Emmerdale aired some big scenes tonight as Joe Tate was found by Dawn when he crashed his car, with fans sure they know what’s wrong with the villager

Joe Tate made a recent return to Emmerdale – but has been hiding a big secret.

Making a huge return on Christmas Day, Joe’s arrival led to the shock d3ath of Will Taylor, with fans convinced he might have something to do with Will’s d3ath. Joe has been a huge support for Kim in the wake of it all, with Dawn initially suspicious.

However, she has seemingly softened her feelings for him over the past few weeks, and now Joe seems to have integrated himself back at Home Farm despite the surprising way he left several years ago.

Teasing the big twist, Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw previously teased that Joe had a “dark” secret. She said at the time: “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.”

Joe made his return last Christmas ( 
Image:
ITV)

Tonight, Joe revealed to Dawn that he was taking paink!llers, and with her history of addiction, she fumed at him for letting her be an “enabler”, but it seemed like Joe was hiding something much worse.

In a phone call, Joe could be heard telling a mystery person that they were going to find out sooner or later – could this be about him being ill or what else is Joe hiding? Fans are convinced they’ve cracked it.

One wrote: “Who is Joe telling on the phone that we have a problem? I still think Joe’s dying,” whilst a second added: “Emmerdale does Joe have cancer?” A third shared: “I wonder what Joe’s secret actually is?! I’m starting to wonder if he is actually ill..

Speaking about coming back to the show, actor Ned Porteous – who plays Joe – shared: “I’m so excited to be returning to Emmerdale. 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!”

Joe first arrived on the soap as businessman Tom Waterhouse, before his identity was revealed. Joe was seemingly k!lled by Cain Dingle in shock scenes, however, months later, he was revealed to be alive and living abroad.