Fans of Emmerdale believe they’ve rumbled an icon’s return after six years to take down Joe Tate.
An Emmerdale legend could be returning to the Dales to get revenge on Joe Tate, according to soap fans.
Fans of Emmerdale believe they’ve rumbled an icon’s return after six years to take down Joe Tate.
ITV soap viewers will know that Joe (played by Ned Porteous) has wreaked havoc in the village since his return to Emmerdale in December 2024.
He notably spiked his brother, Noah Dingle (Jack Downham), and left him out in the woods last year, which inevitably caused the tragic limo crash that claimed the lives of Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson), Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi) and Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough).
Joe was also behind Manpreet Sharma’s (Rebecca Sarker) blackmailing as he wanted the village GP to help him get a blood sample from his uncle, Caleb Miligan (William Ash), before he illegally stole his kidney.
During this time, the villain also arranged to have Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan) beaten up in Liverpool to get his brother, Ross (Michael Parr), out of the way, after he had been hired as Head of Security at Home Farm.
Joe Tate has been causing trouble in Emmerdale(Image: ITV)Joe’s evil plans have continued into 2026, after he made it his mission to take over Butler’s Farm from Moira (Natalie J Robb) and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley). He notably got Moira arrested and sent to prison when he blackmailed Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) into planting illegal documents in her house.
After months of trying to get his hands on the farm, Moira reluctantly sold her shares to Kim Tate (Claire King) this week, leaving Cain horrified.
During Wednesday’s (March 11) episode, which is now available to stream on ITVX, Joe and Kim celebrated their new acquisition with Joe’s fiancée, Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley).
Robert soon paid Joe a visit, where he agreed to take the tenant farmer position at Butler’s. Despite agreeing to Joe’s deal, Robert made his stance clear, saying: “Just for the record, I hate you.”
Later, Joe arrived at the Woolpack, where he revealed the changes at Butler’s Farm to the rest of the Dingles.
Some fans believe that Pete Barton will return to the Dales(Image: ITV)“It’s no secret, we’ve been after the place for a while. And as unhappy as Cain might seem, I can assure you, Moira is relieved that she’s got a bit of extra money in her pocket. So, new pastures all round,” he said.
However, some Emmerdale fans believe that Joe’s downfall is imminent, with an unexpected character possibly delivering the final blow. Certain viewers are convinced that Pete Barton will return to the village after six years to get revenge on Joe for getting him beaten up last year.
“I’ve just come up with a theory as to who brings Joe down. It’s been bugging me, but could be feasible. Can you all remember a long time back, Joe had Pete Barton beaten up and hospitalised. Pete will have been constantly in touch with Ross, even though we don’t see him anymore. Ross will have filled him in about what Joe has been up to, and Pete needs revenge,” one person wrote on a Facebook fan page.
They went on: “Lewis is also their brother, and he misses nothing… Whatever happens, roll on seeing Joe fall.”
Others seemed to agree, with one fan sharing: “What a great theory!!!! I hope you’re right but more importantly, I hope it’s soon and we get rid of Joe for good,” while another added: “Yes it could be him!”
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV
