Emmerdale responds to Kidney Research UK’s criticism insisting Joe Tate will get his comeuppance
A spokesperson from the soap has hit back
Emmerdale has responded to criticism from a national charity that its storyline regarding Joe Tate‘s quest for a new kidney is playing ‘fast and loose’ with matters of taste. The soap recently revealed that Joe is suffering from kidney disease, and needs a transplant if he hopes to survive.
After trying and failing to get his hand on half-brother Noah’s kidney, Joe set his sights on an alternative donor – uncle Caleb. However, Joe’s plan hit the skids after his accomplice failed to drug Caleb properly. Forced to resort to even messier methods, Joe set an even nastier trap for Caleb…
Meanwhile, ITV were struck with fresh criticism after the charity Kidney Research UK released a statement slamming the story.
Joe ‘will get his comeuppance,’ Emmerdale promises after kidney criticism
A spokesperson for Emmerdale has responded to Kidney Research’s criticism, saying: “Emmerdale covers a wide ranging scope of subjects in its storytelling. From births to deaths and everything in between, the nightly stories entertain, inform and raise awareness.
“We regularly work with organisations, help groups and charities for the portrayal of many of these subjects. But sometimes our characters go rogue acting out of desperation or whilst under pressure.
They added: “Joe Tate’s desperate actions are not being held up as an example and as with any soap villain he will ultimately get his comeuppance.”
But will Joe’s downfall be enough to make up for all he’s done?
Kidney Research UK slams ‘reckless’ storyline
This came as the charity released a statement criticising the soap’s portrayal of kidney disease and organ transplant procedures.
Lucy Sreeves, executive director at Kidney Research UK said: “For millions, kidney disease is not just a plot twist. We appreciate that soaps need drama, but reckless storylines send the wrong message, creating fear and confusion at a time when we desperately need more people to understand kidney disease and step forward as living donors. Six people die every week waiting for a transplant. Organ donation is a highly regulated process and misleading portrayals ignore the harsh reality of being on the waiting list.
“Today we’re urging writers and producers to consider the positive difference they could make to the 7.2million people living with kidney disease in the UK by ensuring their plot twists are accurate and plausible.
“Soap operas have come a long way in recognising the importance of sensitive and accurate portrayals of events that affect a character’s mental health. And it is time the same approach applied to devastating conditions like kidney disease.”
But has the soap already gone too far?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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