In recent weeks we’ve seen Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) has been hiding a major secret in Emmerdale – he appears to be seriously ill.
Away from the eyes of the family, Joe has been seen on one occasion gripping a bed post for support as he writhed in agony, on another he collapsed and had a seizure. Whatever is going on with him, it’s bad.
His arrival back in town has been totally suspect, with him befriending Kim (Claire King) despite her previously ordering his death, and he’s been relentless at trying to make amends with Noah (Jack Downham). Does his health play a part in this?
Fans on social media have speculated that he might be back because he needs something from a family member to survive – such as an organ – hence his need to suck up.
Whatever is going on with him, he’s keeping himself well and truly distracted with reintegrating himself in the family – and his little tryst with Dawn.
The pair shared a secret kiss that neither of them have been able to forget, with plenty of hints that it’s leading to a full blown affair.
Dawn’s life has been spiralling into a mess since her dad’s death, throwing murderous accusations at Kim and a whole heap of self-sabotage, so when Kim offers her a role running Home Farm Estates, Dawn jumps at the chance.
But the shine is taken off her new gig when she learns that Joe is her new boss, and she believes he orchestrated it.
Dawn confronts him about the job, and their heated row gets so hot, they both decide to remove their clothes – and end up in bed together.
As the pair finish up and Billy (Jay Kontzle) returns home from the hospital with poorly baby Evan, Dawn is awash with guilt. Dawn’s head may be a mess, but grief isn’t a good enough excuse for this one.
Viewers will see her gear up to tell Billy the truth, but before the story comes spilling out, she finds Joe in a terrible state.
Joe is drifting in and out of consciousness while sat in his parked car on a deserted country road.
He’s got a bottle of pills lying next to him on the floor.
Could this be the moment Dawn finds out what’s truly wrong with him, and the real reason he’s returned to the Dales? Could she be too late?
