Last night’s episode of Emmerdale finally saw Joe (played by Ned Porteous) get some just desserts at the hands of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) on the ITV soap.
Following Robert and former employee Jimmy King’s (Nick Miles) secret plans to stitch up the billionaire businessman, Joe was arrested by the police.
Tonight’s episode allowed viewers to witness the fallout of Robert’s plot tonight as Joe struggled to reinstate himself into the community with a drink at the Woolpack.
While things were frosty between the Dingles and the Home Farm owner, Joe later confessed all his secrets to his half brother Noah Dingle leaving fans convinced about his next move.
Noah cornered his brother in the passenger seat of his flash sports car as they watched Robert and Aaron (Danny Miller) from afar.
“I don’t understand they set you up with the police why are you being nice to them?” He asked, bewildered.
Giving him a measured smile, Joe replied easily: “Sometimes it pays to let the little man have a little victory.
“It’s all about the long game.”
Relishing in his audience, Joe continued to explain his plans for the future.
“As long as Robert thinks he can beat me he’ll think I’m vulnerable,” he shared. “As long as Robert thinks I’m a pushover, which of course I’m not.”
Taking to Twitter, fans shared their ideas over Joe’s involvement in Aaron’s upcoming kidnapping.
One person wrote: “Joe HAS to be behind Aaron’s kidnap surely #Emmerdale.”
Some fans insisted that Robert won’t be that easily fooled however, as one said: “I’m pretty sure Robert knows that Joe will take revenge for the arrest and Robert is already one step ahead of him. Robert is a smart guy #Robron #Emmerdale.”
Another speculated: “Last week Robert said that ‘it’s only the beginning’ which leads me to believe that Jimmy & Robert have worked out a longer plan.
“Based on the spoilers for next week, Joe seems to have the upper hand but I doubt it. Rob & J are probably still playing a part. #Robron #Emmerdale.”
“#Emmerdale Joe bringing Noah into this feud wow a*s,” another shocked fan posted.
Joe couldn’t resist telling Robert and Aaron that their revenge had barely registered with him however.
“Best man won,” he said breezily. “Bit of loose change for me of course but I’m glad it made you happy.”
But Robert may have revealed that there’s something else in the works with his response.
“He’s not gonna let this go is he,” he said, as resident hard man Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) stepped in.
“Next time you come to me, problem solved,” a smug Cain told them.
But who will stand on top as the ultimate winner? Will it be Joe Tate or Robert Sugden?
Emmerdale continues tomorrow at 7pm on ITV.
