Ill Joe Tate took a turn for the worse in Emmerdale last night, as he was kidnapped by Ross and left fighting for his life as he collapsed back at Home Farm. Ross struck as he and Charity grew suspicious and became convinced that he’d been responsible for Noah’s spiking.

Joe dropped himself in it by suggesting that Noah had been ‘injected’ with something, his choice of words cluing Ross into the fact that Joe knows more than he’s letting on. Later, he confronted Joe, dragging him into a barn and tying his hands.

Joe fell seriously ill on Emmerdale tonight

As he threatened to inject Joe with a mystery concoction, Joe’s health began to worsen. And, as Ross left Joe tied up and alone in the barn, he continued to grow sicker and sicker.

Joe managed to free himself, stumbling back to Home Farm. He made a call to his doctor before passing out on the stairs.

His doctor found him there soon after, ushering Joe to his room where – making excuses to Dawn – he recovered. Joe’s out of the woods for now, but it’s clear he’s on borrowed time.

“The long term plan we do have needs to hurry up,” Joe admitted as his doctor ushered him back to bed. “I’m not sure how much time I have left.”

Is Joe going to die?

Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Joe prepares to leave

The soap has yet to confirm what’s wrong with Joe – and what he wants from Noah. But with his health rapidly declining, he had better move fast, whatever he decides to do.

In spoilers for next week’s episodes, Dawn is left horrified when Joe reveals that he has to go away because of Kim. Kim knows all about their affair – but will she expose the pair’s cheating to Billy?