Emmerdale star Anthony Quinlan has hinted that Pete Barton is risking a backlash from Cain Dingle by protecting Moira's secret.
Pete is about to discover that Moira (Natalie J Robb) is having an affair with farmhand Nate Robinson, leaving him with a difficult decision to make.
In the immediate aftermath of Pete's discovery, which airs next week, he stays loyal to Moira by not telling her husband Cain (Jeff Hordley) about her betrayal. But with the truth bound to come out at some point, is Pete setting himself up for trouble with Cain?
Speaking about Pete's reasoning, Anthony explained: "He's completely aware of what Cain's capabilities are. Pete knows that Cain will go to any means and lengths, especially if you cross him and his family!
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"He's worried about that scenario and what could happen, with Cain kicking off. Pete also doesn't know the full extent of what has been going on between Nate and Moira at this stage.
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"Pete wants to give Moira an opportunity to realise what she's doing. Moira seems to have lost the plot a little bit."
He continued: "Cain is not Pete's family – Moira is. So he's loyal to Moira. But you don't want to get on the wrong side of Cain Dingle and harbour any secrets that concern him.
"So potentially there could be a backlash for Pete there and he's fully aware of that. He's just trying to play devil's advocate, trying to make Moira see what will happen if she carries on. He's advising her and trying to get her to do the right thing."
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Emmerdale spoilers for next week's episodes have revealed that Pete uncovers the truth when Nate (Jurell Carter) and Moira sneak off for a secret night at a hotel together.
When Pete notices that both are gone at the same time – and spots messages from Nate on Moira's phone, which she has left behind – he realises exactly what has been going on.
Anthony added: "I think Pete is quite shocked. There have been a few times when he's caught them close together. But in the run-up, Moira has been moaning about Nate not pulling his weight.
"He's seen the tension between them in that sense, but he's been misreading the signs. He's been completely oblivious and it is a total shock when he finds out the truth."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Emmerdale homepage
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