In Emmerdale spoilers for Thursday September 17, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) delivers what is being described as his cruelest act yet, banning Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) and Dawn's children, Clemmie and Lucas, from her funeral. The decision leaves Billy staggered and prompts Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly) to attempt an intervention, though her efforts prove fruitless.
Joe's shocking decision after Dawn's death
Joe has been consumed by grief since Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) died on the day she was due to marry him. The tragedy unfolded when Jimmy King (Nick Miles) swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle and drove through the marquee where the wedding was set to take place. Dawn was rushed to Hotten General, where she went into labour early and gave birth to a baby boy, bringing Joe temporary joy before she suffered a postpartum haemorrhage and died.
In the wake of her death, Joe has struggled to be around his newborn son. Earlier this week, Kim Tate (Claire King) convinced him to visit the baby, but Joe later returned home and announced he was putting the child up for adoption, stunning his family. Billy was taken aback and urged Kim to persuade Joe to reconsider.
Funeral ban sparks outrage
As attention turns to planning Dawn's funeral, emotions are running high. In the video clip from Thursday's episode, Billy rails at Joe for banning not only him but also Clemmie and Lucas from the funeral. Billy pleads with Joe to reconsider, promising he will stay away if only the children are allowed to attend. Joe, however, makes it clear he will not change his mind.
Ruby Miligan overhears the discussion and is appalled, but her attempts to help prove unsuccessful. Billy reminds her that Dawn would not be dead if she and Caleb (William Ash) had not delayed their plans to flee. Subsequent scenes will see Ruby visit Joe, but whether she can break through his grief remains to be seen.
What happens next in Emmerdale
The scenes air on Thursday September 17 at 8pm on ITV1, with streaming available from 7am on ITVX and YouTube. Fans are left wondering if Billy can make Joe reconsider or if Ruby can help, as the fallout from Dawn's death continues to ripple through the village.
