Emmerdale favourite Joe Tate is set for a bleak and solitary festive season, actor Ned Porteous has confirmed, after a devastating chain of events leaves him out in the cold with his grandmother, Kim Tate.
A Heartbreaking Decision Leads to Ejection
The drama stems from an illegal shoot organised by Sam Dingle on Home Farm land, which had dire consequences. Kim Tate, played by Claire King, was injured after her leg was caught in a snare, but the true tragedy befell her beloved horse, Ice. The animal suffered severe leg damage, leaving Joe with an agonising choice.
Believing he was doing the right thing, Joe made the heart-breaking decision to have Ice euthanised to end his suffering. Consumed by grief, Kim furiously lashed out, blaming her grandson and throwing him out of the house.
Joe's 'Strange' and Isolated Christmas
Ned Porteous, who portrays the complex character, provided insight into Joe's mindset. 'Joe is basically ousted from the house by Kim Tate, because she's so cross because of what he has done to her horse,' the actor explained. 'So it's going to be a different Christmas for Joe. I think he's probably gutted about the fact he's annoyed Kim. But at the time he believed he was doing the right thing, as Joe always does.'
This leaves Joe spending the holidays 'somewhere a little different' and firmly out of his comfort zone. However, Porteous teased a sliver of hope: 'this Christmas there is also a nice happy piece of news for him.' Whether this is enough to compensate for being cast out remains to be seen.
Kim's Double Betrayal and Lonely Festive Season
Kim's wrath isn't reserved solely for Joe. She is also reeling from the betrayal of Sam and Lydia Dingle, whom she considered a close friend. Sam organised the shoot in a desperate bid for extra cash, with Lydia reluctantly going along with the plan.
This double blow means Kim will also be spending Christmas alone and isolated in Home Farm, pushing away both her grandson and her confidante. The fallout from the poaching incident has created a deep rift, with Joe hoping to 'win her around in the New Year' – a task Porteous admits may be 'a tall order'.
While Joe Tate's Christmas looks decidedly frosty, actor Ned Porteous is looking forward to a proper break, planning to see family, enjoy festive food and drink, and play old video games with his brother.
