl King (Tom Lister), as has been previously believed, but rather Zak Dingle. Such a revelation would send shockwaves through the village, potentially revealing Tom and Belle as half-siblings at least.

Fans have been sending the rumour mill into overdrive on social media, with one avid viewer suggesting on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page: "I wouldn't put it past the writers to have Tom King as his secret child."

The theory has met with a mix of reactions, with another chiming in: "Uhm, what? That is gross."

Others are captivated by the potential drama, with someone adding: "This would be sick but epic. I can picture the Dingle's faces now." Yet another pointed out: "Never say never. The writers have rewrote history before."

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm