Fans of Emmerdale have figured out why Joe Tate is desperate to reconcile with Noah Dingle

Emmerdale fans believe they’ve worked out the reason for Joe Tate’s return is that he’s “dying” and in need of a transplant. The theories continued after recent episodes showed Joe trying to befriend his younger half-brother Noah Dingle.

Joe’s father Chris Tate married Charity Dingle before poisoning himself in 2003 to try and frame Charity for his murder. In 2004, Charity gave birth to Noah just a few months after Chris’ death. Actor Ned Porteous who plays Joe entered the village in 2017 under the alias of Tom Waterhouse where he started a romantic relationship with Charity’s daughter Debbie Dingle in a bid to exact revenge on Charity.

After Joe’s true identity was unmasked he grew closer to Noah before fleeing from the Dales after Kim Tate ordered his death. Viewers believed Joe was dead for years after his head hit a rock when punched by Cain Dingle. However, six years after his supposedly savage exit, Joe returned in 2024 as the man behind Will Taylor’s revenge plans for Kim.

Since his return, viewers have watched as on two separate occasions Joe has been short of breath with various medications scattered around him. In his most recent struggle, fans of the ITV soap witnessed Joe tensing his hands into fists as his eyes rolled back in discomfort and pain.

While there’s been no confirmation as to what could be wrong with Joe so far, fans have come up with their own theories to do with needing Noah’s help. Although Charity has tried to get Joe to leave Noah alone, even enlisting the help of Ross Barton to threaten him, the pair have been seen to be getting closer in recent episodes.

Joe was seen giving Noah their father’s watch as Joe admitted: “It’s the only thing I’ve got that belonged to Dad” before adding “when you wear it you can be reminded of us.” Joe continued: “I know I haven’t really been here for you, but I’m here now and I’m ready for big brother duties.”

Although he’s on the charm offensives, fans aren’t buying it. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), @joy9kat wrote: “Bet Joe is buttering up Noah because he’s in need of an organ donor” @aintnocoleslaw added: “I’m guessing Joe might be dying then” and @CaptMagenta echoed: “so rumour has it Joe needs some kind of transplant. That’s why he’s befriending Noah”.

Similar theories circled across a Reddit fan page for Emmerdale, with u/columbos_raincoat: “I think he wants a kidney” and u/final7d commented: “Most likely having some sort of organ failure in which he learns that he needs an organ donor from an immediate family member, hence his reconnection attempts with Noah.”

In upcoming episodes, Dawn will discover Joe at the side of a deserted country road slumped at his car’s wheel after he has another mysterious episode. Could this mean that Joe Tate’s illness will finally be revealed?

Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.