The mystery around Joe Tate’s (Ned Porteous) health in Emmerdale intensified after he collapsed on Friday.

The character made a shock return to the ITV soap over Christmas when it was revealed he had been helping Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) in his attempts to bring down Kim Tate (Claire King).

Joe is hiding a secret about his health (Picture: ITV)

However, after Will died of a heart attack on Christmas Day, Kim and Joe appear to have put their differences aside.

Since his return, it has also become apparent that Joe is hiding news of a health condition, and has been seen taking pills.

Things got more serious during Friday’s episode, however, when he struggled to breathe after flirting with Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley).

The pair shared a moment earlier in the week when, still grieving the death of her dad, a confused and emotional Dawn kissed him behind husband Billy Fletcher’s (Jay Kontzle) back.

While Joe pulled away and promised to keep the kiss a secret, it is clear there is a spark between them.

Wracked with guilt, Dawn hid her indiscretion from Billy, but the pair were stunned when Kim – who’d been discharged from hospital after Dawn’s attempt to poison her – revealed Joe would be moving into Home Farm with them all.

Dawn and Joe later had a chat in the kitchen, where Joe said there was a time when he would have used their kiss to his advantage but that’s not who he is anymore.

He then cheekily admitted he envies Billy but would not do anything to wreck his and Dawn’s family.

With sexual tension bubbling between them, Dawn was later seen contemplating walking into Joe’s bedroom, but changed her mind.

Little did she realise that inside, Joe was slumped next to his bed gasping for air.

What is wrong with Joe and will he be ok?