The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that hasn’t aired on ITV yet, but is available to view on ITVX.

Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) has left Emmerdale for Dubai after Kim Tate (Claire King) discovered his affair with Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley).

Last week, Kim learnt the truth after Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) followed Joe to a remote cottage, where Dawn was waiting for him.

During her confrontation, Kim told Joe that he should stop the affair for Dawn’s sake. Feeling worried, Kim reckoned that Dawn is still in a fragile position after her dad’s death and if her marriage was destroyed, she would spiral.

Despite both Joe and Dawn claiming their little meet ups are just for sex and nothing else, it’s obvious they’re developing feelings for each other. In tonight’s episode, Joe told Dawn that he’d be going on a business trip to Dubai.

Gutted they wouldn’t see each other for a while, they proceeded to kiss in the lounge at Home Farm, but very nearly got caught by Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle). Fortunately, Joe covered and told Billy he had another woman in the room, and he quickly went away.

A horrified Dawn told Joe they should stop the affair. Sensing an opportunity, Joe revealed to Dawn that he’s only going to Dubai because Kim knows everything.

Clearly caring about Dawn, Kim later tried to tell her that an affair with Joe will just end with her being hurt by him, or having her marriage end.

Dawn reckoned that she could handle Joe, and told Kim that she likes the excitement that comes with what she’s doing, because it makes her feel just like Dawn. Not a mother, a daughter, or a wife – just Dawn.

Kim listened to Dawn but gave her food for thought. Is continuing the affair and risking the end of her marriage all worth it, just because it makes her feel good?

As Billy returned home and embraced Dawn later that day, Joe had packed his bags ready for his flight.

Just as he departed, he glanced at Dawn one final time.

Now Dawn has time with just Billy, what will the dynamic be like between her and Joe when he gets home?