Someone is once again crossing the iconic Kim Tate, but could it be her own family? As fans predict a return to Emmerdale for Joe Tate.
The son of Chris Tate, Joe, was last seen in the village in 2018. He had a shock exit after Kim ordered him to be killed when he got to cosy at Home Farm.
Joe had a near-fatal run in with Cain Dingle and allowed him to believe he had actually killed him.
Emmerdale Joe Tate to make return after six years? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Joe Tate return?
For months that followed, fans believed that Emmerdale’s Joe was actually dead. But then a shock twist revealed that in reality, Graham Foster helped him go on the run.
His abrupt exit left loose ends, especially when it came to his feud with the Queen of Home Farm. Since 2018 there have been few mentions of Joe, but fans have been awaiting his return.
As Kim and Will’s storyline continues to take many twists and turns – could Joe be the mastermind behind Peter’s ‘Operation Destroy Kim Tate’?
Viewers recently discovered that Will was working with Kim’s financial advisor, Peter, to take her down. But when he decided he wanted out, the newbie refused to let him.
Then a phone call with an unknown person revealed Peter was actually working with someone else.
Theories immediately began swarming around social media as to who is out to get Kim, and everyone agrees it makes sense for it to be someone we already know. And one name that’s thrown around a lot; Joe Tate.
Someone is trying to take down Kim Tate – but who? (Credit: ITV)
Fans predict Joe Tate is getting revenge
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal their predictions.
One wrote: “But who is the puppet master? Please be Joe Tate.”
Another added: “Are we finally getting Joe Tate’s revenge?”
“‘Operation destroy Kim is back on track’ Oh Peter! Which Tate are you working for? It has to be Joe, right?”, a third fan penned.
Other fans pointed out similarity between Peter and Graham, strengthening their belief that Joe is the one behind it.
A viewer wrote: “Peter is giving Graham vibes. So Joe Tate could be the mastermind? It makes sense that he would trust someone who reminds him of Graham. Maybe Peter knew him too.”
While at this point it is unknown who the mystery caller was, there are definitely some good theories that indicate Joe could be behind it.
After six years, are we finally getting his highly anticipated return?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.Â
Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for all the latest spoilers, news and gossip. Let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Sometimes soaps air a storyline that has so many twists and turns that it’s hard for anybody to keep up. That seems to be the case with the current Emmerdale Kim and Will storyline.
However, in doing so it has created an extremely baffling storyline that fans feel has gone on for too long.
Are Kim and Will together again? Who is playing who? And is Will just impossible to kill? Here is a round-up of what’s going on, including fan theories on what’s to come.
Emmerdale Kim and Will’s baffling storyline (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Kim and Will – what’s happened
Emmerdale’s Kim and Will were a perfectly happily married couple. Fans were enjoying seeing them live their lives as a team. But when the show introduced Dawn’s mother, Rose, Will couldn’t resist going back to his past for a one-night stand.
Obviously this was not going to ever go down well with the iconic Kim Tate. And so when Will kept receiving blackmail messages, he never considered it could be his wife – but it was.
Eventually the couple decided to call time on their romance. But the end of their love story marked the beginning of a war.
The nasty divorce proceedings led Kim to hiring a financial advisor, Peter. The two then had a romantic encounter which led to Will confronting him.
Not wanting Will to get his hands on her wealth, Kim also teamed up with recently returned Ross Barton to remove her husband from the village.
While she didn’t mean Ross should kill him – that’s what he almost did – until Will rocked up at Home Farm, alive and angry.
Kim was shocked at her own happiness at seeing Will alive, and the couple called time on their feud and their divorce, to give their relationship another go.
But in another huge twist, viewers saw Will meet up with Peter revealing they had secretly been working together to bring Kim down. When Will informed him he wanted out, Peter reminded him that wasn’t possible.
After Ross informed Will of how Kim’s main concern was covering up his death when she thought he was gone, Will began to question if Peter was right. And so once again, Will is working against Kim.
And fans were treated to a mysterious phone call between Peter and an unknown person talking about “Operation destroy Kim.” But who was on the other line?
Who is Peter working with to take Kim down? (Credit: ITV)
Kim and Will theories in Emmerdale
Kim’s playing him
While many fans believe the back and forth between them is unnecessary and there was no need to wreck their relationship, many have thought of theories that could put Emmerdale queen Kim Tate on top.
After last night’s reveal that Will is still working against Kim, fans can’t help but think she is actually the one playing him. Because how could Kim Tate fall for his lies?
One wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Kim’s too smart for this. She must be playing Will at his own game.”
