Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Keeping secrets has become second nature for Emmerdale star Ned Porteous. His shock return as Joe Tate last Christmas after six years away was a total surprise for viewers, with the actor spending weeks sneaking into the show's studios to film his scenes.
"I was wearing a lot of hats and hoods around Leeds!" Ned tells Inside Soap with a laugh.
Even once Joe was unleashed on the viewing public, secrecy still hung heavy in the air. Viewers learned that Joe was harbouring a serious medical issue which was giving him an unhealthy interest in his half-brother, Noah.
But next week, it's cards on the table time as we finally discover what Joe's been hiding. "It's been quite a big thing to keep under wraps," Ned admits. "The drama comes to a head and things will start making sense…"
Hi Ned. Are you happy that Joe's secret is finally about to be revealed?
What to Read Next
"It is quite a relief as I won't have to keep hiding it! Although people have been quite nice and haven't been digging too much, and I try to stay off social media, so I haven't seen many theories on what Joe's up to."
What does seem clear is that his plan hasn't been as straightforward as he first thought…
"I don't think it was ever his plan to end up getting so close to so many people in the village. He's a man of action, and I don't think he enjoys being sidetracked. However, Joe's Achilles heel is being loved and having a family…"
A big part of that has been his relationship with Noah – how much of that do you think is real, and how much scheming?
"I like to believe that there's genuine care there, because Noah's his only brother and they were getting quite close years ago. But with Joe there's always something going on behind the scenes."
And what about Dawn – he only seems to be making things more complicated for himself by getting involved there. Has he fallen for her?
"I'd like to be able to give you an answer on this one! I'm not sure that Joe is capable of true love as that involves an immense vulnerability and Joe is such a control freak that, even if he did have feelings, he'd still find a way to turn it to his advantage. I think he's a bit of a sociopath… but with a heart of gold!"
For much more from Ned on Joe's plans, working with his co-stars and the chances of him ever returning to EastEnders, pick up the latest copy of Inside Soap for the full extended interview – out now.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
