Emmerdale fans are convinced Joe Tate is set to embark on a new romance after 'spotting' a clue during Sunday's episode. The heartbroken villain has been battling to function following the tragic death of Dawn Taylor, but a fresh romance could be emerging.
In tragic scenes on the ITV soap, Dawn (Olivia Bromley) died in hospital from cardiac arrest triggered by severe haemorrhaging after delivering her baby prematurely in August. The unexpected death happened after a car driven by Jimmy King (Nick Miles) ploughed into Dawn and Joe's (Ned Porteous) wedding marquee, where he died at the scene.
Joe's grief and revenge plot
Joe has subsequently placed his infant son up for adoption and has been fixated on exacting vengeance against those connected to the events that unfolded before Dawn's death, including Caleb Miligan (William Ash) and his spouse, Ruby (Beth Cordingly).
During Sunday's (October 11) episode in the Dales, Joe carried on drinking heavily and tried to get into his vehicle while intoxicated and drive off, reports the Daily Star. Fortunately, newcomer DS Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) intervened to prevent Joe from drink driving, and escorted him back to Home Farm without making an arrest.
Thea's hidden agenda
Kim Tate (Claire King) was moved by Thea's compassion and forbearance, as Joe entered through the front door having been sick in Thea's vehicle. Thea demonstrated sympathy towards Joe and listened attentively as Kim expressed her concerns about Joe, whom she described as "like a son to her".
Despite presenting a friendly façade towards the Tates, Thea is quietly biding her time with an elaborate revenge plot aimed at her estranged biological mother, Kim.
Fan speculation
Emmerdale fans are now convinced that Thea and Joe are set to embark on a romance after picking up on the undeniable "chemistry" between the pair. On Reddit, one user wrote: "Joe and Thea had more chemistry in that one scene than Joe and Dawn ever did, but TheaSerena for me! (Is there a ship name there already?)"
A second agreed: "This exactly! I'm also glad I'm not the only one who thought Thea and Joe had chemistry; it'd also be an interesting way to unite the Tates by both blood and name." Over on X, one viewer queried: "*That* moment between Thea and Joe...what dynamic is it?", while another chimed in: "Who's Joe going to attempt to sleep with first. Thea or Sadie #Emmerdale."
As the episode drew on, Joe appeared to have cleared his head, turning to Sadie King (Patsy Kensit) for assistance with a fresh "problem-solving" scheme, setting his latest vengeful machinations in motion. Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
