Joe Tate returns to Emmerdale, fans could not be more excited - and neither could we

Emmerdale has answered all of our prayers
Carena Crawford
By Carena Crawford

Emmerdale has revealed who has been tormenting Kim – and they’ve answered all of our prayers because Joe Tate is back!

Ned Porteous is reprising his role as Chris Tate’s son, but what he really wants and why he’s back remains to be seen.

Joe Tate is back! (Credit: ITV)
Joe Tate is back! (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale reveals Joe Tate has returned

In a post on X, Emmerdale announced the news of Joe’s return, saying he is the one who has been pulling the strings behind Peter and Will’s plot to bring down Kim.

Joe’s arrival comes just before a flashforward scene on Christmas Day which shows devastation at Home Farm. With Kim looking forward to Christmas and renewing her vows with Will, it looks like it will end in disaster.

Fans have long been asking for his comeback (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Fans have long been asking for his comeback (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

So why is Joe Tate back in Emmerdale?

Not much else has been revealed – we don’t know what he’s plotting, nor what his ultimate goal is. But it is highly likely Joe is playing a much darker game that has consequences beyond those at Home Farm.

There will be huge confrontations, heartbreak and lots of twists as Home Farm is changed forever!

Of his return, Ned Porteous told the ITV website: “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!”

Producer, Laura Shaw, also said: “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 and Debbie were together (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Joe and Debbie were together (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Fans thrilled and excited by the return

We are very pleased about this news – and it’s fair to say fans are too. Commenting on the post as soon as it went live, they expressed their delight.

“THANK YOU EMMERDALE,” wrote on very excited viewer.

Another agreed: “Fantastic news so so happy you have brought Joe back and that it is still Ned playing him, thank you!”

“Awesome, I was so hoping this would happen!” added one more.

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Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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