Fans of Emmerdale believe they've uncovered the return of a beloved character after six years to take down Joe Tate. ITV soap fans will know that Joe (portrayed by Ned Porteous) has been causing chaos in the village since his Emmerdale comeback in December 2024.

He notably drugged his brother, Noah Dingle (Jack Downham), and abandoned him in the woods last year, leading to the devastating limo crash that took the lives of Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson), Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi) and Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough).

Joe was also the mastermind behind Manpreet Sharma's (Rebecca Sarker) blackmailing, as he sought the village GP's assistance in obtaining a blood sample from his uncle, Caleb Miligan (William Ash), before illegally stealing his kidney. During this period, the villain also orchestrated an attack on Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan) in Liverpool to distract his brother, Ross (Michael Parr), who had been appointed as Head of Security at Home Farm, reports the Daily Star.

Joe's evil schemes have continued into 2026, with his latest objective being to seize control of Butler's Farm from Moira (Natalie J Robb) and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley). He notably had Moira arrested and incarcerated by manipulating Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) into planting illegal documents in her home.

After months of attempting to acquire the farm, Moira reluctantly sold her shares to Kim Tate (Claire King) this week, leaving Cain horrified. During Wednesday's (March 11) episode, now available for streaming on ITVX, Joe and Kim celebrated their new acquisition with Joe's fiancée, Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley).

Robert soon paid a visit to Joe, where he agreed to take on the tenant farmer role at Butler's. Despite accepting Joe's offer, Robert made his feelings known, stating: "Just for the record, I hate you."

Later, Joe turned up at the Woolpack, where he disclosed the changes at Butler's Farm to the rest of the Dingles. "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 declared.

However, some Emmerdale fans are predicting that Joe's downfall is on the horizon, with an unexpected character potentially delivering the final blow. Certain viewers are convinced that Pete Barton will return to the village after six years to seek revenge on Joe for having him assaulted 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 individual posted on a Facebook fan page.

They continued: "Lewis is also their brother, and he misses nothing... Whatever happens, roll on seeing Joe fall." Others appeared to agree, with one enthusiast stating: "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," whilst another chimed in: "Yes it could be him!"

Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, and Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and STV as part of ITV's new soap power hour scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale

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