ITV/Shutterstock Share By Carena Crawford Jan 20 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 20 2026 Emmerdale fans thrilled as Graham's return is finally explained in ITVX episode: 'Top tier, didn't even need an explanation' Graham's explosive return airs tonight Graham Foster Rhona Goskirk Share By Carena Crawford Jan 20 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 20 2026 *Warning, this article contains spoilers regarding Graham Foster and his return from the dead from tonight’s episode of Emmerdale (Tuesday January 20). The episode has not aired on ITV yet, but is available to watch on ITVX and YouTube. Emmerdale has finally given us answers of how and why Graham Foster faked his own death. And it might be a bit far-fetched, but fans don’t seem to care as they are just glad he’s back at all. Graham has returned to Emmerdale and was first seen in Corriedale (Credit: ITV) A shock return Mouths were firmly on the floor earlier this month when Graham Foster appeared alive and well in Corriedale. He was driving a van with a woman tied up in the back. She turned out to be Shona’s sister, Jodie, from Coronation Street. Graham decided he was done with whatever job he was doing with her, when he spotted Joe Tate at the crash site. He told his employer the contract was terminated and he had something else to do. Joe thought he saw Graham and hired a private investigator to find out if he really was alive. She found DI Dent who had investigated Graham’s death and confirmed Graham was definitely dead. However we soon found out she was lying. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Emmerdale has kept us waiting for an explanation, but finally tonight we will get it. Priya and Billy found Graham’s body (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Life after death for Graham Foster in Emmerdale On Tuesday (January 20) we’re still in flashforward week and it is Rhona’s mystery resolved. Of course we’d all pretty much guessed what it would be about: Graham Foster returning from the dead. He arrives to see Rhona when she is alone and, stunned and horrified to see him, she demands an explanation. Which is something we all want! Graham reveals he found out Kim was trying to kill him and knew she’d never let him and Rhona be happy together. So he decided to leave to start a new life alone to protect Rhona. But then along came Pierce Harris and it gave Graham an idea to fake his own death. He decided if he was dead it was the only way both he and Rhona could really move on. He even addressed the fact Billy and Priya found his dead body. Apparently he knows how to play dead from his time in the SAS. He can even hold his breath for a really long time (it would have to have been a REALLY long time, right?) Graham told Rhona he was helped by an old friend from the SAS and the detective bribed everyone to say he was dead. Although he had planned to come back and deal with Pierce, he got blind drunk and his friend got him out of the country while he was blacked out. He had then lied to Graham that Pierce had been caught and put back in prison. When Graham later found out the truth about Pierce his friend said he’d lied because he thought Graham was too drunk to deal with Pierce and would mess it up. Kim was ready to kill Graham so he decided to run (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Fans react Despite the somewhat far-fetched story, it seems viewers really don’t care. They are just glad he is back! One fan didn’t even think it was that bonkers! “Personally I believe this way more than some of the other back-from-the-dead stories it made sense to both his character and his storyline,” they shared on social media. Others think it is all a bit mad, but still loved it! “It truly is absolutely bonkers and surely the most far-fetched back-from-the-dead storyline in any soap ever. However, I’m just gonna go with it as I’m just happy to have Graham back!” “I am obsessed with how Graham faked his death and it all linking in with his backstory. Take a bow,” said a third impressed viewer. A fourth added: “Tonight was top tier. I didn’t even need an explanation I have just accepted Graham is back and is back for good!” Graham will be back to see Rhona again next week (Credit: ITV) So why is Graham back in Emmerdale now? Graham reveals to Rhona he had heard April was in trouble through his new line of work – dealing with problems the police can’t. He wants to help, but will Rhona let him? And can she really trust him? Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jan 20 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 20 2026 Next Story
