Emmerdale legend makes sensational return in shocking flash forward scene - 5yrs after soap exit
Emmerdale's Joe Tate, played by Ned Porteous, has made a shocking return to the Dales! In the Christmas Eve episode, it's been revealed Joe is the man pulling the strings behind Peter and Will's plan to bring down his former step-mum, Kim (Claire King).
On his return, Ned said: “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!”
A flash forward scene to be aired on Christmas Day will show the devastation at Home Farm, and it seems Kim’s perfect Christmas will end in disaster. This Christmas, expect intense confrontations, heartbreak and plenty of twists as the future of Home Farm is changed forever, all thanks to Joe's unexpected return to the village.
READ MORE: Inside Olly Murs' family Christmas with sweet traditions but noticeable absence after shock feud
READ MORE: Gavin And Stacey star hit by train after night at the pub at Christmas
Joe, who is the son of Christopher Tate, has an axe to grind with his former step-mum, Kim, after she tried to have him killed back in 2018. First, Joe bought back his childhood home, and started meddling in the family business, then he got engaged to Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), who Kim had a long-standing feud with - so Kim had enough and asked her right-hand man, Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough), to kill Joe.
Joe very nearly died at the hands of Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley). Cain punched Joe who consequently his his head on a rock and was knocked unconscious. For months, Cain believed he had killed Joe, but finally, it was revealed Graham had helped him go on the run from Kim.
With Graham's help, Joe got in a car and left the village, leaving behind Debbie who was waiting to marry him at the chapel in daughter Sarah's hospital. Kim eventually found out Joe was alive after images of him surfaced the following year.
Producer of the ITV soap, 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.”
Since leaving the Dales Ned has made an appearance in Netflix's high-budget drama Bridgerton, portraying Lord Wetherby in the first season. His character, Lord Wetherby, was romantically involved with Sir Henry Granville. He's also starred in episodes of Granchester, Doctor Who and Here We Go.
