The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that hasn’t aired on ITV yet, but can be viewed on ITVX.

Emmerdale has confirmed that Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) has chronic kidney disease.

Following Joe’s return, it became increasingly apparent that he had some sort of health problem. When Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) found him slumped at the wheel of his car with some painkillers nearby, he claimed he had developed a reliance on them after being attacked by Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) years ago.

But, as we learnt tonight, that was one of the many cover up stories Joe has told since heading back to the Dales.

When Joe got back from Dubai last week, he jumped at the chance of flirting with Dawn. His efforts weren’t enough this time round, as Dawn told him no and got on with some washing.

With the house empty as the day began, the roles were then reversed. Dawn tried to suggest sex to Joe, but he claimed he had a really busy day and wasn’t able to spend time with her.

But Dawn was persistent. A while later, she walked into Joe’s room just as he was removing a suitcase from a cupboard. He got slightly annoyed at her and quickly hid it away. Again, Dawn attempted to flirt, but Joe pushed her away, claiming she’s being needy.

As Dawn sulked downstairs and then headed out, Joe had the house to himself. It gave him the opportunity to welcome Doctor Crowley back to Home Farm. He pointed out that Joe looks terrible, and then mentioned – for the first time in front of the audience – that he has chronic kidney disease (CKD).

According to the NHS, CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It can get worse over time and eventually, the kidneys may stop working altogether, though this is uncommon.

If you have the diagnosis, the chances of you developing cardiovascular disease increases and therefore, puts you at risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

While many people can live long lives with the condition, it is sometimes managed with a dialysis machine – the item that’s been hiding in Joe’s suitcase all along.

If someone has advance CKD, a kidney transplant is also considered – and it appears Joe is trying to go down this route.

In his bedroom, Joe admitted to Doctor Crowley that spiking Noah Dingle (Jack Downham) in February was a mistake, and it would’ve been better to know beforehand if he was a match.

Doctor Crowley reminded Joe that they could return to Dubai and search for a living donor, but Joe remained adamant it needed to be a blood relative.

He said he has someone in mind, but whether they actually agree to it doesn’t seem to be a concern for him…