Emmerdale confirms new Joe Tate direction as he plays the long game

Joe Tate’s (Ned Porteous) storyline in Emmerdale is finally starting to progress.

The troublesome face returned to the Dales over Christmas, much to Kim Tate’s (Claire King) surprise. Since then, Joe has proved he’s changed – but we can’t help but wonder if there’s a reason for it.

Alongside being involved in the aftermath of Will Taylor’s (Dean Andrews) sudden death, Joe is hiding a secret about his health. We’ve seen him in pain a couple of times, and he also takes medication to seemingly control the symptoms.

Yesterday, Joe turned his attention to brother Noah Dingle (Jack Downham). He attempted to connect with him by offering his sibling football tickets, but then Ross Barton (Michael Parr) and Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) got in his way.

Convinced Joe was up to no good, Charity told Ross to scare him away from Noah – and he did exactly that.

In tonight’s episode, Noah arrived in the café to speak with Joe. He wondered if the football tickets were still on offer, and was left disappointed when Joe said they could no longer go.

As Noah headed to the pub to sulk, a curious Kim found Joe in the kitchen at Home Farm.

Knowing Joe’s history, Kim couldn’t help but question if his reformed character was all an act. Aware he’s definitely up to something, she pushed Joe for information – but he simply said he was being strategic and playing the ‘long game’.

As Kim left, Joe consumed another tablet, but then realised he had ran out.

The business man is very confident he’ll end up getting what he wants – but just what will that be?

Does it involve Noah and the Dingles?

And will any of them get hurt in the process?

MORE: Who is Joe Tate in Emmerdale and what’s wrong with him?

MORE: Sex scandal as Dawn prepares to confess after cheating in Emmerdale

MORE: Emmerdale fans are only just realising Joe Tate star Ned Porteous had major EastEnders role