EMMERDALE has won battle of the Christmas Eve soaps as Joe Tate made an epic comeback last night.
Joe, played by Ned Porteous, revealed he has been masterminding the scheme to bring down Kim Tate.
He has been secretly working alongside Will (Dean Andrews) and Peter (David Michaels) to pull off conniving plans – and made his onscreen return on Tuesday’s instalment.
Emmerdale came out on top last night with 2.8m viewers tuning in.
Coronation Street missed out on top spot with 2.7m – which saw the shock return of serial killer Richard Hillman, ahead of Gail Platt’s exit.
While EastEnders fans also received a blast in the form of Nigel Bates comeback – with 2.2m viewers tuning in.
Emmerdale fans have seen Will plot to take revenge against wife Kim, with the help of a mystery person.
Addressing his comeback, Ned said: “I’m so excited to be returning to Emmerdale.
“There’s a lot of unfinished business for Joe, and it feels like the right time for him to make a comeback.
“Joe has always been a character with a dark side, but there could be something much bigger at play here.”
He added: “Joe is back for a reason and the devastation at Home Farm is just the beginning of a much bigger story.
“It’s safe to say the audience can expect fireworks this holiday season!”
Joe is the son of villain Chris Tate (Peter Amory) – who had once been Kim’s stepson.
Although the character dates back to 1995, Ned made his debut in the role during 2017.
Introduced as businessman Tom Waterhouse, the revelation of Joe’s true identity served as a major plot twist.
Once unveiled, Joe sought revenge on his own former stepmother, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) – blaming her for Chris’ death.
Chris committed suicide in September 2003 and framed Charity for his presumed murder.
As for Joe, he left Emmerdale in 2018 after seemingly being killed by Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).
Months later, however, he was revealed to still be alive and living abroad.
This week, Paul revealed exactly why he agreed to return to his old job.
Nigel could be seen back in Walford having fallen on hard times during EastEnders’ Christmas Eve episode.
However, it appears from today’s episode his life has changed significantly.
Nigel was last seen in 1998 when he left Walford for a new life in Scotland with wife Julie, daughter Clare and stepson Josh.
But, now back in Walford, Nigel was seen looking homeless as he came into contact with Yolande Trueman at the community centre’s soup kitchen.
Paul said he is still recognised on the street by soap fans and said the cast have been friendly and welcoming.
He said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street.
“Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at EastEnders, and they are a very friendly bunch.
“It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again – I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time.”
Despite his new life in Scotland, Nigel has mysteriously returned to Walford alone as Phil will get a visit from the ghost of Christmas past.
The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed how Paul was making a shock comeback in time for the 40th anniversary.
However, his return for Christmas was totally unexpected.
While dead businessman and serial killer Richard Hillman also stunned viewers after he returned from the grave in Coronation Street.
Gail appeared to be having a nightmare as a soaking wet Richard stood at the end of her sofa as she debates whether to go through with her wedding to Jesse Chadwick.
