Passenger viewers stunned as they spot Emmerdale’s Carl King 12 years after brutal soap exit
ITV viewers watching Passenger on Sunday night saw a familiar face, as an Emmerdale star made their debut on the series more than 10 years after they left the soap
Emmerdale viewers were quick to spot a familiar face in the latest episode of ITV’s Passenger on Sunday night.
The gripping new drama series, described by fans as a Happy Valley meets Stranger Things hybrid, introduced detective Riya’s estranged husband Nick in the third episode, with him previously spoken about. He made a sudden return leaving Riya stunned, but viewers were also in for a surprise.
Many viewers instantly recognised Nick, with him played by former Emmerdale actor Tom Lister. Tom played villain Carl King on the ITV soap for eight years, between 2004 and 2012.
He was famously killed off in a major twist during a live episode in 2012, murdered by serial killer Cameron Murray. Seeing Tom back on screen on Sunday night as Nick left viewers stunned.
Taking to X, one fan posted: “It’s Carl King!” Another fan said: “Bloomin’ Carl King.” Since being killed off on Emmerdale, actor Tom has had roles in shows including Doctors and Casualty, while he also starred the West End.
ITV viewers watching Passenger on Sunday night saw a familiar face, as an Emmerdale star made their debut (
ITV)
It comes amid Emmerdale fans comparing Carl’s onscreen son Tom King to his villainous father, amid a dark twist. The show confirmed Tom and wife Belle Dingle would be at the centre of a new abuse storyline, with Tom coercively controlling and manipulating her.
Recent scenes have seen Tom’s control increase, with him installing a tracking app on her phone and watching her every move. Tom has been manipulating Belle in an attempt to isolate her and gain control of her life.
From sabotaging her work and trying to get her to quit her job altogether, to making mean jibes about her family, Tom has enjoyed watching Belle sob and squirm, all while he claims she’s the one in the wrong. Viewers have compared Tom to his villainous father, with one writing on X: “What a creep, he is definitely his father’s son.”
Another said: “Like father like son Tom.” A third fan posted: “Tom turns out to be a scumbag just like his dad,” while another said: “How poetic would it be if Tom receives the same fate as his father.”
Passenger is available to watch in full on ITVX, and continues Monday night at 9pm on ITV1.
