Emmerdale fans are in for a gripping twist as a spoiler clip reveals a tense and explosive altercation between Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) and his former henchman, Shaun, before Sam Dingle (James Hooton) steps in to save the day and prove his loyalty to Joe.
The early-release clip shows Joe confronting Shaun after discovering a blackmail note demanding £100,000 left ominously in the kitchen at Home Farm.
The unsettling discovery leaves Joe rattled, fearing that someone has breached his inner circle and infiltrated his home.
With no idea who he can truly trust, he turns to Sam Dingle for advice, but the pair are left with more questions than answers.
Joe quickly begins to suspect that Shaun, once a loyal enforcer, may be the one turning against him. Accusing him of betrayal, Joe sacks Shaun on the spot. But things quickly spiral out of control.
In a fierce confrontation, Shaun lashes out and threatens Joe until Sam arrives, shotgun in hand, diffusing the escalating tension just in the nick of time.
Though the situation is briefly brought under control, Joe’s paranoia only deepens. After a candid conversation with Sam, he makes the decision to leave the village for a few days and tells Dawn Fletcher he has a last-minute business trip to attend.
However, just as Joe is preparing to leave, tragedy strikes. Shaun returns with a vengeance, this time armed with a shovel and ambushes Joe, knocking him out cold.
When Joe regains consciousness, he finds himself in a dark, makeshift hospital room. Looming over him is none other than the sinister Doctor Crowley, a figure from Joe’s past.
Joe is undoubtedly frightened and will question: What does Doctor Crowley want, and could this all be linked to the kidney transplant he received from him?
With his past catching up to him and danger lurking from all sides, Joe may soon come to regret his past dealings, particularly where Doctor Crowley is concerned.
