Emmerdale fans believe they have identified the real kidnapper of Baby Tate, casting doubt on the suspicion that falls on Kim Tate's secret daughter, Detective Thea Ramsden, in upcoming episodes.
Next week's spoilers confirm that Joe Tate's baby son goes missing from the cottage where Graham Foster is caring for him, a location known only to Kim. Joe had wanted the baby adopted following the death of his partner Dawn Taylor, but the disappearance leaves Graham and Kim fearing the worst.
Fans Question Thea's Guilt
Although Thea is accused and faces a violent showdown with Kim, viewers are convinced the real culprit, whose identity is revealed onscreen next week, is someone else. Social media theories range from a returning Tate relative to an unexpected existing villager.
One fan speculated: "If it's not Joe, maybe it is the return of Jamie Tate." Another suggested: "It could also pave the way for the return of a character or the introduction of a new Tate or Sugden."
Alternative Suspects Emerge
A third fan proposed Sarah as the kidnapper, writing: "I’m actually starting to think could it have been Sarah. Thea is faking concern and using it as an opportunity to get close to Kim when she’s at her weakest and she’s told Sarah to take the baby given she told her that she owed her for getting Charity out of the nick."
Another viewer speculated: "Could be Serena steals the child so Thea can't be implicated although we know she did it. It would be such a shock if Thea and Serena were more than good friends."
Showdown and Aftermath
Despite the theories, some fans still believe Thea is responsible, with one saying: "One word of the kidnapper - THEA!" while another wondered if she and girlfriend Serena are in it together.
Spoilers reveal that Thea is stabbed during a showdown with Kim, who becomes convinced of her guilt. As Kim accuses her, Thea claims Kim tried to sell the child, leading to Kim stabbing her secret daughter. Kim rushes Thea to hospital, while Graham returns to Home Farm and finds Baby Tate, but makes a discovery.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