Another agreed: “This is deffo Kim’s plan. Will is just falling for it.”
“Kim must be playing Will. She can’t really be back with him,” another fan pleaded.
So is Kim really the mastermind behind the whole thing? And has she realised if she wants Will out of the village, she has to do it herself?
Are the Tates involved?
Other fan theories include Peter teaming up with other Tate members to take Kim down. Some who live in the village and others who don’t.
When Caleb first arrived in 2022, it was revealed he was the son of Frank Tate and that he was there to get what he felt belonged to him. This led to a feud between him and Kim, and while he may have failed the first time, could he be attempting another takedown?
Or could Peter actually be teaming up with Kim’s son, Jamie Tate? He is currently in hiding with his daughter, Millie, after faking his own death to get away from Kim. So does he want to come back to the village, but he knows he needs rid of his mother first?
Although a different much-loved Tate could be wanting to take back Home Farm. Fan favourite Joe Tate is still out there somewhere, and he still has a score to settle with Kim – so could it be him? Fans have been saying he needs to make a comeback..
While there could be many different outcomes, fans hope they don’t have long to wait to find out who the mastermind is.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am on ITV3, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.Â
What do you think of the Kim and Will storyline? Follow us on Facebook @EmmerdaleInsider for all the latest spoilers, gossip and news. Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Fans of Emmerdale have predicted that Peter is working with other members of the Tate family to bring down Kim. The soap revealed the other night (Monday, November 25) that Will has been working with dodgy solicitor Peter in his vendetta against Kim.
Will is having second thoughts about their plan, but Peter won’t be so easily deterred. He remains set on his plot to destroy Kim Tate.
But is Peter working alone – and, if not, are there other Tates waiting in the wings?
Will has been working with Peter (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans predict more Tates are behind plot to destroy Kim
As these scenes aired, fans took to social media to share their theories about Peter and his plan for Kim.
“All I can think of is something to do with Joseph Tate. He has beef with Kim and also a character is returning at Christmas?,” suggested one viewer in a Reddit thread.
“Peter is going to bring other Tates in, isn’t he? Jamie or Joe coming back would be wild. Jean coming back would be MEGA Tate!,” another said.
“Joe? Jamie? Another scorned lover?,” asked a third.
“Could be Jamie, Joe – someone to do with Graham that he’s working for?,” another viewer asked, invoking the name of Kim’s other ex, Graham Foster.
Caleb is the son of Kim’s ex-husband, Frank (Credit: ITV)
Who is Peter working for?
Peter and Will’s plot to destroy Kim follows Caleb’s arrival in the village in December 2022. Soon afterwards, the soap revealed that Caleb was the long lost son of Frank Tate. He initially came to the village looking to take back what he felt was his heritage from Kim.
Caleb’s plan ultimately came to naught, with Kim coming out victorious – and Caleb being pushed off a cliff as payback for all of his wrongdoing.
Caleb may have been a dud, but are there other Tates waiting in the wings? Of the once mighty Emmerdale dynasty, there are certainly plenty of candidates who could be responsible.
A popular fan theory is that her son Jamie is overdue a return – last seen in 2021, the character is currently in hiding with his daughter, Millie, having faked his own death after attempting to poison mum Kim.
Another possible candidate is Chris Tate’s son, Joe. He hasn’t been seen since 2018, after a near-fatal run-in with Cain Dingle. Could Jamie or Joe be set to make a comeback?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter
In spite of Will’s deceit, the couple managed to settle their differences. After Kim admitted that she just wanted to end all the arguing, they fell into a passionate kiss – and agreed to give their marriage another go.
And the pair remained loved-up tonight (Tuesday, November 27). As she filled Dawn in on recent events, Kim even went so far as to describe Will as one of the only two men she’d ever loved. No, we don’t see it either, but whatever floats your boat, Kim.
But who was the other love of Kim Tate’s life?
Kim has had a chequered dating history to say the least (Credit: ITV)
The ‘other’ love of Kim Tate’s life – who was Dave Glover on Emmerdale?
Speaking to the Metro back in 2020, actor Claire King, who plays Kim Tate, revealed who she thinks first stole Kim’s heart… and no, it wasn’t her husband, Frank Tate.
According to Claire, Dave Glover was the only man to steal Kim’s heart. A member of a local ‘roving gypsy clan,’ Dave had a steamy affair with Kim behind the back of his partner, Kathy Glover and Kim’s husband, Frank.
