Emmerdale’s Joe Tate, played by Ned Porteous, is currently grappling with a serious illness on the show, sparking speculation about the actor’s potential exit.
The character, who returned to the soap during the Christmas period, has been acting suspiciously, leading viewers to discover his ill health.
However, the exact nature of his ailment remains a mystery.
Amid this dramatic storyline, Porteous has opened up about his future on , with fans fearing his character could meet a tragic end due to his undisclosed illness. This has led to rumours about the possible departure of the popular actor from the show.
Porteous, who also portrayed Mark Fowler Jnr in , hinted at a potential return to the soap during its 40th anniversary. Speaking to Inside Soap, he said: “I might be going back to then! It was the first soap I did and I remember it very fondly, going on set with all those people I’d watched for years and years.”
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Joe Tate star Ned Porteous has revealed more about his soap future (Image: ITV)
When questioned about leaving , he responded: “I don’t even know what I want to do next week so that far ahead is a bit of a mystery. I’m very happy where I am now. I have great stories and a lot to do as an actor, I’m not about to jump ship any time soon,” reports .
Currently, Joe is involved in an affair with Dawn, but Porteous has dismissed the idea of his character developing genuine feelings for her.
“I’d like to be able to give you an answer on this one! I’m not sure that Joe is capable of true love as that involves an immense vulnerability and Joe is such a control freak that, even if he did have feelings, he’d still find a way to turn it to his advantage. I think he’s a bit of a sociopath… but with a heart of gold,” he said.
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Joe is hiding a big secret in Emmerdale (Image: ITV)
Upon his return to the Dales, Ned hinted at a “dark secret” that Joe was concealing.
“I’m so excited to be returning to . There’s a lot of unfinished business for Joe, and it feels like the right time for him to make a comeback. Joe has always been a character with a dark side, but there could be something much bigger at play here.
“Joe is back for a reason, and the devastation at Home Farm is just the beginning of a much bigger story. It’s safe to say the audience can expect fireworks this holiday season!” he teased upon his arrival back in .”
airs Mondays to Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV1