ITV/Shutterstock Share By Carena Crawford Dec 5 2025 By Carena Crawford Dec 5 2025 Pierce Harris: The Emmerdale villain who reshaped Rhona’s life forever - complete timeline Ray referenced Rhona's ordeal at Pierce's hands and it made our skin crawl Pierce Harris Ray Walters Rhona Goskirk Share By Carena Crawford Dec 5 2025 By Carena Crawford Dec 5 2025 Pierce Harris remains one of Emmerdale’s most chilling villains, and despite being long gone from the village, his shadow continues to haunt Rhona Goskirk. From his seemingly quiet arrival to becoming a violent rapist and murderer, Pierce’s journey in the Dales is one of the soap’s darkest ever turns. But what exactly happened between Pierce and Rhona – and how did he transform into such a monster? Pierce wanted to hurt Paddy after his affair with Tess (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Pierce Harris arrives in Emmerdale When Pierce first turned up in the village, he appeared to be little more than a background character – the husband of Tess Harris, who was Leo’s teacher and Paddy Kirk’s secret lover. But Tess was tragically killed in a road accident caused by Kirin Kotecha, and her dying confession of love for Paddy put him in an impossible position. Paddy lied to Pierce, insisting Tess loved her husband until the end. But when Pierce received her belongings and discovered the truth about the affair, everything shifted. Showing the first hint of his sinister streak, he confronted Rhona after realising Paddy had been unfaithful. Determined to find Kirin, Pierce moved into the village, slid into Rakesh Kotecha’s old job, and even threatened Vanessa Woodfield to get answers. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Pierce’s behaviour was not okay (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Pierce and Rhona’s relationship turns toxic Amid the grief and chaos, Pierce and Rhona grew closer and eventually began a relationship. Friends – especially Marlon – doubted the romance from the start, while Paddy was furious. Tension between the men escalated, and Pierce’s paranoia deepened. When Rhona, Paddy and Pierce were caught up in the huge Hotton bypass crash, Pierce rescued Rhona but left Paddy behind – a decision that only fuelled his possessiveness. Convinced Rhona wanted to return to Paddy, Pierce tried counselling, but his jealousy and control intensified. Despite her doubts Rhona married Pierce only to regret it moments later (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) The wedding day rape After getting engaged, Pierce slowly isolated Rhona from her loved ones, targeting her friendship with Vanessa. He became violent and aggressive, especially in the bedroom department. When Rhona joked she fancied Cain Dingle, Pierce subjected her to rough sex claiming that’s what he thought she meant. Then came the horrific turning point: on their wedding day, Pierce violently raped Rhona. Despite the trauma, Rhona bravely reported him. She stood up to him in court and saw Pierce sent to prison for five years. But her nightmare wasn’t over. Graham was starting a new life with Rhona until Pierce murdered him (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Pierce kills Graham Foster in Emmerdale In December 2019, Rhona learned Pierce was being released on parole. Just weeks later, he returned to the village and murdered her boyfriend Graham Foster in one of Emmerdale’s biggest whodunnits. Pierce tricked Kim Tate by posing as a solicitor named Ollie and set up Marlon Dingle to take the fall for Graham’s death. Pierce held Vanessa hostage to get to Rhona (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) The kidnapping of Vanessa When Vanessa spotted him lurking, she became his next target. Pierce kidnapped her and young Johnny, locking them inside Mulberry Cottage while Laurel was away. He held her captive for weeks, planning to use her to get close to Rhona again. Eventually, Pierce lured Rhona to the cottage – but the quick-thinking vet live-streamed his confession to Graham’s murder to the Free Marlon website. She then injected him with a bull tranquiliser as the police burst in. Pierce was arrested and handed a life sentence for kidnap and murder. Pierce’s son Marcus brought the villain back into Rhona’s life briefly (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Pierce dies in Emmerdale In early 2022, Pierce contacted Rhona from prison with shocking news: he was dying and wanted her help to find his estranged son. Rhona located Marcus, who agreed to visit his father – but before they made it to the prison, they received a call telling them Pierce had died. Rhona finally believed his dark presence was gone for good. But with Ray Walters threats dragging up Pierce’s name recently, it’s clear his legacy is far from forgotten. Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Dec 5 2025 By Carena Crawford Dec 5 2025 Previous Story Next Story
