Inside Ned Porteous’ hidden passion: ‘It became my personality for a while’

Away from Emmerdale, Joe Tate actor Ned Porteous has a secret passion which once became his whole “personality” when he left the show.

Ned made his huge Emmerdale return on Christmas Eve last year. And ever since, his character has gotten up to quite a lot of bizarre things – like stealing his uncle’s kidney.

But away from the show, Ned’s life is far more relaxed. And he even has a hobby that helps him unwind after a day of work. Which he even credits to Emmerdale.

Ned Porteous hobby away from acting

When Ned first left Emmerdale in 2018, he headed to try to crack America. But unfortunately due to the timings, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, making it harder for acting jobs to be available.

Speaking to The Mirror, Ned recalled his time in America. He said: “A part of going out there was looking for work. It is an amazing but mad place. Acting in Hollywood is not too far off what you have seen in the films.”

Ned admitted he “got pretty close” to a lot of projects, and has “no regrets” about heading over there to give things a go.

But instead of solely focussing on trying to get acting jobs, Ned turned his attention to rock climbing as an outlet for his emotions. He would frequently attend the California Yosemite National Park. But originally it was his Emmerdale colleagues that got him interested in the activity.

He shared: “I got into indoor bouldering at Emmerdale in Leeds. A few of the cast members did it and I fell in love with it.

“During my time in the States, I spent a lot of time in Yosemite, which is home to one of the greatest walls in the world, El Capitan. Although I didn’t climb that one, I did go up others.”

He enjoyed it so much that it actually became a huge part of who he is – and looking back, he is glad about that.

Ned said: “Becoming a rock climber became my entire personality for a while! It’s a magnificent place. I loved it so much.”

What is happening with Ned’s character Joe?

Ned plays bad-boy Joe Tate and after being gone from the village for six years, he made his comeback on Christmas Eve last year. And the ultimate reason was to steal a kidney as he needed a transplant.

When he successfully stole one from his uncle Caleb, he left for a few weeks. But he’s back once again, and he seems determined to win Dawn over and get her to leave her husband, Billy.

One thing is for sure, Joe Tate is never quiet for too long. So, while we’re unaware of what’s coming next, we’re sure it will be very Joe Tate fitting.

Read more: John Sugden actor Oliver Farnworth and his home overseas with EastEnders star girlfriend

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

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

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