Emmerdale's Kim Tate (Claire King) finds herself in uncharted territory as she becomes both a kidnapper and a victim in a shocking baby snatch storyline. Kim has been hiding a huge secret: she has Joe Tate's (Ned Porteous) baby son hidden away in a cottage with Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough).
Joe had expressly told Graham to put the child up for an illegal adoption to get him as far away as possible, unaware the baby is just down the road. When Joe forced Graham to give the baby away, Graham vowed it would be the last thing he'd ever do and that he'd leave the village too. As far as Joe is aware, Graham is long gone.
Kim's Desperate Search
With Joe on a knife edge – drink driving, puking in a police officer's car, and indulging in ill-advised gambling – there's no telling how he'll react when he finds out he's been lied to. It's particularly inconvenient then for Kim to realise the secret tot has been taken. She desperately needs to find him but cannot involve the police.
She enlists Thea Ramsden's (Chelsea Edge) help to keep it off the official police books, unaware that Thea is her own secret daughter playing a long game of revenge. The kidnapper makes themselves known by sending ransom demands via a tablet and putting family photos in the cottage. Graham complies with the kidnapper's demands and heads to meet them.
The Shocking Revelation
Then it dawns on Kim – Thea was gunning for her after the crash that killed Dawn (Olivia Bromley). She wanted her sent down. But then recently flipped into being helpful, preventing Kim from being arrested due to dangerous driving. Kim knows why – Thea is the kidnapper. She pressures her to confess and Thea snaps, leaving Kim fearful for her life.
As she goes to flee, she grabs a knife in self-defence and stabs Thea. Thea lays there, bleeding out at the feet of her biological mother, and still Kim pushes her for a confession. But as she passes out, she accuses Kim of trying to sell the child, making Kim realise she's innocent.
What Happens Next
Kim rushes Thea to the hospital, but with the police on the way, she realises how bad things truly are. Graham meanwhile finds baby Tate at the stables, along with the real kidnapper who reveals their identity. Could it be Joe having foiled Graham's plans?
