Emmerdale’s Joe Tate actor Ned Porteous’ surprising past role in EastEnders revealed by fans | My London News

Emmerdale viewers were treated to a massive surprise on Christmas Day as Joe Tate, portrayed by Ned Porteous, made a thrilling return to the village. The character reappeared after a six-year hiatus, becoming part of a scheme to bring down Kim Tate (Claire King), alongside her husband Will Taylor (Dean Andrews).

However, the plot took a shocking turn when Will suffered a fatal heart attack following Joe’s revelations. In the wake of Will’s death, a devastated Kim is left to pick up the pieces – with Joe now playing the supportive step-grandson and pledging his support to Kim.

But there are also alarming indications that Joe may be battling a serious health issue. Earlier this month, viewers saw Joe in his room at the B&B, where he suddenly appeared to feel unwell.

Emmerdale’s Joe Tate returned at Christmas but appears to be hiding a secret

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Seemingly in discomfort, he frantically searched through his bag, scattering packets of pills onto the bed before taking the medication he needed. Last week, he asked Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) for some painkillers, leaving Kim worried.

As Joe becomes a central figure in the ITV soap, some fans have been taken aback upon realising that actor Ned once had a role in EastEnders as Grant Mitchell’s (Ross Kemp) son, reports Leeds Live.

Back in 2016, Ned was cast as Mark Fowler Jr, the offspring of Michelle Fowler (Jenna Russell ) and tough guy Grant, and the nephew of Martin Fowler (James Bye). Mark Jr’s unexpected arrival occurred when he travelled from Florida to London in search of his biological father Grant, although his stay was short-lived.

Ned Porteous as Mark Fowler Jr in EastEnders
(Image: BBC)

Some EastEnders enthusiasts might not even remember the time when Pauline Fowler’s (Wendy Richard) daughter Michelle took off to the US, leaving Grant in the dark about her pregnancy with his child.

Mark Jr was born away from the cameras in 1996, and it wasn’t until two decades later that the bombshell about the Mitchell/Fowler offspring dropped when he arrived in the Square seeking the truth about his father.

Mark’s stay was brief, though; after just a month, he decided to head back to the States, keen to avoid getting tangled in the notorious Mitchell family drama.

“Being part of two iconic families and the longest kept secret in EastEnders’ history is beyond exciting!” exclaimed Ned during his introduction to the show. He also said: “I’m honoured to be here and can’t wait for viewers to meet Mark Jr.”

Mark Jr and Grant Mitchell during an EastEnders scene in 2016
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Over on social media, Emmerdale viewers have been expressing their astonishment at discovering Ned’s stint on EastEnders, with one fan posting: “I didn’t know that Joe [has] been in Bridgerton, and EastEnders as Mark Jnr.”

Another was taken aback: “How have I only just found out Joe Tate in #Emmerdale is played by the same actor that played Mark Fowler Jr in #EastEnders”. Someone else joined in: “I didn’t know he’d been in EastEnders.”

And yet another fan shared: “Ned Porteous back as Joe Tate is awesome but I preferred him playing Mark fowler Jr (Mitchell) in EastEnders. We didn’t have him long enough as Grant’s son. #Emmerdale #Eastenders.”

EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.mylondon.news/news/tv/emmerdale-joe-tate-actor-eastenders-30760170

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