During their affair, Kim fell pregnant with her son, James. It was then that Frank offered Kim £1million to leave Dave, also forbidding his love rival from contact with baby James (who he believed was his own.)
They resumed their relationship while he was engaged to Kathy, planning to leave the village together. However, their relationship came to an abrupt end when a fire broke out in James’s nursery – trapping Dave, who later died of his injuries.
Dave Glover appeared on the soap between 1994 and 1996 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
“He was her one,” reveals Claire King
Speaking to the Metro at the time, Claire said: “I honestly believe that he was [her true love]. I think she still believes that it was possibly Dave’s baby. Frank went to get a test done but he had to bribe them so there’s still that grey area although Jamie thinks Frank’s his father and Kim’s let that ride.”
“I think in her heart of heart she still thinks there’s a possibility it could be his. He was definitely the love of her life up until Graham.”
“With his death you’ve seen how affected she was by it and she’s realised she didn’t make her feelings known to him as she should have done, as she really did care for him but I doubt as much as she did for Dave, I think it’s fair to say Dave was her one.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale tonight saw Tom get up to his old tricks again by sneaking into Charity’s home while Belle was bathing and stealing her clothes. In full-on creep mode, he then re-gifted Belle’s top to Amelia, growing enamored by how much she now resembled his ex wife. Ew.
Meanwhile, a loved-up Liam and Chas attracted Ella’s suspicions after she caught them sharing a charged moment outside the Woolpack bathrooms. Is Ella onto Liam and Chas?
And, as Will and Kim settled their differences, Peter continued to scheme. What does he have planned?
Here’s what happened on Emmerdale tonight, Tuesday November 26.
Tom snuck in (Credit: ITV)
Belle’s back… and Tom swung by for a visit in Emmerdale tonight
Belle came home, and Lydia, Charity and Vinny were excited to have her back again. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t great, as there’d been a massive leak, and Belle’s bedroom was flooded.
Still, Belle was in good spirits, saying how she felt much better now. Her mood soon soured when the Dingles filled her in on the lack of progress in the case. She was dismayed to learn everything which had gone on while she was away – Tom getting his job back, moving in with Nicola and getting away with smashing up the tablet. Not to mention Cain beating up Jimmy (still not the silliest thing Cain did last week).
Meanwhile, Tom was irritated by Amelia as he tapped away on his laptop. He attempted to balance his irritation with his needing her to put on his fa̤ade Рand was stunned to learn that Belle had come home today.
As Belle decided to unwind with a bath, Tom let himself into the house. Going unnoticed as she padded around in a bathrobe, creepy Tom stole a top from her open suitcase and crept back out again.
Approaching her later in the village, he continued to taunt his ex – telling her how she’d be thrown in a padded cell for axing him in the back.
Meeting up with Amelia afterwards, he handed over Belle’s top as a gift. He then told her how her new look reminded him… how gorgeous she is. Pulling her in for a hug, he then gave Belle’s top a long, deep, deeply longing (and deeply creepy) sniff.
Will had a change of hear (Credit: ITV)
Kim and Will are back on track… but Peter is still plotting
Will and Kim continued to mend bridges in their marriage, and were more loved-up than ever. In The Hide, Kim threatened Ross, telling him how she’d make his life a living hell if he tried any more funny tricks.
Over coffee, she told Dawn how she’d taken Will back, giving her some advice on mending her relationship with Billy. “I’ve only ever loved two men in my life,” she said… and Will, somehow, is one of them. No, we don’t see it either.
As Will and Dawn talked at the haulage yard, she pulled on his heartstrings – telling her what Kim had said. In a busy day for Will, he then got a visit from Ross, who told him he needed to get his head checked out. And not just because he’d just been whacked over it with a rock (or, more accurately, whacked a rock with his head.)
Back at home, Kim got Will to call his solicitor to cancel the divorce and send back the letter. But who’s playing games with whom?
With Kim out on business, another visitor popped by to see Will – Peter, who wasn’t happy to learn that Will was reneging on their deal. It was then Peter’s turn to make a furtive phone call, informing a mystery somebody that “operation destroy Kim is firmly back on track.”
Uh-oh.
Liam and Chas whisper sweet nothings over rolls of toilet paper (Credit: ITV)
Elsewhere on Emmerdale tonight… Liam and Chas made Ella suspicious
Things were tense at work between Ella and Liam. Manpreet was appalled to hear that she was planning on leaving the village. Chas felt guilty as she learned that Ella was planning on heading off to Leeds. Meanwhile, Manpreet came up with a plan of her own.
In the back room, she told Liam how she wanted to cool down their relationship. Liam was a bit more reluctant – and professed his love to her.
