Emmerdale aired a major twist on Christmas Eve, as Joe Tate, played by actor Ned Porteous, has made a big return to the ITV soap six years after his exit to target Kim Tate
The truth was finally revealed by Emmerdale on Christmas Eve, as we found out Joe Tate was the mystery person targeting Kim Tate.
Joe, played by actor Ned Porteous, has returned for revenge after six years – with the soap detailing the twist in an announcement and in the early-release episode on ITVX. The character’s last scenes aired in 2018, after he was forced to go on the run after Kim ordered his death.
While initially it seemed Joe had accidentally been killed by Cain Dingle after a row, Graham Foster had actually covered up the truth that Joe was still alive. Eventually Kim found out that Joe was on the run after he was spotted abroad.
There’s been calls from fans ever since for the character to make a comeback. Now, Joe has returned to the show, and it seems he wants revenge on Kim.
After all, the whole reason for the mystery character being mentioned, now revealed to be Joe, was that they were out to get the former villain. Kim’s financial advisor and brief flame Peter had teamed up with her current beau Will Taylor.
The plan was to destroy her and take everything she had, with a fake vow renewal on Christmas Day. It was soon revealed a mystery character was pulling the strings, leading the charge.
Their identity was not revealed until Tuesday though, with a meeting with Peter seeing Joe come back. Actor Ned has reprised the role while it’s not clear how long for.
Joe Tate is back (Image: ITV)
But what is clear is that Joe clearly has a grievance with Kim, as he’s working with Peter and Will to target her and bring her down. It was said the boss wanted to get revenge on her, and now we know it’s Joe it does make sense.
Joe will likely feel wronged for Kim wanting him dead, as well as the fact his whole life was turned upside down after he was forced to go on the run. Not only did he have to leave the village, but he had to leave behind Debbie Dingle who he was set to marry before his sudden exit and apparent death.
Joe also has a brother in the village, Noah Dingle, and he’s missed out time with him due to being away. So now he’s back, what exactly does he want and how far will he go to get back at Kim?
Christmas Day is fast approaching and it’s teased Kim could be in serious danger, as Home Farm features in an eerie flashforward. In the scene there’s signs a struggle has taken place, but will Kim be okay?
On his comeback, Ned revealed: “I’m so excited to be returning to Emmerdale. There’s a lot of unfinished business for Joe, and it feels like the right time for him to make a comeback. Joe has always been a character with a dark side, but there could be something much bigger at play here. Joe is back for a reason, and the devastation at Home Farm is just the beginning of a much bigger story. It’s safe to say the audience can expect fireworks this holiday season!”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
