Joe Tate’s (Ned Porteous) storyline has taken yet another mysterious turn in Emmerdale.

Yesterday, he announced to Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) that he’d be going away for a business trip in Dubai. The development left Dawn gutted, as she knew their affair would be put on hold for however long Joe is away.

Deciding to make the most of the time they had left together, Dawn and Joe proceeded to kiss in the lounge at Home Farm, but were then very nearly caught by Dawn’s husband Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle).

Dawn panicked and told Joe they should stop their affair. To distract her, Joe told Dawn that he’s only going to Dubai because Kim Tate (Claire King) knows everything.

Clearly caring about Dawn, Kim later tried to tell her that an affair with Joe will just end with her being hurt by him, or having her marriage end.

Dawn reckoned that she could handle Joe, and told Kim that she likes the excitement that comes with what she’s doing, because it makes her feel just like Dawn. Not a mother, a daughter, or a wife – just Dawn.

When Billy arrived home later that day, he embraced Dawn as Joe prepared to depart. He took one last look at Dawn, and then left for his plane journey.

Or so we thought.

During tonight’s episode, Dawn sent Joe a text. When it was received, we saw Joe on what we can only assume is the outskirts of the village. He was with Doctor Crowley, the mysterious surgeon who has popped up in a few episodes now.

Crowley reminded Joe that “they” are expecting them in an hour, and it’s very important they cannot be late.

So, Dubai was a cover-up story for Joe, which now begs the question…where is he actually going?

And who will he meet when he gets there?!