He was left disappointed when Manpreet told him that she and Ella would be moving in together – meaning that his ex would be sticking around for a while longer.
Outside the toilets, Chas returned his declaration of love. Ella then burst in, interrupting their tender moment. While the pair made their rubbish excuses, Ella was left clearly unconvinced.
Has she figured out what’s been going on between Liam and Chas?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Will is alive, last night’s episode of Emmerdale revealed. This came as he survived Ross‘s attack, which had been at the behest of scheming Kim – in an attempt to make her mooching husband leave the village.
Given a scare after Ross and Will led her to believe she’d gotten him killed, a relieved Kim made up with Will as he returned home, revealing how he’d teamed up with Ross to turn the tables.
And, as they headed back down from the bedroom more loved-up than ever, it seemed as though their marriage was back on track.
Later, as Will met with Kim’s former flame, Peter, he seemed keen to back out of their arrangement. Love’s not dead after all, and neither is Will.
Shame.
Will returned from beyond the grave last night (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale tonight reunited Kim and Will at last – but it turns out he’s got himself into a mess with Peter, who has he been working with to bring Kim Tate down. Oops.
Meanwhile, Amelia fell back into Tom’s arms when he brought God into the equation. But Sam wasn’t having any of it and went straight to the police.
Here’s what happened in Emmerdale tonight, Monday November 25.
Will and Kim reunited – but there was a twist in Emmerdale tonight
Ross and Will made a deal (Credit: ITV)
Will’s alive!
Ross burst into Kim’s and told her Will was dead. He even showed her photographic evidence. Ross claimed he had put Will in the back of the van and rolled it into the quarry.
Kim was devastated and aggressively threw him out. Lydia then arrived, but Kim just sent her home. And then Will walked in. A bit battered and bruised, but alive. Turned out Will and Ross made an arrangement to trick Kim into thinking he was dead.
Kim and Will finally got back together (Credit: ITV)
A much longed for reunion
Kim insisted she’d never meant to kill Will, she just wanted an end to all the arguing (you and us both). And before we knew it they were admitting they still loved each other and were kissing.
After an afternoon in bed, Kim called off the divorce and they agreed to start again. No more secrets. Which obviously means there are LOTS of secrets still to come.
Will has been working with Peter (Credit: ITV)
And then the twist…
Sure enough, Will went to meet none other than Kim’s former flame Peter! It turns out they have been working together to bring Kim down.
Will tried to call the deal off, but Peter threatened to tell Kim everything. His threats left Will in a very tricky position indeed. Will he bring Kim down? Or will he do the sensible thing, confess to Kim what he was plotting and team up with her to stop smarmy Peter.
Well, when did anyone in Emmerdale ever do the sensible thing?
Tom won Amelia over – but not everyone else in Emmerdale tonight
Amelia forgave Tom, but Nicola still didn’t want to know (Credit: ITV)
Tom’s prayers were answered
Nicola was not interested in Tom’s excuses over why Amelia had been upset the previous week. He then headed to the church supposedly to pray, but actually to manipulate Amelia.
He spun her some nonsense about how he often comes to talk to God in the church, which obviously won Amelia straight over. Tom then talked about them getting engaged one day – but he said they had to grow their love first. For goodness sake, when we’re done retching, we ask again: when will Amelia see sense?
Amelia then went to see Nicola and explained what had happened – or at least what Tom had manipulated her into believing had happened.
Sam is desperate for justice to be done in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Sam went to the police
Amelia later suggested she and Tom read the Bible together as an evening’s entertainment. But Tom sweet talked her into planning their future instead – moving away together.
Sam overheard everything and insisted he would never let Esther go anywhere with an abuser. Sam said Belle was coming home tomorrow and was ready to take Tom on. But Tom insisted the police would never believe Belle over him.
Desperate to do something, Sam stormed off to the police station and cornered DS Foy, begging him to stop Tom. Foy assured him he understood it was frustrating and they were trying all they could to build a case. There’s not long to wait now, justice is about to be served.
Moira’s confidence has taken a knock (Credit: ITV)
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Chas and Liam had another clandestine meeting – out in the street. Chas then went to visit Moira who was worried about Cain and what she’d put him through. If only she knew. She didn’t want Cain to see her like this, but Chas urged her to be proud of her body and what it has done in fighting back.
