Emmerdale's Kim Tate to make public announcement at The Woolpack

Emmerdale's Kim Tate takes a big step towards connecting with Thea Ramsden next week, when she introduces her to the entire village as her daughter.

After some initial fears that she's not up for the job of being Thea's mum, Kim makes the public announcement, pleasing her estranged daughter. But will Joe Tate and Graham Foster be as friendly?

Related: Emmerdale confirms mysterious new Sadie and Graham scenes coming up

"Kim can't wait to welcome Thea to the family," confirms our village source.

"However, she's nervous about what the reaction will be. Kim doesn't have a good reputation for being the warm, motherly sort, but she wants to make up for lost time…"

With Thea now back in her life, Kim is eager to make amends for all the years they've spent apart. Although her daughter has made it clear that she needs time and can't sweep all her reservations under the carpet, Kim invites her for a meeting to get to know each other better.

Thea is hopeful as they chat over a coffee, but she's left crushed when Mary Goskirk arrives and Kim hesitates, struggling to reveal the truth that Thea is her daughter.

Related: Exclusive – Emmerdale's Flo Wilson praises co-star amid unlikely friendship

Feeling hurt, Thea leaves – and Kim leans on Mary for advice about how to reconnect with her long-lost child…

Following Mary's words of wisdom, Kim reaches out to Thea. But while she waits for a response, she confides in Charity Dingle, offloading the big secret from her past.

Charity is shocked to learn that Kim's daughter is a local copper, but she urges Kim to keep trying, mindful that she went through the same thing with her son Ryan Stocks.

Later, Charity reveals to Thea that Kim told her the truth about being her mum, and it changes everything for their relationship…

Related: Emmerdale's Kev to make surprise gesture to Nicola in poignant new scenes

"Thea's elated – she thought Kim was ashamed of her," explains our spy. "She knows it won't be easy to forge a relationship after all this time, but she's realised Kim isn't the menace she thought. And now she's ready to open up her heart."

Kim's thrilled when Thea joins her in the Woolie, but Joe's cynical about this new arrival in the Tate dynasty.

Wanting to make things official, Kim publicly announces that Thea is her daughter, much to the detective's private delight.

But as Joe and Graham agree to keep an eye on Thea, will her new role in the family upset their precious hierarchy? Has Joe met his match for Kim's affections?

See more of next week's Emmerdale spoilers:

- Emmerdale's Kev Barton announces shock quit decision – crushing Nicola

- Emmerdale reveals Dingle fury as huge Samson outcome is revealed

- Emmerdale's Dingles face Samson and Tom crisis in 16 spoiler pictures

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of the world of K-pop, is here. Buy K-Pop in newsagents or online.