Emmerdale Joe Tate blackmailer 'sealed' as unexpected villager 'They have it in for him'

Ned Porteous has teased the identity of Joe Tate's blackmailer in Emmerdale. Joe returned to the village in December 2024 after a six-year hiatus and has wasted no time in stirring up trouble amongst his neighbours.

Not only did he embark on an affair with Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), but also resorted to desperate measures while grappling with chronic kidney disease. Knowing he would die without a transplant, Joe drugged his half-brother Noah Dingle (Jack Downham) to find out if he was a match.

However, this led to a disorientated Noah wandering into the middle of the road, causing a limo crash that led to the deaths of Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough), Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), and Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson).

Despite the casualties in his schemes, Joe targeted Caleb Milligan (Will Ash) and stole his kidney with the assistance of Dr Crowley (James Hillier). Joe has since been targeted by someone in the village, and next week, the harassment campaign against him takes a turn. He finds an envelope containing a blackmail demand for £100,000 in the kitchen at Home Farm.

Discussing which character could be tormenting Joe, Ned exclusively told Express.co.uk and other press: "It could be anyone by this point. There's enough people in the village who have it in for Joe who could demand or warrant a reason to be blackmailing him."

Agreeing that it could be Billy, Ned added: "It could be anyone. It could be Kim at this point, we don't know. It could be Dawn's kids."

Ned explained how a vulnerable Joe is left in fear of his blackmailer, worried that something could happen to Dawn and her children knowing the culprit was able to walk freely into Home Farm.

The soap star said: "It's less the money but more the idea that someone has got into the house. It's the feeling of you've lost your safe bubble when someone's broken into your kitchen and left a note. He's less scared and worried about the bribe as such, he's more worried about the fact that his girl and her kids are going to be in danger."

Used to playing a ruthless businessman, Ned admitted he has enjoyed portraying a lesser known side of his character.

He declared: "It's brilliant. Every actor should try and find vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses in their character because it helps them feel more real.

"It helps you build a more real person. Not everyone can be a complete superhero and super tough and rich. You've got to have things about your character that brings you back to reality and Joe's definite vulnerabilities are those he lets into his life, people he cares about."

He concluded: "It's been more fun playing a real Joe than just this stone cold meany."