Emmerdale spoilers: Joe Tate's health condition is finally revealed as time is running out

The truth about Joe's mystery illness is finally revealed
Laura Morgan
By Laura Morgan

In Emmerdale spoilers for next week viewers will finally discover the truth behind Joe Tate’s mystery illness. All is revealed in a conversation between Joe and his secret doctor, Crowley. But what exactly is wrong with Joe? And are we going to find out what’s inside that black suitcase?

Joe opens his black suitcase in Emmerdale
Joe opens that mysterious black suitcase and reveals what’s inside (Credit: ITV)

Joe is running out of time in Emmerdale spoilers

Ever since Joe arrived back in the village last year it’s been clear he’s a very sick man. Kim’s step-grandson is suffering from some kind of life-threatening health condition and requires urgent treatment.

Joe keeps collapsing and has been popping painkillers as if they’re sweets. He’s also been having covert phone chats with someone about ‘the plan’. That person is a private doctor called Crowley, who came to Joe’s aid and delivered him a mysterious black case.

The pair discussed the fact that Joe is on borrowed time, leading fans to speculate he’s in kidney failure and in need of a transplant. That would go a long way to explain why Joe recently targeted Noah in a shock spiking.

So far, Joe has managed to conceal the truth from his family. But how much longer can he carry on?

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Dawn is hurt when Joe rejects her advances (Credit: ITV)

Sick Joe rejects Dawn

Having been advised to conserve what little energy he has left, Joe is deliberately avoiding sex with Dawn. He shuns his lover’s romantic advances, ensuring she stays well away from both him and his suitcase.

As a dejected Dawn walks away, Joe finally opens the case and its content are revealed. Is there a dialysis machine inside as suspected, or something else?

Meanwhile, Dawn is forced to lie about the source of her bad mood when Billy arrives back at Home. But it seems her husband is also harbouring a guilty secret. What’s he up to?

Joe and Crawley talk in the sitting room of Home Farm
The shocking truth about Joe and Crowley’s plan is revealed (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale spoilers: Joe Tate’s wicked plan is exposed

Later, with the coast clear, a frail Joe answers the door to Crowley. He’s looking worse than ever and failing fast.

During the pair’s discussion the nature of Joe’s big plan finally becomes clear. And after weeks of speculation viewers will finally know for sure what exactly is wrong with him.

With the next phase of the operation underway, Joe goes groveling to Dawn and apologises for rejecting her the previous day. But will she want to know? And is she just being used a pawn in Joe’s wicked game?

Read more: Who plays Joe Tate in Emmerdale?

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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