EMMERDALE appears to have kicked off a major new affair storyline in tonight’s bombshell episode.

The ITV soap has aired an hour-long special where Dawn Taylor drugged Kim Tate in a desperate attempt to get her to confess to k.i.l.l.ing her dad Will.

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Kim Tate was poisoned by Dawn Taylor in tonight’s EmmerdaleCredit: ITV

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Dawn wanted to get Kim to confess to k.I.i.lling her dad Will at ChristmasCredit: ITV

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But it didn’t go to plan – however Kim didn’t report Dawn to the authorities

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Dawn confided in Joe Tate before leaning in for a kiss
However it backfired when Kim only revealed that she froze before trying to save him before passing out from the drugging.

Kim was rushed to hospital where she discovered she’d been drugged with ketamine – but in a surprising turn she told the police she had taken it herself and covered for Dawn.

And she told Joe that she wanted to forget it all and move on so they could grieve as a family.

Returning to Home Farm, Joe told Dawn: “Look Dawn, you should try to forget about what happened today and Kim will do the same.”

But she confessed that she’d already told Billy who hadn’t taken it particularly well – and surprisingly Joe comforted her.

“From what I’ve heard, you’ve had a pretty rough year,” he said.

“With your son, your dad and your mum. I think it’s understandable that you’d do something a little crazy.”

He added: “I’ve been exactly where you are right now.

“You know what I tried to do to Charity. All that anger that you’re feeling, it’s just another word for hurt and upset. I didn’t know that at the time but I do now.

“Lashing out and taking it out on everyone around you, it doesn’t solve anything. It’s not going to fill the hole that he left behind. I wish it did.”
Joe Tate hiding dark secret after shock return to Emmerdale
“I just wanted someone to blame,” said Dawn.

Joe told her: “It’s always harder when there isn’t anyone.”

Dawn replied: “Thank you for today. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been there.”

“You made a mistake,” said Joe.

“It’s OK, we’ve all been there. It doesn’t change who you are on the inside. I know that more than anyone.

And with that Dawn leaned in to kiss him and the pair shared a brief kiss – but it was clear Joe was pleased with the result.

Dawn jumped into her apologies but he reassured her.

“It’s OK,” Joe said, getting up to leave. “Maybe lie to Billy about this one?”

Is this the start of a passionate new affair in the village? And what does Joe really want?