Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale surprised fans with a new mystery, as Joe Tate was forced to rule out Billy Fletcher as the culprit behind his recent threats.

In today's episode, Joe gave his dodgy fixer Shaun an order to violently threaten Billy, believing him to be behind recent incidents involving his car being scratched and medication stolen.

Joe thought Billy was still holding a grudge for stealing ex-wife Dawn away from him, but it turns out Billy might be innocent after all.

At Hope Farm, Joe told Shaun to teach Billy a lesson: "I want him to be scared. Scared enough to know he can't just do what he wants all the time. Just don't go overboard."

emmerdale, joe tate, shaun
ITV

Related: Emmerdale – 7 characters who could expose John Sugden's crimes

What to Read Next

Shaun mentioned money for the job and Joe promised he'd pay up when the task was done.

Viewers next saw Shaun spy on Billy, pulling a knife out in preparation as he saw Billy leave for his morning run. However, Shaun had no choice but to retreat from the attack when Billy was stopped by Jai Sharma.

The depot manager told Billy that they were short at work and asked him to come in and help out as a favour. Billy reluctantly agreed and left with Jai in his car.

emmerdale, billy fletcher, jai sharma
ITV
emmerdale, shaun
ITV

Related: Emmerdale lines up Bear's exit plot ahead of huge new storyline

Back at Hope Farm, Joe wandered into his bedroom and found an envelope on his bed addressed to him. A smiling Joe believed it to be a love note from Dawn, but was shocked to see it was a threat instead.

"Don't you think you can ever sleep easy, I'm watching you," the note read, with the letters cut out from newspaper clippings.

Joe seemed annoyed by the note and brought up the matter later when Shaun returned.

emmerdale, blackmail note reading dont you think you can ever sleep easy im watching you
ITV
emmerdale, joe tate
ITV

Related: Casualty casts former Emmerdale star in exciting TV return this week

Shaun told his boss that he was unable to threaten Billy as he'd been at work at the depot and hadn't returned, with him tracking his movements all day.

Joe then realised that Billy was working at the time the letter turned up in his bedroom and so couldn't have been the one to leave the threat.

If Billy isn't the one sabotaging Joe, who is?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.

You Might Like...