Cain later went to see Moira and she didn’t want to see the kids. She told Cain she’d felt awful next to Ruby the previous day. Cain insisted she was beautiful inside and out and Ruby would never even come close. So how will he explain the fact he slept with Ruby while Moira was having brain surgery, then?!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
In Emmerdale spoilers for tonight (Monday, November 25) Tom continues to manipulate Amelia, who remains on her boyfriend’s side despite everything that has happened.
Meanwhile, Sam goes to the police again over Tom, but what will they tell him?
During Friday’s episode, Tom snapped at Amelia. He accused her of acting like a “hooker” and told her to have some respect for herself.
Nicola arrived back just in time to see Amelia run out in tears. Nicola, who was already suspicious of Tom, warned that she’d tell Jimmy. But tonight, Tom attempts damage limitation.
As Tom and Amelia arrive together at the cafe, Nicola is not convinced by their show of unity. Later, Tom suggests to Amelia that the two of them should move away together and get away from everyone.
Sam is not happy with what the police tell him (Credit: ITV)
2. Sam goes to the police in Emmerdale spoilers tonight
Still distraught over what Tom put his sister Belle through, Sam is gobsmacked when he hears Tom’s plan to move away.
Sam heads to the police station to encourage them to act, but he is told they are not in a position to do anything more about Tom. Will Tom get his comeuppance in the upcoming court case?
Will Kim receive the news she wants to hear? (Credit: ITV)
3. Kim is impatient
Last week, Kim ordered Ross Barton to run her estranged husband Will out of the village. But it went wrong and a fight broke out between Ross and Will.
Will ended up stumbling and hit his head on a rock, leaving Ross to wonder if he had killed Will.
Tonight, Kim is feeling impatient as she waits for news on Will. Has Will survived? And what will he do if he has?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter
As far as soap villains go, Emmerdale has definitely had some of the best and most terrifying we’ve ever seen. There have been a wide spectrum of baddies over the years – from deranged mass murderers, to evil rapists and unhinged bunny boilers.
Most recently, it’s been the turn of twisted Tom King to inflict his terror on poor Belle Dingle and the rest of the village. At last, Tom’s crimes are about to catch up with him, but what happened to all the other bad guys and girls?
Here’s a look at 11 of the most legendary Emmerdale villains…
Serial killer Meena was about as evil as they come (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale best villains: Meena Jutla
As Emmerdale’s first female serial killer, Meena Jutla has already secured her place in soap history.
She was introduced as Manpreet’s estranged sister, and at first it seemed Meena’s only crime was seducing her brother-in-law. But how wrong we were. Meena was a psychopath, who’s already committed murder before she even set foot in the Dales. Her first two victims were her best friend Nadine and her own father.
Viewers quickly realised Meena was about as unhinged as they come. This was someone who took sadistic pleasure in stalking her prey, and liked to sing to pop music before going in for the kill.
In total, Meena killed three villagers. First, she pushed teen Leanna Cavanagh to her death off a bridge, Aaron Dingle‘s boyfriend Ben Tucker was bludgeoned over the head, and Andrea Tate was beaten then left to burn alive in a maze fire. The nutty nurse would have happily carried on and almost claimed Manpreet’s life before the police captured her.
Meena’s now safely behind bars, which is good news for the locals, but we miss her evil brilliance.
Cameron nearly ended Chas’s life (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cameron Murray
Crazed Cameron Murray managed to rack up quite the body count during his two year reign of terror in Emmerdale.
The love rat turned killer when he bashed Carl King’s brains in with a brick during Emmerdale’s live 40th anniversary episode. Carl was threatening to out Cameron’s affair with Chas Dingle, so he found a way to silence him. Permanently.
Guilt-ridden, Cameron confessed what he’d done to best mate Alex Moss, but then panicked he’d tell the police. Cameron took Alex hostage before murdering him to ensure his secret was safe. Gennie Walker became his third victim when she threatened to expose his involvement in Carl’s death.
Cameron went to prison, but broke out and returned to the village, where he stormed The Woolpack with a shotgun and held the locals hostage. The dramatic siege reached a terrifying climax as Cameron tried to drown Chas in the pub’s flooded cellar. However, he ended up killing himself when he grabbed the live wire of an electric bulb.
Emmerdale villains: Graham Clark was a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Graham Clark
What is it they always say about the quiet ones? No one would have suspected teacher Graham Clark was a murderer at first glance.
After a disastrous marriage to cold-hearted Chris Tate, Rachel Hughes thought she’d found the one in Graham. He helped her redecorate her home, cooked her lovely meals and even alphabetised her CD collection. But these weren’t just sweet gestures – Graham had a sinister agenda.
Gradually he took control of every aspect of Rachel’s life, even getting her to dye her blonde hair red to resemble his late wife. The penny finally dropped for Rachel while the couple were out walking in the countryside. Rachel realised Graham had murdered his missus and made her death look like suicide.
She tried to flee, but there was no escape. Graham pushed Rachel off a clifftop to her death.
With his deadly secret still safe he turned his attentions to Rachel’s best mate Kathy Glover. He almost killed her in a car crash, but she managed to escape. Graham wasn’t so lucky and died when the vehicle exploded into a ball of flames.
Carl King was a violent abuser (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale best villains: Carl King
There aren’t many nice things we can say about Carl King. He was spoilt, arrogant, reckless and didn’t give a damn who he hurt.
But what tipped Carl into villain territory was when it was revealed he’d killed his own dad! Carl pushed old Tom King (who to be fair wasn’t that nice either) out of a window on his wedding day.
Carl got away with murder for years, and god knows how because practically half of the village knew he’d done it. But his big downfall came when he crossed killer Cameron Murray.
Carl was obsessed with his ex Chas Dingle, but then discovered she and Cameron were having an affair. Consumed with jealousy and rage, Carl attempted to rape Chas, but she hit him over a head with a brick and fled, believing he was dead.
He was still very much alive, and when Cameron found Carl he decided to finish off the job. Carl’s death was part of Emmerdale’s 40th live episode and was watched by an audience of 8.8 million.
Tom has put Belle through hell (Credit: ITV)
Tom King
Like father, like son, Tom has shown himself to be one of the worst Emmerdale villains: a violent bully and abuser. But the vet’s disturbing behaviour began at a young age.
When he was just 13, Tom – or Thomas as he was known back then – started a campaign of harassment against Chas Dingle, the woman he believed had killed his father. The twisted teen sent Chas disturbing pictures, bombarded her with anonymous calls, vandalised her home, and even threw a glass bottle at her.
After his wicked antics were exposed, Tom fled to Saudi Arabia to live with his mum. He returned 10 years later, all grown up and seemingly a changed character. But that was all a front, as poor Belle Dingle discovered.
The young couple got married in February 2024 and appeared the picture of happiness. But behind closed doors, Tom was exhibiting abusive and controlling behaviour. He physically, emotionally and mentally tortured his wife, isolating her from her family and friends and continually gaslit her into believing it was all her fault.
Tom’s crimes have been wicked and shocking to see, but justice is finally about to be served. And we will not be sorry to see the back of him.
Cross Emmerdale villain Kim Tate at your peril (Credit: ITV)
Kim Tate
No Emmerdale villains list is complete with out the queen, Kim Tate. She’s deliciously wicked, rather than being evil to the core.
Kim has committed so many sins over the years it’s impossible to reel them all off. But she’s been a thief, a fraudster, an abductor, a manipulator, liar and cheat. You get the picture.
But despite Kim’s catalogue of crimes, she’s only actually killed one person. And that wasn’t through violent means.
Who will ever forget that iconic moment when she stood by and watched as Frank suffered a fatal heart attack on Home Farm’s living room carpet? The look of satisfaction on Kim’s face as she saw the life fade from her estranged husband, and how she used her compact mirror to check whether Frank had stopped breathing? So terrifically twisted.
Lachlan White killed four people during his time in the village (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale best villains: Lachlan White
Lachlan White went from being a socially awkward kid to one of soap’s most prolific serial killers.
The only son of Chrissie White, Lachlan was characterised as a bit of weird loner. He did strike up a friendship with Belle Dingle, and encouraged her to seek help over her mental health problems. But that’s really where his niceness ended.
Events took a sinister turn when Lachlan developed an unhealthy infatuation with Alicia Gallagher. Believing his feelings were reciprocated, Lachlan committed a sexual assault on Alicia. Chrissie called the police on her son and he was placed on the sex offender’s register for two years.
After that, things spiralled really out of control. The teenager accidentally shot his grandfather Lawrence, then deliberately caused a car crash which claimed the life of Lawrence and Chrissie.
He murdered lovely Gerry Roberts by bashing his skull in with a rock, then killed Terry Bates, a conman who was posing as Gerry’s uncle. He nearly added three more bodies to count – Robert Sugden, Liv Flaherty, and his aunt Rebecca White, but they lived to tell the tale.
Lachlan was eventually captured and sent to prison. But that didn’t stop him hiring his dad to burn down Wishing Well Cottage in a final act of revenge against the Dingles. What a lovely lad, eh?
Laurel’s life was made hell by Emmerdale villain Sally Spode (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sally Spode
Sally was the wife of a vicar, but there was nothing holy about this dangerous woman.
After her marriage crumbled, Sally turned to her ex-boyfriend Ashley Thomas for help. He and wife Laurel took pity on Sally and welcomed her into Mulberry Cottage with open arms. But little did they know they’d invited a lunatic into their lives.
Sally developed an unhealthy obsession with Ashley. She wanted him, and therefore Laurel had to go. In scenes fit for a horror film, Sally locked her love rival in the church then set fire to the building. Somehow Laurel managed to make it out alive, but Sally wasn’t done yet.
The craziness continued as Sally drugged Ashley to try to get him into bed. She kidnapped Edna Birch’s dog, held little Angelica King hostage and even made claims that she was pregnant with Ashley’s baby. No wonder why Laurel saw red and nearly pushed her off a balcony.
In the end, Sally was declared mentally ill and sectioned.
The former couple knew each other from their time living together at a children’s home. Lydia, then known as Jenny Finn, had become pregnant and gave birth to their stillborn son, Toby.
33 years later, Lydia and Craig reconnected and she told him about their baby. Craig offered Lydia a cleaning job, but then began to make creepy advances towards her. Frightened by his behaviour, Lydia told Craig she was quitting, but he refused to let her go. He trapped Lydia in his office and raped her.
After suffering in silence for weeks, Lydia bravely told her family what had happened. Nearly every member of the Dingles was out for Craig’s blood, so when he was discovered dead in the middle of a field it looked as if one of them had finished him off.
The truth was somewhat more shocking and bizarre. The rapist was actually killed by the hooves of Kim Tate’s horse, Ice, who got spooked and trampled Craig to death.
Emma Barton was mad and bad (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale best villains: Emma Barton
Emma Barton’s problem was that she really loved her family. A little too much.
The estranged wife of James and mum to Pete, Ross and Finn came to the village looking for forgiveness for walking out on them years previously. She somehow managed to worm her way back into their lives, but the happy family reunion did not last long.
Realising James’s heart lay with sister-in-law, Moira, Emma held him hostage (while in her wedding dress). He escaped her clutches, but she then pushed him over the edge of a bridge, causing the Hotten Bypass Crash.
Emma also made out she had motor neurone disease to try and keep her boys close. She abducted Moira’s newborn baby son, Isaac, and accidentally shot and killed her youngest lad, Finn.
She also met a grisly end when Moira shoved her off a viaduct.
Evil Emmerdale villain Pierce made Rhona’s life hell (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pierce Harris
Widower Pierce Harris came into Rhona Goskirk‘s life when his wife, Tess, died. She had been having an affair with Rhona’s husband Paddy at the time of her death. Grieving and all over the place it probably wasn’t the best idea for either of them, but Pierce and Rhona fell into a relationship.
He seemed perfect on the surface: smart, sophisticated and handsome. But beneath the surface lay a controlling abuser. He forced himself on Rhona even though she wasn’t in the mood and grew abusive.
Rhona’s best mate Vanessa knew what he was and tried to get her friend away from him, but Rhona wouldn’t listen. She went ahead and married Pierce, but when he raped her on their wedding day, she decided she had to go to the police.
Pierce was sent to prison, but when he was released he came straight back for Rhona. He murdered her then-boyfriend Graham Foster and took Vanessa hostage. Rhona eventually set him up so the police would arrest him again.
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Over the years there have been some iconic Emmerdale couples. And when the writing is done right, we see incredible couples take over the Dales.
But quite often in soaps, storylines tend to go down a route that makes no sense. And our favourite couples often find themselves torn apart.
Just this week this was the case with the adored Emmerdale couple, Cain and Moira. As he waited for his wife to get through brain surgery, Cain found himself drunk and sleeping with Ruby, his brother’s wife.
Our guess is when Moira finds out (which is inevitable in soap world), it will tear the couple apart once again. And for another useless reason. Soaps need to also show happy long-term relationships.
So here is a round-up of some happy couples that found themselves ruined by storylines. While some may have made their way back together, fans will never forget the random break-ups which were very unnecessary.
Emmerdale couples: Kim and Will (Photo by ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale couples 1: Will and Kim
When you think of Kim Tate, you immediately think icon. And when she arrived back in the village in 2019, after 20 years away, she was still the Kim everybody remembered.
But since her return, fans have been treated to a softer side of Kim, which included her finding love with Will Taylor.Â
The unexpected couple very quickly became adored, and fans were rooting for them to go the distance. After a bumpy day, the couple successfully tied the knot in 2022. But two years later, they’re no longer together.
