Emmerdale fans have long been preparing for Olivia Bromley's departure from her role as Dawn Taylor after eight years, but her exit storyline has taken a dramatic and dangerous turn. In recent episodes, Dawn, who is set to marry Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), has been secretly planning to jilt him at the altar and flee the country with their unborn child to reunite with her ex-husband Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle).
Dawn's determination to escape stems from her belief that Joe was the one who attacked Billy from behind in the depot after discovering their almost kiss. Billy, still harbouring feelings for Dawn, has not told her that it was actually Kev Barton (Chris Coghill) who attacked him.
Help with a Cruel Condition
Caleb Miligan (William Ash) and his wife Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) have been helping Dawn and Billy, even providing fake passports. However, their assistance came with a condition: Dawn must abandon Joe on the day of his wedding for maximum humiliation.
The wedding day itself has been overshadowed by the anticipated death of Jimmy King (Nick Miles), which has been rumoured since Sadie King (Patsy Kensit) returned. Two more possible deaths have also been teased, including Dawn herself. Olivia first revealed her departure back in March.
A Deadly Wedding Day
In tonight's episode, Dawn's escape attempt is discovered by Joe's butler and mentor Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough). He interrogates her version of events, questioning how Joe could have assaulted Billy if he was attacked from behind. When Graham tries to take her car keys, Dawn hits him over the head with a shovel and ties him up in the stable.
Graham's words get into her head, and just as she is about to leave with Billy, Dawn confronts him with the suspicions and demands the truth. Meanwhile, Joe realises he has been betrayed by his true love after Caleb reveals his evil plan. He hits the bottle and trashes the wedding venue, only for Dawn to show up at the last minute, begging for forgiveness and asking to still marry him.
As Joe is about to answer, Jimmy King's car ploughs into the marquee. Dawn and Joe end up trapped under the wreckage. Kim Tate (Claire King) arrives with Graham, who has escaped, and he runs inside to save Joe. However, Jimmy's damaged car has an electrical fault and explodes in a ball of fire, taking the marquee with it.
What Happens Next?
The fate of several characters hangs in the balance. Billy should also be worried: if Joe survives, he will want revenge against Billy for ruining his life. If Joe dies, Graham will take that revenge for him.
