The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that hasn’t aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX.
Despite telling everyone that she won’t be getting back with Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) in Emmerdale, it seems Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) has been unable to resist his charms.
A few days ago, at the hospital, Joe told Dawn that wouldn’t report her to the police for pushing him out of a window. He wanted something in return though, and that was for Dawn to let him prove that he is a man who can be trusted.
Dawn told Joe that they wouldn’t be reuniting, but Joe simply took that as a challenge. Yesterday, he bought presents for Clemmie and Lucas in an attempt to connect and impress them, but Dawn told him that probably wasn’t the best approach.
In the café, Joe asked Sam Dingle (James Hooton) for advice on relationships. Sam didn’t work out that Joe was referring to him and Dawn, but he did say that trying in a partnership is very important.
So that’s exactly what he did tonight.
Returning home from school, Clemmie (Mabel Addison) had some lines to learn for a school play. Joe wondered if he could help out, but Clemmie just wanted to practice with Dawn.
Joe persisted with his plan, and it led to Dawn realising he absolutely wasn’t going to give up. As they spoke, Joe and Dawn failed to spot Clemmie, who was on the stairs listening in.
Hearing Dawn flirt with Joe caused the youngster to feel paranoid. It was only recently that Joe threatened to send Clemmie back into care, so seeing her mum have a nice time with the man who terrified her left Clemmie confused.
As Dawn and Joe continued to chat, Clemmie snuck into the kitchen, stole a phone and called social services. She said that she is scared of her mum’s new boyfriend, and needs some help.
In upcoming episodes, a social worker will visit Home Farm to talk to Joe and Dawn about a safeguarding concern.
The interview goes alright and there is relief when no further action is needed, but it makes Joe realise he needs to make things up to Clemmie, and sort things with Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle).