Emmerdale fans have been left gobsmacked after realising where they’ve seen the actor who plays Joe Tate’s doctor before.
Joe (Ned Porteous) made his dramatic return to the Dales in December, six years since his exit - and already, he has caused plenty of drama for the village residents. However, Joe is also hiding a huge secret about his health.
He has been seen taking painkillers plenty of times to ease symptoms - including chest pains. But Joe has yet to share what exactly is wrong with him. What’s more, Joe has also turned his attention to brother Noah Dingle (Jack Downham) since his return.
According to Joe, he wants to build a relationship with Noah - but his mum Charity (Emma Atkins) hasn’t been having any of it and is certain he has an ulterior motive.
Earlier this month, things took a dramatic turn when a drugged Noah was found mysteriously in the middle of the road - causing a huge limo crash. And during Wednesday’s episode (February 27) adamant he drugged Noah, Ross Barton (Michael Parr) attacked Joe and left him locked in a barn.
Joe managed to escape, and collapsed just after calling his doctor, telling him he needed him urgently. The doctor, Dr Crowley, then arrived and got him to his room without anyone being around.
Inside his room, there was a mystery black case the doctor had brought with him on the bed. Inside, it contained something in it that had likely saved Joe's life. However, fans watching at home were left scratching their heads over where they had seen the actor who plays Dr Crowley before.
On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, viewers pointed out the actor has previously appeared in several soaps - including EastEnders. “The guy who was with Joe wasn't he in Coronation Street too? Face very familiar,” said one person.
Rushing to the comments section, a second person wrote: “Been racking my brain as well on where I've seen him before.” However, a third was able to confirm where viewers have seen him before. They wrote: “The one playing the Dr? If so then he was in Eastenders as Roxy Mitchell’s fiancé.”
Actor James Hillier plays Joe Tate’s doctor on Emmerdale. Back in 2007, he starred on BBC’s EastEnders playing Damian, who was the fiancé of Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons). More recently, James appeared in the first and second seasons of the Netflix series The Crown.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
