Emmerdale‘s Kim Tate could be set to lose a fortune as Joe Tate ramps up his efforts to defraud her.

Joe is currently being blackmailed by Dr Crowley – otherwise known as ‘Eddie’ to Kim – who wants Joe to pay him off with Kim’s money or see Dawn and the family suffer.

Part of Crowley’s evil plan has seen him pose as a new love interest for the businesswoman in order to get close and put pressure on Joe to deliver the money, with Kim otherwise smitten and clueless.

In tonight’s episode (15 July), Joe came down to the kitchen to see a cosy Kim and Crowley enjoying each other’s company.

Kim then left for a business meeting, leaving Joe and Crowley alone for a chat.

Joe threatened to go to the police about Crowley, but the doctor snapped back that he was “bored of these idle threats”.

Joe then promised Crowley that he’d get the money from Kim, but needed a little more time, to which Crowley threatened: “I’m not going anywhere until you do.”

Later, Kim arrived back at Hope Farm, causing Joe to cut short his phone call with Crowley and pretend to be on the phone with a potential business interest.

Kim overheard and praised Joe for his negotiation skills, which gave Joe the opportunity to present her with the fake investment opportunity.

As the pair sat down to talk business, Kim got distracted by texts from Eddie (aka Crowley) wanting to whisk her away for a romantic holiday to Austria.

Panicking at what this could mean, Joe pushed the business proposal again, promising she’ll have all the money for holidays after making this investment.

When Joe asked Kim on her decision, she told him she wanted to sleep on it for a night and would let him know her answer tomorrow.

Joe reluctantly agreed and Kim once again took the chance to praise Joe for his hard work and how she’s come to depend on him over time.

Kim’s compliments left Joe feeling guilty. Will he continue with his plans to defraud her to get Crowley gone or will he grow a conscious and come clean?