Emmerdale viewers think they know what Joe Tate is hiding after he appeared to feel unwell, requiring pain killers or medication to ease his symptoms, after his return to the ITV soap
Viewers think they know what’s going on with Joe Tate in Emmerdale, as it appears something is wrong with him.
The character sparked concern this week after his shock return to the ITV soap after six years away. His return coincided with a plan to destroy Kim Tate, and the death of Will Taylor.
A scene on Thursday alluded to Joe hiding something serious, and now viewers are speculating the character could be seriously ill. Some fans fear he might be killed off in a shocking new storyline, as others wondered if his mystery health woes were linked to his return, and why he’s after Kim.
Joe was seen struggling to breathe, almost hyperventilating, before taking medication in a hurry. Nothing was teased about the scene before it aired with no explanation given. But as Joe returned to his room at the B&B, he suddenly seemed to feel unwell as he began breathing weirdly.
It looked like he was about to cough or choke, or maybe he was having some sort of panic attack. As Joe took off his jacket he suddenly ran over to the bed and began taking deep breaths.
Viewers think they know what’s going on with Joe Tate in Emmerdale (Image: ITV)
As he rummaged through his bag, multiple packets of pills were flung out onto the bed until he found the one he was looking for. Joe rushed to take the medication before appearing to be in pain.
Now, viewers have guessed what might be wrong with him amid teasers about a dark secret. Fans think Joe may be unwell and might need a transplant, while some fan speculated he may be dependent on drugs after Kim ordered his death in 2018. Either way – is he ‘after’ Kim for help or revenge?
One viewer posted on X about the scenes: “So Joe is either really ill looking for revenge or drug addict after more cash to keep buying drugs hence his return to take Kim’s empire.” Another fan speculated: “What’s wrong with Joe? Is he ill?”
A third fan agreed: “Is Joe Tate a drug addict or needing a transplant?” as a fourth viewer posted: “OMG Has Joe become an addict?” A fifth viewer commented: “Soooo is Joe Tate an addict now? Or is it something more mental health related?”
Teasing the big twist, Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw confirmed that “trouble” was ahead from the moment Joe comes back, while she also teased something “dark” was remaining under wraps. Laura spilled of the return: “We are thrilled to welcome Ned back to Village as the complex and captivating Joe Tate. From the moment Joe arrives on screen, it’s clear there’s trouble ahead but Joe’s hiding an even darker secret that could see 2025 start off with a huge bang.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
