Ned Porteous has reprised his role as Joe Tate in Emmerdale as part of a scheme to bring down Kim (Claire King).
In today's episode of the soap - available now on ITVX and airing tonight at 7pm on ITV1 - Joe was revealed as the mastermind behind the operation, which has seen Will (Dean Andrews) and Peter (David Michaels) do his bidding in recent weeks.
Joe was last seen in the Dales in 2018, having supposedly died, but in 2019 CCTV footage revealed that he was living abroad and using Kim's money to fund his lifestyle.
In a flashforward scene in the Christmas Day episode, Home Farm will be seen in ruins as Kim's Christmas is shattered - but what exactly has happened?
"I'm so excited to be returning to Emmerdale," said Porteous of his return. "There's a lot of unfinished business for Joe, and it feels like the right time for him to make a comeback.
"Joe has always been a character with a dark side, but there could be something much bigger at play here. Joe is back for a reason, and the devastation at Home Farm is just the beginning of a much bigger story. It's safe to say the audience can expect fireworks this holiday season!"
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: "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."
The Christmas Day episode of Emmerdale is available to stream from 7am on ITVX and airs at 6.30pm on BBC One.
Neil Wilkes
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