Emmerdale fans are forecasting the comeback of a 90s icon to assist Joe Tate in his battle against Kim Tate.
The villainous Joe, played by Ned Porteous, made a dramatic reappearance in the Dales in December, six years after his departure, and has already stirred up a fair amount of trouble for the local residents.
However, Joe is also concealing a significant health issue. He has been observed taking painkillers on numerous occasions to alleviate symptoms, including chest pains.
The exact nature of his ailment remains a mystery as he has yet to disclose it. Additionally, Joe has begun an affair with Dawn Taylor, portrayed by Olivia Bromley, who is married to Billy, played by Jay Kontzle.
Emmerdale: Gabby Thomas is stood up by her date
Despite Joe’s health secret and his liaison with Dawn, his step-grandmother Kim Tate, played by Claire King, suspects he is hiding something and is hot on his trail. This week, she enlisted her friend and cleaner Lydia Dingle, played by Karen Blick, to uncover Joe’s secret.
In Friday’s episode (February 28), Lydia trailed Joe to a secluded cottage in the woods. Hiding behind a tree, Lydia was taken aback as she saw Joe meet Dawn and share a kiss. Lydia surreptitiously snapped a few photos of the pair before returning to Home Farm to inform Kim. Kim was incensed at Joe for exploiting Dawn so soon after the death of her father Will, played by Dean Andrews.
Kim didn’t hesitate to confront Joe, firmly telling him to back off from Dawn online and threatening that any defiance would be met with her vengeance. And now, viewers are convinced that Joe will rope in a soap legend for a cunning plan against Kim.
Fans have taken to the web to voice their suspicions that Steve Marchant, Kim’s former spouse, might return. Portrayed by Paul Opacic, Steve made his entrance into the drama in 1996 and quickly charmed Kim.
His exit in 1999 was dramatic—falling victim to Kim’s machinations, he found himself behind bars for a decade due to Kathy Bates’ (played by Malandra Burrows) hit and run, an incident he was actually responsible for.
The chatter amongst fans suggests Joe may seek Steve’s help to settle scores with Kim. On an Emmerdale fan page on Facebook, one viewer speculated: “I think Steve Marchant, Kim’s second husband should come back.”
In response, another fan concurred: “Definitely, they should bring him back into the story with Joe.” A third person contributed: “It would be a great twist.” While another excitedly added: “Oh yeah! He could still be out for revenge.”