One of the best things about this Emmerdale couple, was that they always seemed like a team. So when Will had a one-night stand with ex-wife, Rose, viewers were left baffled.
It continued to get ugly between Kim and Will from there as she secretly knew about it and blackmailed him. Then when he discovered it was her, she ended their marriage. The storyline didn’t sit well with fans who thought Kim and Will were much better together.
Zak and Lisa as a happy Emmerdale couple (Photo by ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale couples 2: Zak and Lisa
One of the most iconic Emmerdale couples would be Zak and Lisa Dingle. When the couple first met in 1996 they were instantly taken with each other. Two years later, they tied the knot.
They were the heart and soul of the Dingle clan, and a truly loved couple through the entirety of the Emmerdale fanbase. For years they were two characters who always put each other and their family first, and wouldn’t dream of anything else. Until Zak’s bizarre affair.
In a storyline that still confuses everybody, Zak strayed from his true love Lisa, and embarked on an affair with Joanie Wright in November 2015.
In true soap fashion the affair was revealed on Christmas Day, temporarily marking the end of Zak and Lisa. The storyline event went as far as Zak and Joanie getting married. But three months into their marriage, Zak finally had the realisation he made a huge mistake.
While the couple reunited and stayed by each other’s side up until Lisa’s tragic death, fans never fully saw them the same way again. And that’s because it was an entirely avoidable plot that made no sense.
Chas and Paddy before their breakup (Photo by ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale couples 3: Chas and Paddy
This Emmerdale couple kept finding their way back to each other. But their most recent break-up seems to be final, and completely avoidable.
Chas and Paddy rekindled their past relationship in 2017, and the couple went on a heartbreaking journey together. Their baby was diagnosed with bilateral renal agenesis, a condition that prevents the kidneys from developing properly. With no chance of survival they said goodbye moments after Grace was born.
But then they had Eve Dingle, and it gave them some happiness back into their lives. All seemed as well as it could be. So when Chas had an affair with Al Chapman, it ruined the couple.
It was an unnecessary plot-line, especially after all they had been through together. While they may be amicable friends now, breaking up their relationship was disappointing.
Tracy supports David throughout difficult times (Photo by ITV/Shutterstock)
4. David and Tracy
David and Tracy seemed like a happy family throughout their time together. They supported each other through the troubling situations they faced.
When David was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, Tracy was there to support him through every step. Then David proposed to her many times before she finally accepted.
But just when things seemed to be going well for the happily married couple, something changed. Not only did David cheat on her with Leyla, he also failed to support her when she was being harassed by an old client.
This all culminated in Tracy leaving him. But fans all wonder, was it really necessary to go down that route? They were happily married.
Robert and Aaron before cheating storyline (Photo by ITV/Shutterstock)
5. Robert and Aaron
This one still stings for a lot of Emmerdale fans, as the much-loved Robron were temporarily torn apart because Robert cheated on Aaron, while he was in prison. Which just so happened to have been a huge concern of Aaron’s that Robert kept assuring would never happen.
The couple had faced so much over their years together, and still are one of Emmerdale’s most loved couples. Aaron eventually forgave Robert, and the pair reunited.
But after the unnecessary one-night stand, it was impossible to understand why the storyline had to take that direction, instead of allowing them to just be happy.
Even years after their last break-up, if Robert returned to our screens, we’re sure fans would immediately want them back together.
Nate and Tracy made up and broke up more times than necessary (Credit: ITV)
6. Tracy and Nate
Tracy found herself at the centre of another cheating scandal – but this time she was the one cheating. Her and Nate were happily married, with their daughter Frankie.
But after less than a year of marriage, Tracy decided they aren’t actually compatible together, and left him. However, the last while of their relationship she had been having an affair with his uncle Caleb.
They reconnected after a while, but things were never the same, and when Nate wanted to leave the village, the pair ended their relationship for good.
Charity and Vanessa are still a fan-favourite relationship (Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (9878245n)
7. Charity and Vanessa
Another Emmerdale couple that will go down in history is Vanity. Charity and Vanessa were another unexpected pair. But they worked perfectly together.
When they got engaged, Emmerdale fans were beyond thrilled. But they never made it down the aisle.
While the writers wrote their break-up into the show to facilitate Michelle Hardwick’s maternity leave, fans couldn’t help but wonder if there was a different way to do it.
Charity cheating on Vanessa with Mackenzie – who she is in a relationship with now – just felt like a disservice to a pairing that was so adored by fans.
