In a stunning twist for ITV soap fans, Graham Foster has made a miraculous return to Emmerdale, with the full story of his resurrection and new mission revealed in an episode released early on ITVX on January 20, 2026.
The character, played by actor Andrew Scarborough, was last seen apparently murdered in 2020. His brief reappearance during the 'Corriedale' crossover with Coronation Street earlier this month left viewers stunned, and now the truth behind his six-year absence is finally out.
The Elaborate Death Hoax Explained
Upon his shocking return, a bewildered Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) demanded answers. Graham revealed an intricate plot to fake his own death, orchestrated with help from an insider: DI Dent (Linda Armstrong).
Using his former SAS training, Graham knew precisely how to position himself amongst leaves to appear dead when discovered by Priya Sharma and Billy Fletcher. Crucially, as neither checked for a pulse, the subsequent police and forensic teams were able to stage the scene convincingly.
Rhona was furious, confronting Graham about leaving her in danger from her abusive ex-husband, Pierce. Graham claimed he had planned to 'take Pierce down' but a drunken episode at a safe house derailed everything. A friend, lying about Pierce's arrest, put him on a ferry, and Graham only later learned the truth about Pierce's attack on Vanessa Woodfield through tabloid reports.
Graham's New Mission in the Village
So why has he returned now? It transpires Graham has a new, shadowy profession, "dealing with things the police won't deal with." He was hired by a powerful man—strongly implied to be Ray Walters (Joe Absolom)—to 'dispose of a problem'.
However, Graham had a change of heart upon discovering Ray was orchestrating a drug trafficking operation. His resolve hardened when he learned April Windsor's (Amelia Flanagan) name was involved. Haunted by his failure to protect Rhona from Pierce, Graham vowed not to let history repeat itself.
With Rhona's desperate blessing, Graham departed with clear intent: to kill Ray. This immediately places him in a pool of suspects alongside Marlon Dingle and Ross Barton, who were also seen arguing fiercely about April and Ray's influence.
What Lies Ahead for the Resurrected Graham?
Andrew Scarborough has teased compelling future drama, particularly a confrontation with Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), whom Graham once viewed as a son. Scarborough described the intense scenes as "lovely to flesh out" and "quite heightened," fitting for such an unreal situation.
As for a potential reunion with Rhona, the actor remained coy. "Who knows? Obviously she would have to forgive him first," he said, noting Rhona's strong bond with Marlon. He suggested Graham, having lived a lonely, nomadic life, probably still harbours feelings for her, telling fans to "watch the space."
The episode, which aired early on ITVX ahead of its ITV1 broadcast, sets up a gripping whodunit, with Ray Walters' fate now hanging in the balance and a man once thought dead firmly back in the frame.
