Since his Christmas return, fans have been trying to work out what is going on with Joe Tate in Emmerdale, and it seems one line from an episode has caused many viewers a lot of worry that his death might be on the horizon.
Joe’s behaviour has had us all wondering if he is sick. From the attacks of pain he has when he is on his own to the painkillers he seems to be taking a lot of – he has all the signs of someone who is ill.
And after a comment he made this week, fans can’t help but think the soap has just given the biggest clue that Joe is going to die. But if he really is sick, then why has he returned to Emmerdale?
Is Joe in Emmerdale going to die?
In Monday night’s episode, Joe bonded with Noah some more by giving him a watch that belonged to his dad – the only thing he has left of him. The true emotion that Joe showed really makes us believe he wants to stay close to Noah.
He told his little brother that when he wears the watch he ‘hopes you can be reminded of us.’ That line in itself was enough to cause concern. Joe got emotional and apologised to Noah for not being there for him, and assured him he was ready for ‘big brother duties.’ But it wasn’t that which worried viewers.
When Noah was telling him he does want him to be in his life, Joe was emotionally happy. But he added: ‘I’m not going anywhere. I promise.’
Soaps are good at using subtle lines to foreshadow things to come. And fans didn’t miss this one. If people weren’t concerned about Joe in Emmerdale before, then they definitely are now!
Immediately viewers took to X to see if anyone else picked up on the subtle foreshadowing, and expressed their worries that we will lose Joe Tate.
Fans fear for Joe
One wrote: “I’m guessing Joe is going to die then after that scene with Noah.”
Another worried fan penned: “Another gorgeous Joe and Noah scene last night. But I fear a Joe Tate death was foreshadowed.”
If he is dying, then him giving the last thing he has that belonged to their dad to Noah may have been his way of tying up some loose ends.
With many theories on what’s actually wrong with him, fans are still in the dark. But some have suggested he may need a transplant and that’s the real reason he’s bonding with Noah…
Read more: Is Caleb leaving Emmerdale? All the clues that William Ash is set to exit
Emmerdale usually airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.
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