Emmerdale fans think they’ve confirmed a new romance in the Dales as they witnessed Belle Dingle and Joe Tate getting closer.

Actor Ned Porteous reprised his role as Joe Tate in Emmerdale during the festive season of 2024, and it’s safe to say that his arrival has been nothing short of dramatic.

During his first few months in the Dales, viewers learned he had kidney disease, and was in desperate need for a transplant. Instead of going through the usual route, Joe enlisted the help of the mysterious Dr Crowley.

Hoping that his half-brother Noah Dingle would be a match, he spiked him and took him to the doctor. However, it turned out he wasn’t a match and they left him stranded in the middle of a road.

In the events that followed, the Valentine’s Day limo crash was caused after Charity Dingle swerved to avoid hitting Noah. Three lives were lost in the tragedy.

Joe eventually kidnapped Caleb Miligan and used him as a successful match – but he still managed to be redeemed even after everything was exposed to the village.

Now, Joe appears to be fairly settled at Home Farm in his relationship with Dawn Taylor – whom he had an affair with at the expense of her husband Billy Fletcher.

But some viewers think love could be in the air once again for Joe after his interactions with Belle Dingle.

Although the Dingles and Tate’s are sworn enemies, there was certainly a connection between the two in recent scenes.

On X (formerly known as Twitter), @claudettestea wrote: “The chemistry was on fire! Sorry not sorry you lose them how you got them Dawn”.

@dbella91 added: “I reckon there’s an affair on the cards Belle and Joe, Dawn back to square 1 you reap what you sow.”.

@thetatedynasty theorised: “Here’s how we see the Joe and Belle story playing out… Joe and Dawn get engaged after Kim’s turbulent Christmas, they plan their wedding with Belle, Joe realises he has feelings for Belle whilst planning the wedding”.

@sarah31733 echoed: “They would make a great couple. Cain would melt down”.