Emmerdale fans believe they have uncovered a potential new storyline for Joe Tate following the death of his fiancée Dawn Taylor. Dawn died in devastating scenes during the marquee accident, which also claimed the life of Jimmy King. Actress Olivia Bromley has now left the soap, ending her long-running portrayal of the character.
Olivia Bromley on her emotional exit
Speaking to The Mirror about her departure, Bromley said: "It was the toughest storyline I've done during my time in the soap. I was surprised by how emotional I found it and it was way more emotional than I was expecting."
She added: "I did cry. It is very strange to kill off your character as an actor and in front of your colleagues. But that said, what a gift to be given. Often people leave and just slip off."
Fans back Joe and Gabby pairing
Now viewers are convinced a new storyline could see a grieving Joe Tate end up with Gabby Thomas, who is also a solo parent to a Tate baby. One fan suggested: "Her leaving paves the way for Joe and Gabby. Gabby will help Joe with the baby, they will commiserate about being single parents to Tate babies and they’ll end up together until Graham susses out that Gabby was driving while lightheaded from her eating disorder and Jimmy swerving to avoid her caused the accident that killed Jimmy and Dawn."
Another added: "I don't know why, but I think there's the potential for one of those couples who shouldn't work, but do. The actors have enough chemistry to pull it off, and it would be believable as a slow burn."
Fans see chemistry and balance
Viewers are convinced Joe and Gabby could get together, with one describing them as a "perfect" couple. "When Dawn leaves, Joe & Gabby would be a perfect couple imo. I feel like Gabby would actually challenge Joe more than Dawn ever did. Gabby doesn't take shit at all, and I can't see her enabling any of Joe's behaviour, much like Dawn did, both last year, and earlier this year," they wrote.
They continued: "With a relationship, there needs to be balance. While Joe & Dawn are of course very cute and sweet together, a lot of it was Dawn turning a blind eye to his behaviour, until she decided to grow a conscience too little too late."
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