Emmerdale spoilers follow from Monday's episode (March 17), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.
Emmerdale has confirmed the full details of what Joe Tate is hiding from his family.
The truth is revealed in Monday's episode, which is streaming early on ITVX after being released this morning.
Viewers have been kept in the dark over the reasons for Joe's mysterious symptoms since he returned to the village at Christmas.
Joe is also hiding his involvement in his half-brother Noah Dingle being spiked, which sparked the terrible chain of events that led to the tragic limo crash last month.
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In Monday's visit to the Dales, all becomes clear as Joe has a private chat with dodgy Dr Crowley.
Dr Crowley rebukes Joe for risking his health by skipping a dialysis session after his recent trip abroad.
Noticing that Joe looks worse than ever, Crowley complains: "This is what happens when you fly back from Dubai, against my advice.
"Joseph, you have chronic kidney disease. You're paying me to keep you alive. The least you can do is meet me half-way."
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Chronic kidney disease is a common condition where the kidneys don't work as well as they should.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but in advance cases the patient may need dialysis and a transplant.
Emmerdale's revelations explain why Joe targeted Noah by taking him off to a private hospital when he was unconscious a few weeks ago.
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Joe is on the search for a kidney donor, but his plans appear to have been thwarted in Noah's case when he wasn't a suitable match.
Viewers can see more details about the storyline and Joe's next move when the episode airs at 7.30pm on ITV1 tonight, or right now on ITVX.
Ned Porteous, who plays Joe, previously teased: "Joe has always been a character with a dark side, but there could be something much bigger at play here. Joe is back for a reason, and the devastation at Home Farm is just the beginning of a much bigger story."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
