ITV/Shutterstock Share By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 As we still wait for answers over Graham's return from the dead, 6 of the best theories so far We know Graham Foster is back, but how and why? Features Graham Foster Joe Tate Share By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 Graham Foster was killed off in Emmerdale on January 20, 2020 – except on January 5 2026 he made a return as part of Corriedale. Since then Emmerdale has not given us much by way of an explanation. And given we saw Graham’s very dead body covered in leaves and pretty much rotting, it seems a big stretch for the soap. Show boss Laura Shaw has promised we will get answers, saying: “A familiar face is returning to the village full-time! None other than Graham Foster will make a sensational comeback. “His return will have massive repercussions for both Kim, with whom he shares a complex love and hate relationship, and Rhona, who was about to run away with him. “Graham will explain exactly what happened six years ago when he was ‘killed’, but the question will be whether Joe can ever forgive his father-figure for allowing him to believe he was dead.” article continues below Read all the latest spoilers But as the show has so far this week failed to address Graham at all, theories are everywhere over just why he is back… Graham is back in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV) Graham Foster returns to Emmerdale Believed to have died at the hands of evil Pierce Harris, Graham was seen in Corriedale. At first we just saw a mystery hooded man driving a van. In the back was a girl tied up, begging to be let free. Coronation Street fans have now discovered that girl was Jodie, Shona Platt’s sister. Jodie managed to escape and the man was then seen at the hospital watching Joe Tate get treated. He was on the phone to someone as we finally saw his face and saw it was Graham. He told the caller their contract was terminated as he had “something else” to take care of, looking at Joe. Theories on how Graham Foster has returned to Emmerdale Of course, to say we’re confused as to how and why he’s back is an understatement. Despite the promise of answers, so far we don’t have any. So fans have been coming up with their own… Rhona and Graham were about to run away together before his ‘death’ (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) 1. Graham back for Rhona – and to kill Ray The most consistent suggestion is that Graham has returned for his former love Rhona. She was seen making a mystery phone call, Graham was seen on the phone – two and two makes four! Viewers firmly believe the only explanation is that Graham is back for Rhona – and was helping her deal with Ray Walters. “Is Graham back because of Rhona?” questioned several as they also queried: “Who was Rhona talking to? Has to be Graham.” “Wild theory, said one, “but could Rhona have been talking to Graham and he’s killed Ray?” Others pointed out the significance of the date of the return. “So ‘Who Killed Ray?’ is likely to be on the anniversary of Graham‘s demise in 2020…that can’t be a coincidence…surely?” Was Graham pulling Ray and Celia’s strings? (Credit: ITV) 2. Graham was the real drug dealer and people trafficker The connection to Ray and Celia goes well beyond Laurel, some fans are convinced. They are sure he was the big boss in charge of the whole drugs ring and human trafficking operation. “Graham was the brains behind Celia and Ray, my guess,” suggested one on social media. Another agreed: “Graham killed Ray and he was the big man in Celia and Ray’s operation. The girl in the van he was driving was part of the human trafficking and he let her go when Marlon and his wife contacted him as he helped her before when she was in trouble with her ex…” “Graham the boss, nooooooo,” a third simply said. John was killed by Victoria – or was he? (Credit: ITV) 3. Another murder – John Sugden “Can we agree that Graham took John out? Vic only immobilised him. Vic thinks she’s taken him out but she hasn’t. Graham watching Joe leading him into woods and see whats going on between J+V Joe takes after Vic. MI6 Graham finishes John off. Graham may shut Joe down?” This was the idea of another viewer on social media. But did Graham kill John Sugden as well? 4. Is Graham undercover in Emmerdale? All the theories so far suggest Graham is as bad as bad can be. But what if they are wrong? Some fans certainly seem to think so, sure that in fact Graham is working on the right side of the law. “Maybe he’s the police’s undercover operator?” some mused. 5. Seeing double? The theories get rather more out there as they go on – including one that he is not Graham, he is in fact Graham’s identical twin brother. “Make him a twin,” cried one on social media. “Maybe this was Graham‘s twin…” added another. Joe and Graham were like father and son (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) 6. Was Graham’s Emmerdale return hallucinated by Joe Tate Despite it being confirmed Graham is returning to Emmerdale full-time, some think it won’t be as alive as he seems. “I bet it’s gonna be that Graham was imagined by Joe,” said one fan. “Joe wondering if he really saw Graham or he was hallucinating. Oh please keep him thinking he was and drive him nuts,” added another. Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 Previous Story Next Story
