Emmerdale fans were left unaware of Tom King’s fate after his possible death on Thursday night at the hands of Belle Dingle, who attacked him in self-defence

Viewers waiting for Friday’s episode of Emmerdale were left pleading with bosses after an axe attack on Thursday night, that saw one character face death.

Villain Tom King was attacked with the weapon by his wife Belle Dingle after he attacked her, amid their domestic abuse storyline. As he beat her and then chased her, Belle feared for her safety.

When Tom managed to get hold of the shotgun Belle had fled with, he threatened to kill her before Belle picked up the axe and wedged it in his back. The episode ended on Thursday night with evil Tom lifeless on the floor.

Amid theories over whether someone else attacked Tom, and hints of a possible return, viewers now have to wait until Friday’s episode to find out if Tom is alive.

Viewers are now fearing Tom has been killed off in a brutal twist, with his fate not confirmed in spoilers. Actor James Chase is leaving the role, with it confirmed recently he had filmed his final scenes.

Other reports suggested he could be on the show for months to come, but now there’s every chance this is how he will leave. Spoilers and spoiler images confirmed an ambulance would arrive, with it clearly for Tom.

Friday night will air the immediate aftermath, as we find out what happened to Tom and whether Belle will face trouble. But fans aren’t bothered about Tom, only wanting him to survive for Belle’s sake.

Believing the soap had killed him off, fans fumed over the episode on Thursday as they feared poor Belle would not get justice for the abuse he has put her through. Fans made a plea to the soap not to kill him off and have him face up to his crimes.

One fan posted: “Killing Tom off is a mistake, I really wanted a court case storyline where Belle gets real justice which gives hope to real life domestic abuse survivors, soaps barely go down this route and its frustrating.” Another fan said: “Abusers like Tom need to be seen to get proper justice. Not just an easy way out death. Do NOT kill him off here.”

A third viewer commented: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Belle has axed him but I wanted Tom to get full Dingle justice. If he’s dead now he hasn’t suffered enough.” A fourth fan wrote: “Awful ending #emmerdale. You didn’t do justice to domestic violence.

“Just sensational storyline. Shame on the script writers. Tom should have faced trial. As for that stupid Amelia??” A further comment read: “Belle’s been through enough she deserves justice and for Tom to be exposed for what he really is and see him sent down ffs.”