Emmerdale’s Joe Tate returned recently but is hiding a big health secret – now it seems the soap has revealed just what is wrong with him

Emmerdale has appeared to reveal what is wrong with Joe Tate – and it’s not looking good.

Joe (Ned Porteous) made his dramatic return to the Dales last month, six years since his exit – and already, he has caused plenty of drama for the village residents.

Joe showed up as part of a plot to take down Kim Tate (Claire King), with her husband Will Taylor (Dean Andrews). However, things took a dramatic turn when Will died from a heart attack after Joe revealed all.

In the aftermath of Will’s death, Kim has been left heartbroken – with Joe now sticking around, playing the caring step-grandson and claiming to be there for Kim.

Joe made his comeback last month (Image: ITV)

However, Joe’s return has ruffled plenty of feathers in the village too, with several residents gobsmacked to see him back in the Dales. What’s more, amid all the drama, it seems Joe is hiding a huge health secret.

Earlier this month, a scene showed Joe in his room at the B&B, and suddenly he seemed to feel unwell. Appearing to be in pain, he then rummaged through his bag and chucked out packets of pills onto the bed, before taking the medication he was looking for.

Since then, his behaviour has continued to spark suspicions from viewers. Last week, he asked Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) for some painkillers, with Kim left concerned.

However, during Wednesday’s episode (January 8) the soap appeared to drop a massive hint as to what is really wrong with Joe. During the instalment, fans couldn’t help but point out how actor Ned ‘messed up his line’ – but there’s a reason why…

Talking to Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) Joe told him: “First she [ Dawn] accuses Kim, now she’s pointing the finger at me.”

However, fans said that this line delivery should have been the other way around, as when Joe arrived back on the soap, Dawn instantly suspected he had something to do with her dad Will’s death, not Kim.

Nonetheless, other viewers are convinced that this was not a blunder and was actually a ‘clue’ as to what’s wrong with Joe. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person said: “Did Joe get the lines wrong ??”

In the comments section, fans put forward their theories with one writing: “I noticed that, thought it was strange. I wonder if he has a brain tumour or something?”

Someone else added: “Yes I think he has an illness going on, maybe a brain tumour. If it was the wrong line they would have retaken it, I think it was made too obvious so we would pick up on it.” A third agreed: “He’s got brain issues so was meant on purpose I think.” Another person said: “Or Alzheimer’s maybe?”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm