Emmerdale fans are buzzing with speculation about the potential comeback of a Tate family icon, a move that would undoubtedly shock Kim Tate, portrayed by Claire King.
Over the past year, Kim has weathered a series of dramatic events, including the heart attack and subsequent death of her husband Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) during the festive season.
Adding to her astonishment was the unexpected reappearance of her estranged step-grandson Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), who had been absent for six years. Since his return, Joe has re-established himself in the village and moved into Home Farm with Kim.
However, it’s clear that Joe is hiding something significant, given his health issues and sudden interest in building a relationship with his brother Noah Dingle (Jack Downham).
![Emmerdale](https://i2-prod.dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/article34673363.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_kim-joe-emmerdale.jpg)
Kim soon deduced that Joe, who has begun an affair with her stepdaughter Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), has a hidden agenda for returning to the Dales, reports Leicestershire Live.
In a bid to uncover his secrets, she bugged his room to listen in on his conversations via her laptop. However, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), who also suspects Joe, swiped the laptop.
After listening to the audio files, Charity uncovered Joe and Dawn’s affair and has since blackmailed him. Fans are now predicting another twist – the return of Jean Tate, daughter of Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) and Scott Windsor (Ben Freeman), which could further stir up drama for the Tate family.
Megan Pearson took on the role of Jean, Kim Tate’s step-granddaughter, in Emmerdale, making her first appearance in January 2003. She left the soap for New Zealand with her mother Zoe in September 2005.
![ITV](https://i2-prod.dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/article34673362.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_jean-tate-27ce875jpeg.jpg)
Fans on a Reddit thread have been vocal about their hopes for Jean’s return to the show.
One user commented: “I want to see them bring in Jean. The Tates are classic Emmerdale, definitely one of the most interesting families the show has ever had. Kim has been the only Tate for a while and putting her with Will and co was a massive mistake.”
This sentiment is shared by many, as another fan agreed, posting: “Read my mind! ! ! ! ! ! “
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A third viewer added to the discussion, saying: “I completely agree as she would be in her early 20s and Zoe did leave with both Jean and Joe so they definitely grew up together.”