ITV Share By Carena Crawford Jan 13 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 13 2026 Joe Tate 'sexual tension' with another villager clocked by fans - and it's not Belle Is Joe heading for an affair? Joe Tate Robert Sugden Share By Carena Crawford Jan 13 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 13 2026 Emmerdale fans are certain it’s going to be a big year for Joe Tate with some predicting he will be killed off and others suggesting he’s set for a scandalous affair with Belle Dingle. But now some fans have spotted sexual tension between Joe and another villager. They have gone down a whole different path for where the character could be heading… Joe Tate is blackmailing Robert (Credit: ITV) Joe Tate blackmailing Robert Sugden in Emmerdale Last week Joe reached new depths of despicable when he filmed Victoria Sugden killing her brother John, staging it as suicide and fleeing the scene. Instead of helping her when she was under attack, Joe got the whole thing on camera so he could use it against the Sugden family. And almost immediately he showed the recording to Robert and Vic and told them they needed to do what he says or else. Petrified of his sister going to prison, Robert set out to protect her by whatever means necessary. Joe told him he wanted their share of Moira’s farm. Despite his resistence Robert was forced to give it. Joe then informed him he had discovered passports and ID cards at Celia’s farm. He wanted Robert to plant them in Moira’s house to frame her for being involved, thus almost certainly securing Joe the farm. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Robert at first refused. But realising he had to do it for Vic, he put the documents on a shelf ready for the police to find. Joe then made sure the police were suspicious enough to search the farm. It’s clear Robert now feels incredibly guilty, especially when he realised it wasn’t just a slap on the wrist Moira was in for. And when she’s arrested later this week, he feels even worse. But Robert is still at the mercy of Joe who is telling him in no uncertain terms to put up and shut up. Robert is devoted to Aaron though… (Credit: ITV) Sexual tension? Now some fans have seen the scenes between Robert and Joe and think there is chemistry between them. They claim to have always thought Joe could be bisexual. Some are wondering if these interactions are leading up to a shock affair. One fan commented on the sexual tension and then questioned on Reddit: “Joe Tate gives off a bisexual vibe. He likes having power over Robert keep him close. Would the show ever make Joe bisexual be sexually attracted to Robert?” “I actually do think there is some sexual tension between Robert and Joe,” agreed one. Another said: “Ooh this would be my dream affair storyline. They really should give Joe a coming out arc with Robert as his affair partner and the one who supports him through it. “It would be an upgraded version of the Aaron/Robert story. Bisexual villain living at Home Farm, engaged to a woman, falls for another man against all odds. Ensues drama, chaos and destruction with Joe finding some kind of redemption through Robert. Joebert as the new and improved Robron!” “I think it would be much funnier if Joe had it really bad for Robert but Robert didn’t fancy him in the least and simply used Joe’s attraction against him. Proper old-style evil, scheming Robert. He did it with Lawrence so why not with Joe,” shared one more. Others aren’t at all keen on the idea, however, with one summing it up: “Please no. I just want them to get Robert and Aaron back together already and stop messing around. I want Joe to cheat on Dawn, but not with Robert.” Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jan 13 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 13 2026 Next Story
