Rumours that Dawn Taylor is leaving Emmerdale have been circulating, but nothing has been confirmed by the show or actress Olivia Bromley. Speculation intensified during this week's dramatic stunt scenes, which saw Jimmy King killed and Joe Tate caught in an explosion.
Thursday's cliffhanger showed Dawn Taylor and Nicola King escaping the wedding marquee, which was meant to host pregnant Dawn's wedding to Joe. Dawn had jilted Joe before changing her mind, but tragedy struck before they could reconcile. Jimmy's car sped into the marquee, injuring himself, Dawn and Joe. Jimmy later died, while Nicola and Dawn were unharmed, leaving Joe's fate unknown.
Explosion Leaves Joe Tate's Fate Unknown
As the marquee exploded, it was teased that villain Joe had been killed off, with his loved ones watching in shock. Earlier this year, reports suggested actress Olivia Bromley had been written out of the ITV soap after eight years. While unconfirmed, these reports led fans to wonder if Joe would die, causing a grief-stricken Dawn to flee the village.
Scenes this week did tease an exit when Dawn planned to run off with Billy Fletcher, but she changed her mind, leading some to question whether the exit rumours were a mistake. The escape plan may have sparked speculation, but the claims have not been backed up by the show or the actress.
Joe's Fate Confirmed in Friday's Episode
Friday's episode, now available on ITVX, follows the immediate fallout of the explosion as Graham Foster desperately tries to save Joe. Joe is rescued and taken to hospital, where it is revealed whether he lives or dies. The episode airs this evening at 8PM on ITV1.
Producer Laura Shaw recently teased Joe's fate with the Mirror, appearing to confirm a big new storyline. Laura hinted that Joe's feud with his uncle Caleb Miligan would escalate after the wedding week and continue into 2027. A "gothic and dark" autumn for the Tates is also expected.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
