Emmerdale spoilers for 19 to 23 October 2026: 5 things you need to know about Belle, Kim and Joe

Belle Dingle is struggling with news about Tom, Kim Tate faces a social worker and Joe Tate is unable to accept Gabby Thomas's attempts to empathise with his grief. These are among five key things to know about the week ahead, alongside Lydia Dingle's misunderstanding and Sadie King's plans for Caleb.

Belle receives news about Tom

Belle's Victim Liaison Officer arrives to tell her that Tom will soon be released from prison. Belle is reassured that Tom will be subject to strict licence conditions, but Kammy Hadiq is pained to see the change in her demeanour when she rushes out.

Belle later talks to Rhona Goskirk, who has lived experience of what Belle is going through and helps her take control of her feelings. Kammy wants to protect Belle, but his declaration of love leaves her unable to cope or respond, and she runs off.

Lydia is hurt by Kim

Lydia shares her worries with Kim and is thrilled to assume that Kim has offered Samson a job on his release. She is later hurt when she discovers that they were talking at cross purposes.

Kim and Lydia then discuss the baby, but Thea overhears their conversation and jumps to the wrong conclusion about the fate of Baby Tate.

Kim faces a social worker

A social worker arrives demanding to see Joe Tate and his baby following a report of an illegal adoption. Kim is firmly on the back foot as a result of the visit.

Joe is struggling with his grief, and Gabby Thomas attempts to empathise with him. However, Joe rebuffs her efforts, leaving the pair still at odds with each other.

Chas questions Liam's behaviour

Liam Cavanagh is acting furtively, prompting Chas Dingle to become suspicious about what he is up to. Chas's suspicions form another strand of the week's events as other characters deal with their own problems.

Sadie targets Caleb's plans

Sadie King makes a note of Caleb's dinner plans with Ruby Miligan before sabotaging his plans for dinner with his wife. Her intervention disrupts the arrangements involving Caleb and Ruby.

Emmerdale streams on ITVX. Image credit: ITV