Coronation Street has always been known for its gripping storylines and powerful performances—but this week, fans were left shaken after a deeply unsettling episode involving what many are calling a “scary abuser.” The harrowing scenes sparked outrage on social media, with viewers demanding the character be written out of the show immediately.

The storyline in question centers around the increasingly abusive behavior of Tom King, who has been manipulating, isolating, and emotionally tormenting Belle Dingle. While the plot has been simmering for months, the most recent episode pushed fans over the edge, with many describing it as “painful” and “disturbing” to watch.

The Tipping Point: Tom’s Control Turns Sinister
Tom King’s transformation from charming partner to manipulative abuser has been gradual—but chilling. What began as subtle gaslighting has spiraled into full-blown psychological warfare. In Monday night’s episode, viewers witnessed Tom berating Belle for speaking to a male co-worker, accusing her of betrayal, and then forcing her to cancel plans with her family under emotional duress.

One scene in particular caused widespread outrage: Belle attempted to leave the house to attend her cousin’s birthday gathering, only for Tom to block the door, his tone cold and calculated. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said, his face devoid of emotion. Belle, clearly shaken, backed down—trapped by fear and emotional manipulation.

The scene struck a nerve. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms to express concern—not just for the character of Belle, but for viewers who may see their own experiences reflected in her story.

Fan Backlash: “Enough Is Enough”
Following the episode, the hashtag #GetTomOut trended on social media for several hours, with thousands of fans demanding the character be removed from the show.

“This storyline is so realistic it’s actually scary. I get that soaps tackle tough topics, but watching Tom manipulate Belle is hard. He needs to go. Now.” — @SoapFanGirl2025

“Tom is not just a villain—he’s dangerous. I’m all for gritty drama, but I don’t want to see Belle suffer like this anymore.” — @StreetWatcherUK

Some even called on ITV to issue a statement or a warning before future episodes air, citing the emotional intensity and potential for triggering viewers.

Why This Storyline Matters
Despite the backlash, some experts and advocates are praising the show for addressing emotional and coercive control, a form of abuse that often goes unseen.

Domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid released a statement praising Coronation Street for its sensitive portrayal of a very real and damaging issue.

“Tom’s behavior highlights the insidious nature of emotional abuse. It’s important for viewers to recognize the signs—controlling behavior, isolation, gaslighting. These are not just dramatic tropes, they reflect the lived experience of many survivors.”

According to data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, over 1.6 million women experience domestic abuse annually, much of which involves non-physical forms of manipulation. Coronation Street’s decision to bring this issue to the forefront, while controversial, has opened the door for meaningful discussions.

What’s Next for Belle and Tom?
ITV has remained tight-lipped about the future of this storyline. However, spoilers suggest that Belle may begin to realize the full extent of Tom’s manipulation, leading to a turning point in coming episodes.

One insider teased:

“Belle’s journey isn’t over. She’s stronger than she thinks. What viewers are seeing is just the beginning of her fight to break free.”

Still, fans are holding their breath. Many fear the show may drag the abusive storyline out longer than necessary, prolonging Belle’s suffering and risking emotional fatigue for the audience.

Should Tom Be Written Out?
The debate rages on: Should the character of Tom be removed entirely, or does his presence serve a greater narrative purpose?

Some argue that confronting real-life issues head-on is a hallmark of soap storytelling. Others believe that the emotional toll on viewers—particularly survivors of abuse—should not be underestimated.

Regardless of what happens next, one thing is clear: Coronation Street has once again sparked national conversation, forcing audiences to look closely at the silent forms of abuse that often go unnoticed.

Whether Tom eventually faces justice or continues to torment Belle remains to be seen. But fans are united in one message: No more silence. No more manipulation. And no more Tom.