Emmerdale tonight offers fresh hope that Moira Dingle could secure her freedom after being framed for Celia and Ray’s horrific crimes. And surprisingly, it’s scheming Joe Tate who’s full of optimism over her future.

Tonight’s visit to the Dales sees Joe clash with Robert Sugden following their secret role in worsening Moira’s dire situation. But as tensions boil over, Joe confidently predicts that Moira will be fine – eventually.

Poor Moira is currently being held on remand amid wrongful accusations that she was involved in Celia’s human trafficking and modern slavery operation. Her fate was sealed when Robert planted documents from Celia’s farm in Moira’s home – under strict instructions from Joe, who was blackmailing him and Victoria.

Since then, Moira has also been accused of double murder after Anya and Celia’s bodies were found on her land.

In Monday’s episode, Robert is sickened by Joe’s lack of remorse over Moira’s troubles.

“Moira’s banged up because of the evidence we planted,” Robert points out, as they have another furtive meeting. “Surely there’s something we can do to get her off?”

But Joe’s in no rush to sort things out, telling Robert: “Look, Celia and Ray, they’ve been up to their breeches in nefarious deeds, okay? They’re on form. I’m pretty sure Moira wasn’t their first victim.”

When Robert questions whether others could come forward to help Moira, Joe replies: “Absolutely. Look, she’ll be back in the pub, assaulting locals in no time.”

While there’s a sense that Joe is fobbing Robert off, he also has a point. We know from previous episodes that Ray and Celia had a habit of moving from area to area – always bailing whenever things got too messy.

This suggests that the criminal pair left a trail of destruction in their wake in other communities too. So, is it only a matter of time before someone turns up to help Moira prove her innocence? Could Celia have tried the same sly tricks elsewhere?

One thing’s for sure – Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira, recently signed a new contract to stay on Emmerdale for another year so she’s clearly going nowhere.