Emmerdale fans reckon that Joe Tate's shock return from the dead could be linked to Debbie Dingle's exit from the show.
Actress Charley Webb recently revealed the happy news that she is expecting another baby, and speculation has mounted over how she might leave the show during her maternity leave.
Well, some reckon they may have an answer after Joe was confirmed to be alive in last night's (March 18) episode – albeit in picture form – five months after he was seemingly killed off.
Joe appeared to be murdered last year by Graham Foster off-screen at the request of Kim Tate after Cain Dingle left him unconscious.
Cain was left to believe he had killed him, though last night it was confirmed that Joe is indeed alive and well.
Fans are now speculating that his return to the soap could factor into Debbie's exit, one writing: "Haha sooooo random thought Joe is 'dead' he will come back. Do Kim in. Debbie will find him and that's how she leaves on maternity."
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Another suggested: "Joe Tate is only alive now as a plot device for Debbie to leave for a few months whilst the actress who plays her is on maternity leave..."
"Well I knew all along Joe was still alive!! Wonder if he will come back though? #Emmerdale or maybe this is how Charley will take her maternity when Debbie goes to find Joe??" a third wrote.
Emmerdale airs on ITV.
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