Oh look, it’s Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) playing even dirtier than ever now that he can smell the victory of winning Butler’s Farm in Emmerdale.

Joe is the kind of man who would attempt to steal his own brother’s kidney in order to survive himself, so it’s no surprise that when he plans to win, he’ll do whatever it takes to win, even sending an innocent woman to prison and trying to cheat a man with aggressive cancer out of his home.

Joe has been desperate to get his hands on Moira Dingle’s (Natalie J Robb) farm for a long time, dating back years even, and when the opportunity came along to frame Moira for people trafficking to make his move on the land, it was too good for him to miss.

He’s already got his hands on Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) land through blackmail, Butlers should be a doozy.

So now that Moira is languishing in jail, Joe just has Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) to deal with. Cain is hanging on by his fingertips; determined to save the farm, but battling to save his own life. His grip on the farm is slipping, and he’s not one to ask for help.

Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) offers to take the boys off Cain’s hands for a few days, but Cain is way too proud to accept. When she leaves him alone, it’s clear just how broken he is.

Which is bad timing as Joe is ready to up the ante and Cain is going to need all his physical and mental strength.

Joe’s next ploy is to arrange a herd inspection due to a suspected case of TB. This inspection and possible outbreak means everything must stay on the farm until it’s given the all clear.

Things are crumbling and it’s time for Joe to make his next move. He reiterates his generous offer to buy the farm when Cain’s chips are down.

Thankfully, Cain has Matty in his corner, who is determined to keep the farm going for Moira – things aren’t so dire they have to give in just yet.