Next week in Emmerdale, the power struggle in the village’s wedding planning world heats up as Joe Tate sets a devious plan in motion, putting Dawn Fletcher at the centre of a moral dilemma that could shatter her friendship with Belle Dingle.

After surviving the chaos of lies, manipulation, and even a so-called “accidental” attempted murder, Joe and Dawn finally seem to have found some footing in their rocky relationship. But peace and quiet have never been Joe’s style. Now, he’s got his sights set on a new target: the lucrative wedding industry, and more specifically, taking control of the wedding business at Home Farm.

Joe proposes a bold business move to Dawn. He wants them to start their own luxury wedding company and take on Take-A-Vow, the existing business that has become a staple in the village. Despite the presence of an established planner just down the road, Joe is unfazed. He believes their prestige and access to Home Farm will give them the upper hand, and he sees this as the perfect opportunity for the two of them to build something together—on his terms.

Dawn, however, sees things differently. While she’s intrigued by the business potential, she knows the value of working with someone who already has the village’s trust. She approaches Belle Dingle with the idea of investing in Take-A-Vow as a partner instead of competing against it. Belle, initially open to the idea, quickly changes her tone when Joe’s name comes up.

Belle has not forgotten Joe’s dark past—nor has she forgiven it. With Leyla, Suzy, and Amy’s deaths haunting the community, Joe’s involvement has made him a pariah. Belle makes her stance clear: she’ll only work with Dawn if she swears Joe won’t have any part in the business. No money, no influence, no behind-the-scenes interference.

Dawn finds herself trapped between loyalty and ambition. On one hand, she respects Belle and wants to build something honest. On the other, Joe offers her financial security and a fast track to success. When she returns home and relays Belle’s ultimatum, Joe, never one to take no for an answer, comes up with a sneaky workaround.

He offers to loan Belle the money through Dawn, assuring her that Belle will never know the source of the funds. It’s an underhanded move, but one that tempts Dawn, who wants to see her dreams come to life without losing Belle’s support. Joe’s manipulative charm and endless cash prove hard to resist.

What follows is a moment of quiet betrayal cloaked in good intentions. Dawn makes her decision—and while the details remain murky, her actions speak volumes. She shows up to her first day working with Belle, full of enthusiasm and determination. But there’s something she’s not saying.

Has Dawn taken Joe’s money and lied to Belle, risking their fragile new partnership for a deal with the devil? Or is she simply biding her time, planning to come clean once the business is secure?

This new development adds another layer to Dawn’s character—someone caught between two worlds. She’s long tried to shed her troubled past, prove her worth, and provide stability for her family. But aligning herself with Joe could undo everything. Belle, known for her fierce loyalty and zero tolerance for betrayal, won’t take kindly to being deceived. If the truth comes out, it could implode the business before it even gets off the ground and destroy a friendship built on trust and second chances.

Joe, ever the puppet master, seems content to manipulate from the sidelines, confident that he can pull strings without being seen. But in a village like Emmerdale, secrets rarely stay buried for long. Once someone discovers the true source of the investment, all eyes will turn to Joe—and by extension, Dawn.