When Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw cryptically told me last year that Corriedale was just the beginning of a massive 2026 for the show, I was intrigued – and she has certainly been true to her promise.
Since the car-pile up that collided the Dales cast with that Coronation Street lot, we have seen Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) return from the dead, Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) kill Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) be diagnosed with cancer.
And a fresh preview confirms that it won’t be dying down yet, with the producer teasing an abundance of ‘top-tier television’.
Ahead in the show, we have Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) facing the aftermath of killing John (Oliver Farnworth), Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) fighting for her freedom and Kim Tate (Claire King) getting the shock of her life.
The first of four major previews delves into the exciting saga of Graham finally revealing himself to the village that thinks he is dead.
The suave SAS adonis will show up at Home Farm, leaving Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) utterly reeling.
Joe has been up to no good – will Graham put him in his place, or will they unite once more?
And as for Kim, there’s inevitably going to be ructions there.
Describing the relationship as ‘poisonous but loving’, Andrew hints that there is unfinished business.
Well. She DID try and have him assassinated which is a bit awkward.
Meanwhile, Cain faces his treatment options following an official diagnosis.
But that’s not the only hardship he is facing, sadly. Does his future look bleak?
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Oh and there’s also the matter of more than one dead body being found…
Laura told us: ‘Corriedale kicked off 2026 with a bang for Emmerdale! The unforgettable January 5th episode kept viewers gripped with major developments like Graham’s surprise return, Ray’s unexpected death, and Cain’s shocking diagnosis.
‘But the excitement is far from over. We have an abundance of explosive, top-tier television planned for the coming weeks, promising to follow up on these thrilling Corriedale events.’
Emmerdale airs 8pm, weeknights on ITV1 and STV and from 7am on ITVX and STV Player.
