Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) is currently at a crossroads in Emmerdale. Metaphorically speaking, she is sitting in her car debating whether to leave Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) and start her life again, or stay and potentially destroy it. This week, it became clear that Joe had known for ages about Dawn's plan to ruin his life and leave him. Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) and viewers thought Joe would plot violent revenge, but he took a surprising approach instead.
Joe truly loves Dawn and did not want to encourage her to walk out. He spent recent weeks trying to prove he can change and focus on his family, hoping Dawn would recognize his efforts and stay. Graham feared Joe had taken a dark approach when he found Dawn at the bottom of the stairs, but she fainted due to low iron. Back at Home Farm, Dawn was taken aback by Joe's vulnerability when he expressed fear after finding her collapsed.
In today's episode, Dawn spoke to Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) in the pub, hinting that things would change soon. Billy joked, asking if Dawn was dying, which is a terrible thing to say in Emmerdale. She also updated Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb), stating her intention to leave the village sooner rather than later, as staying under Joe's spell would make things worse. Dawn asked Moira to create a distraction at Home Farm so Joe wouldn't discover the plan. He didn't, but Graham did.
After spotting Dawn's car at the stables, Graham called Joe. He then tried to stop Dawn from leaving, wondering what life she would have alone with four children. Dawn admitted she didn't want to go, but said if she stays, her love for Joe will turn into resentment, and they will both want to kill each other. The conversation allowed Joe to reach the stables to prevent her departure. The episode ended with Dawn in her car, pondering her next move.
Will Dawn leave and ultimately save her life? Or will she stay, knowing she could live to regret it? The decision may be life or death as her shocking exit looms.
