Emmerdale fans believe they have uncovered the name of Dawn Fletcher and Joe Tate's newborn son following the character's tragic death. Dawn gave birth to a boy after a catastrophic car crash on the ITV soap, but later died in hospital from excessive blood loss.
Dawn's death and Joe's grief
Jimmy King, played by Nick Miles, died when his vehicle crashed into a wedding marquee on the Home Farm estate. Dawn, portrayed by Olivia Bromley, and Joe Tate, played by Ned Porteous, were inside the marquee at the time and were due to marry. Dawn went into premature labour and gave birth to a son at the hospital.
Despite earlier plans to leave her fiancé, Dawn and Joe appeared to reconcile, discussing baby names and future plans. However, Joe later returned to her hospital room to find her unresponsive. Medical staff tried to revive her, but she tragically died.
Viewers were moved as Joe embraced his late wife, moments before a dream sequence showing the couple's first dance was broadcast. Joe has struggled to accept Dawn's death, sending her three children, Clemmie, Lucas and Evan, away from Home Farm and declining to visit his newborn son at the hospital.
Kim and Graham step in
During Friday's episode, available on ITVX, Kim Tate and Graham Foster tried to persuade Joe to see his son. Graham noted, "Dawn's death still needs to be registered," to which Joe replied, "Well, you can do that."
Kim said, "Okay. But only if you agree to come with us to see your baby." Joe bluntly stated, "No," before explaining, "That's the problem, isn't it? Every time I look at him, I'm reminded of what he took from me. I can't handle that."
Graham urged Joe to consider what Dawn would have wanted, but Joe refused, declaring, "No! Call it cruel, call it cold, call it psychopathic. I don't care. I don't care about anything. Sorry," before storming out. Kim and Graham later visited the infant, with Kim revealing her plans to care for the newborn while Joe processes his grief. "Whatever happens, he stays with us," she stated.
Fans' name predictions
Many Emmerdale viewers now think they have worked out the baby's name. While some previously speculated the child could be named after Jimmy King, others predict Joe might honour Dawn by choosing Taylor, her maiden name.
One viewer asked on X, "I wonder what Joe will name his son?" Another responded, "I think Taylor Tate." A third suggested, "I thought DJ (Dawn Junior) or William, Taylor. That is IF he decided to keep him or Kim and Graham decide to take responsibility for the tiny tot."
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
