EMMERDALE fans are convinced a show legend’s return has been confirmed – three decades after their first appearance.

In tonight’s episode of , village icon Kim Tate [] and Joe Tate [Ned Porteous] clashed over her plans to leave Home Farm to Lydia Dingle [Karen Blick] in her will.

A woman with long blonde hair and bangs sitting on a brown leather couch in a living room.Kim clashed with Joe after he learned of her plans to leave Home Farm to LydiaCredit: ITV A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a grey sweater, clasps his hands together in front of him and looks intently at someone out of frame.Joe told Kim he would be heartbroken if the property went to anyone but himCredit: ITV A man with a beard and dark hair wearing a dark blue jacket and green shirt looks wide-eyed, with a painting of a racehorse in the background.During the clash, Kim mentioned her son Jamie – sparking speculation he’ll return to the villageCredit: ITV

After learning of Kim’s plans in an earlier installment of the ITV soap, Joe initially planned to frame Lydia for stealing from the matriarch.

But, deciding against his scheme, he confronted Kim and told her he was heartbroken after discovering the contents of her will.

She refused to back down, telling Joe her son Jamie Tate [] would be furious if Home Farm ended up in his hands.

Though Jamie was last seen on screen in 2021 portrayed by actor Alexander, 32, the character first debuted in 1996 and was played by various child actors until his first departure from the show in 1999.

Following Kim’s mention of her son, fans rushed to social media to predict bosses are planting the seeds for Jamie’s return.

One said: “Jamie Tate mention.”

Another wrote: “Is his return looming?”

And a third added: “I think he might come back to help Kim get rid of Joe and Graham.”

Alexander previously confessed he’s had but that it’s never been the right time.

He told The Sun: “It’s a conversation that I’ve had quite a few times.

“At the moment I’m quite enjoying this vibe and writing, so we’ll see what happens in the future.

“I loved it there. It was the first place I worked at and I try to keep up as much as I can.

“I’m still friends with the cast, I still see Lawrence [Robb] a little bit, not as much as I’d like to as I don’t go up north that much anymore. But I do speak to quite a few people.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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