Emmerdale fans 'work out' what's really wrong with Joe Tate after clue

ok.co.uk:

Joe Tate's recent comeback to Emmerdale has been shrouded in mystery, with fans suspecting he's hiding a big secret. His dramatic return to the village on Christmas Day coincided with the shock death of Will Taylor, leading viewers to speculate about Joe's possible involvement.

Despite initial suspicions from Dawn, Joe has a support for Kim and seems to have smoothly reintegrated himself into Home Farm life, despite his abrupt departure years ago.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw hinted at a major twist, previously revealing that Joe was concealing a "dark" secret. She expressed her excitement about Ned's return as Joe, saying: "We are thrilled to welcome Ned back to Village as the complex and captivating Joe Tate.

From the moment Joe arrives on screen, it’s clear there’s trouble ahead but Joe’s hiding an even darker secret that could see 2025 start off with a huge bang." On Thursday night's episode, 23 January, Joe confessed to Dawn about his painkiller use, which upset her due to her past struggles with addiction.