Emmerdale fans spot two huge foreshadowing signs that Joe Tate is actually leaving the show

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By Rebecca Sayers

23 Feb 2026, 11:02

By Rebecca Sayers

23 Feb 2026, 11:02

Emmerdale fans have been increasingly frustrated with Joe Tate over the last few months, with many speculating that he is leaving the show.

Ever since Joe came back in 2024, things have not been smooth sailing at all. From kidney thefts, to blackmail, he has been doing quite a lot to leave Emmerdale viewers unimpressed.

But now, many fans actually think the rumours of him potentially leaving are true. And there are two huge clues that back it up.

Ned Porteous posted new headshots

Over the weekend, Joe Tate actor, Ned Porteous shared photos on his Instagram. But the images were quick to cause concern with fans, as they were new headshots.

Quite often in shows like this, when someone is leaving, they get new headshots, and a lot of the time, they post it on social media. The same thing has happened with numerous Emmerdale characters over the years. So, when fans noticed that detail, some got concerned.

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Taking to the comments of the post, a few fans asked if this meant Joe would be disappearing from our screens.

One said: “I hope this doesn’t mean you are leaving Emmerdale!”

Another commented: “Amazing photos. But you’re staying in Emmerdale, right?”

The people in the comments weren’t the only ones left wondering if Joe Tate is leaving Emmerdale, as others took to Reddit to discuss the new headshots.

However, it seems they also noticed a scene from Friday night’s episode (February 20) that may have hinted at a Home Farm exit…

Home Farm scene ‘foreshadowed’ exit

During the episode, Kim told Graham that while she currently has nine people living in her home, she wants it back down to eight. Obviously, she meant getting rid of him, but some Emmerdale fans now are wondering if it was really foreshadowing another Home Farm exit.

Taking to the Reddit thread, one fan penned: “So, we all agree that something has to change with Joe. There have been a lot of theories he will die. In Friday’s episode, Kim said to Graham she wanted eight people living in Home Farm. Could it be foreshadowing Joe’s death? And Ned has posted new headshots. That happens quite often when the person is leaving.”

Another agreed: “I do think the writers are setting him up for a downfall.”

A third added: “I think Graham is actually going to be the downfall of the Tates. I think he will reveal their plans and deception to the Dingles, and get Moira home and Rob the farm back. He’s hiding in the shadows for his moment.”

However, a few others think instead of killing him off, Joe deserves a redemption arc – after he loses everything.

One penned: “I would love them to go down the route of Joe losing everything. Lose his status and wealth. Watching him have to start from scratch would really humble the character.”

Shockingly, one fan actually agreed that the scene was probably foreshadowing an exit – but not Joe.

They penned: “I think it might be more likely to be Dawn than Joe. Though, he is due for a downfall storyline.”

So, it remains to be seen if Joe Tate is actually leaving Emmerdale, but there is quite a lot of clues…

Read more: Devastating reason why Emmerdale fans feel so sorry for Robert and why it signals big trouble