The businessman – who is played by actor Ned Porteous in the ITV soap – made his shock return at Christmas for what appeared to be a revenge plan on Kim Tate.

Man lying on bedroom floor reflected in mirror.
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Joe Tate’s mystery illness took another turn today on EmmerdaleCredit: itv

A couple kissing.
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Dawn and Joe shared a shock kiss last night in Emmerdale
However when he walked back into Home Farm, he exposed Will Taylor’s plans for Kim – and then set about acting like the dutiful step grandson.

He covered for Kim over Will’s d.e.a.th and has ingratiated himself into the family by helping even Dawn Taylor.

Their growing closeness was sealed with a kiss last night and today they continued their flirtation with Dawn lying to Billy about what happened.

Joe and Dawn continued flirting – obviously heading to a passionate affair – with Joe moving into Home Farm.

But as he was unpacking disaster struck and he collapsed to the floor and suffered some form of seizure.

What is wrong with Joe? And why is he back in Emmerdale?

Actor Ned Porteous previously teased: “There’s a lot of unfinished business for Joe, and it feels like the right time for him to make a comeback.

“Joe has always been a character with a dark side, but there could be something much bigger at play here.

“Joe is back for a reason, and the devastation at Home Farm is just the beginning of a much bigger story.

“It’s safe to say the audience can expect fireworks this holiday season!”

Producer, Laura Shaw, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Ned back to Village as the complex and captivating Joe Tate.

“From the moment Joe arrives on screen, it’s clear there’s trouble ahead but Joe’s hiding an even darker secret that could see 2025 start off with a huge bang.”