Who is James Chase? Meet Emmerdale’s Tom King actor

James Chase has made a memorable impression on Emmerdale viewers since first appearing as Tom in April 2023. His portrayal has earned him recognition at soap awards, and he is now confirmed to return later in 2026 for another demanding chapter in the character’s story.

For James, the route to Emmerdale began with a childhood love of performing. He took part in productions at Leicester’s Little Theatre, where the youth group helped him develop his acting and recognise that something he enjoyed could become a career.

He went on to train at East 15 and Mountview, completing his acting course at Mountview in 2020. His training included playing Macduff in Macbeth and Mr Squeers in Nicholas Nickleby, alongside performing in Romeo and Juliet, giving him experience across a range of challenging characters.

His earlier screen work includes playing Callum in the 2021 short film The Beginning and End of Everything. James’s acting CV also lists Guy of Gisborne in Robin of Loxley, before Emmerdale gave him the opportunity to develop a character over a sustained television storyline.

Taking on Tom meant working closely with Eden Taylor-Draper as the soap explored domestic abuse and coercive control. James and Eden worked with charities including Refuge to help portray the subject honestly, recognising the responsibility that came with telling a story reflecting real people’s experiences.

Behind those difficult scenes, James has spoken warmly about his colleagues and the welcome he received. His first day involved filming with Eden and Zoe Henry, who helped settle his nerves, and Eden even shared her snacks after he forgot his packed lunch.

That collaboration became an important part of his Emmerdale experience. James has credited Eden’s performances with helping him respond naturally in their scenes and described their working relationship as one that developed into friendship.

Viewers recognised his work by voting him Best Villain at This Morning’s Soap Awards in 2024. He also received a Best Villain nomination at that year’s Inside Soap Awards, acknowledging the impact of his portrayal.

James briefly returned for prison scenes in February 2025, when Belle was seeking a divorce. Those appearances followed Tom’s conviction, with the character remaining behind bars as Belle tried to move on.

For his newly announced comeback, James has again emphasised the responsibility he feels in playing Tom. The upcoming story will explore the lasting impact of the abuse, with Belle supported by Kammy and her family as she learns that Tom is up for parole.

James’s first scenes in the new storyline will air later in 2026. Viewers can also follow the actor on Instagram at @justjimmychasing for his own updates.

Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and STV, with episodes also available to stream on ITVX. Image credit: ITV. Sources: Tresa/Backstage.