Emmerdale aired a dramatic cliffhanger as Caleb Miligan’s life hung in the balance following the latest stage of Joe Tate’s plan.

Joe has been scheming ever since his return last year, targeting several residents of the village – including his own half-brother, Noah, and Manpreet.

It was eventually revealed that Joe was suffering from a chronic kidney disease and, with the help of Dr Crowley, was looking for a suitable donor. They eventually set their sights on Caleb, with the duo concocting a sinister plan.

After being given 24 hours to complete his mission, Joe told Kim that he had to fly to Chicago, leaving Dawn – with whom he is having an affair – confused by his actions. After having a call with Crowley, Joe honed in on Caleb, who was attempting to organise a trip with his family.

After finally receiving a call from his colleague Shaun, Joe gave the go-ahead for the next stage of his plan, which saw Shaun confront Caleb at the depot. As the armed assailant gave him a fright, Caleb fought for his life after being stabbed.

Joe arrived on the scene under the guise of providing help, though he was shocked by the state that Caleb was left in. After driving to the facility, Crowley remarked that the victim was supposed to be “drugged” and not “half-butchered.”

Crowley took Caleb in but stressed that it was to save his life, reminding Joe that he had taken an oath. Furthermore, Joe’s story of a trip to Chicago was scrutinised by Ross and Charity, who went on a wild goose chase as they searched for him.

Crowley managed to stitch up the wound and informed Joe that there wasn’t any damage to the kidney, though he did confirm that Caleb wasn’t in a condition to be operated on any further. Joe, however, was resolute, and he offered to pay even more money to get the job done.

Whilst Steph and Ruby were worried about Caleb’s whereabouts, Joe and Crowley rushed back into the operating theatre after the alert went off… Will Joe get his wish? Will Caleb make it out alive?…