fans are forecasting the comeback of a 90s icon to assist Joe Tate in his battle against .
The villainous Joe, played by Ned Porteous, made a dramatic reappearance in the Dales in December, six years after his departure, and has already stirred up significant turmoil among the villagers.
However, Joe is also concealing a major health secret, frequently seen taking painkillers to alleviate symptoms, including chest pains. The exact nature of his ailment remains undisclosed.
Additionally, Joe has initiated an affair with Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), who is married to Billy (Jay Kontzle). Amidst Joe’s health secret and affair with Dawn, his step-grandmother (Claire King) suspects he is hiding something and is on his trail.
This week, she enlisted her friend and cleaner Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) to uncover Joe’s secret. In Friday’s episode (February 28), Lydia trailed Joe to a woodland cottage. Hiding behind a tree, Lydia was shocked as she saw Joe meet and kiss Dawn. She discreetly took some photos of the pair before returning to Home Farm to inform Kim.
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Kim warned Joe (Image: ITV)
Kim was incensed at Joe for exploiting Dawn so soon after her father Will’s (Dean Andrews) death. Joe was swiftly met with a confrontation from Kim, who warned him to steer clear of Dawn online, and ominously promised retribution should he cross her. This has prompted fans to theorise that Joe will seek the aid of a village legend to topple Kim.
Enthusiasts of the series have taken to social media to share their predictions of Steve Marchant’s return, Kim’s second spouse. Steve (played by Paul Opacic) first graced the scene in 1996, embarking on a love affair with the formidable Kim.
His exit in 1999 came under grim circumstances; duped by Kim, he received a 10-year sentence for Kathy Bates’ (portrayed by Malandra Burrows) hit-and-run, which he was responsible for.
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Kim’s former flame could be heading back (Image: ITV)
Speculation is rife that Joe could draft Steve back into the fray as a means to exact vengeance on Kim. Fans have ventilated their views on an enthusiast Facebook page.
One suggested: “I think Steve Marchant, Kim’s second husband should come back.” Another concurred, expressing: “Definitely, they should bring him back into the story with Joe.”
A third advocate of the idea added: “It would be a great twist.” Echoing this sentiment, another fan contributed: “Oh yeah! He could still be out for revenge.”
airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm