“I like being the only Tate in the village!”

From the Fowlers of Albert Square to the Tates of Emmerdale, handsome actor Ned – who played Mark Junior in Eastenders – has been lucky to play a part in two great soap dynasties. But it is the role of born-to-be-bad Joe in the Dales that has really cemented his place in soapland – and made Home Farm an estate to be reckoned with again…

How does it feel to be in the running for Best Bad Boy?

I had a little giggle when I found out! I don’t really get that many opportunities to play a villain, as up until now I’ve always tended to be in the more Lothario, lovey roles.

Well, we have to say, Joe is a bit of a heart-throb, too.

That’s rubbish! It’s very flattering for you to say, but I certainly don’t feel like a heart-throb!

There was a period when you were stripping off – a lot. Was that nerve-wracking?

Any actor who says that taking your shirt off on national television isn’t nerve-wracking is a psychopath! Thankfully I haven’t had too many topless scenes recently – though I think ITV was ticking that box with Love Island over the summer!

Do you think that Joe and Debbie are built to last after everything they’ve been through?

I bloody hope so. Their relationship is going to come under a lot of pressure, but Joe has realised that he really does love her.

So there is no chance that his eyes will wander in the direction of his new PA, Priya?

Priya is a beautiful woman and Fiona Wade, who plays her, is even more fantastic – so any man who says that he wouldn’t love to have her as his PA is a mad man! But I honestly have to believe that Joe hiring her is down to her fantastic organisational skills, and that he only has eyes for Debbie.

Andrew Scarborough (who plays Graham) tells us that he keeps you in line both on and off screen. Is that true?

Yes! We have a lot of father-and-son banter, and we’re very comfortable in each other’s space. I think it’s because we came into the show together, and just clung to each other for safety like, “I don’t know anyone else – sit with me at lunch”!

Would you like some more Tates to join you both at Home Farm?

I don’t know, I quite like being the only Tate on the hill! I’m quite territorial – that’s my gaff! I don’t want to give up my throne just yet…