{"id":51530,"date":"2026-01-08T19:00:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/?p=51530"},"modified":"2026-01-08T14:12:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T14:12:30","slug":"wait-for-answers-over-graham-return-from-dead-best-theories-so-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/wait-for-answers-over-graham-return-from-dead-best-theories-so-far\/","title":{"rendered":" As we still wait for answers over Graham&#8217;s return from the dead, 6 of the best theories so far"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Graham Foster was killed off in Emmerdale on January 20, 2020 \u2013 except on January 5 2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/graham-foster-back-emmerdale-six-years-after-death-how\/\">he made a\u00a0return <\/a>as part of Corriedale.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-1st\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Since then Emmerdale has not given us much by way of an explanation. And given we saw Graham\u2019s very dead body covered in leaves and pretty much rotting, it seems a big stretch for the soap.<\/p>\n<p>Show boss Laura Shaw has promised <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/6-emmerdale-spoilers-teased-show-boss-laura-shaw-including-graham-confirmed-return-bear-fate-revealed\/\">we will get answers<\/a>, saying: \u201cA familiar face is returning to the village full-time! None other than Graham Foster will make a sensational comeback.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHis 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.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:min-h-[300px]\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>\u201cGraham will explain exactly what happened six years ago when he was \u2018killed\u2019, but the question will be whether Joe can ever forgive his father-figure for allowing him to believe he was dead.\u201d<\/p><section class=\"widget block-30 widget_block mb-4\"><div class=\"mb-3 stories-slider-container overflow-hidden w-[100%] max-sm:w-[108%] max-sm:ml-[-15px]\" data-items-visible=\"2\">\n  <h3 class=\"w-full text-center mb-5 uppercase\">article continues below<\/h3>  <div class=\"grid md:grid-cols-5 grid-cols-6\">\n          <a class=\"!no-underline col-span-4 mr-5 cursor-pointer mb-3 hover:!bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] block [-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent] uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/category\/spoilers\/\">\n        <h2 class=\"font-[var(--font-v-font)] text-[var(--color-v-primary)] font-bold !text-2xl flex flex-row place-content-baseline !mb-0 max-sm:ml-[10px]\">\n          <span class=\"flex-initial mr-2 transition-all duration-300 hover:-translate-y-1 ease-in-out !leading-[var(--title-line-height)]\">Read all the latest spoilers<\/span>\n          <span class=\"mt-auto mb-2 self-baseline h-1 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] block w-[100%] flex-1\"><\/span>\n        <\/h2>\n      <\/a>\n    \n\n\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"rounded-tl-xl md:rounded-tr-xl bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] flex flex-row gap-4 md:col-span-1 col-span-2 justify-center pt-2\">\n      <button class=\"prev-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] items-center justify-center text-sm transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer\" href=\"#\" alt=\"right\">\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"w-5 h-5 justify-self-center inline\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M15 19l-7-7 7-7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n      <button class=\"next-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] font-bold items-center justify-center transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer \" href=\"#\" alt=\"left\">\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"w-5 h-5 justify-self-center inline\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M9 5l7 7-7 7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  \n  \n  <div class=\"px-[10px] bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] rounded-none md:rounded-l-xl md:rounded-br-xl max-sm:pb-3\">\n    <div class=\"stories-slider-viewport group overflow-x-auto relative scroll-smooth\">\n      \n      <div class=\"invisible md:block slide\">\n        <img class=\"h-[250px]\" src=\"https:\/\/placehold.co\/1x250\" alt=\"placeholder\">\n      <\/div>\n      \n      <div class=\"stories-slider-track top-[10px] max-sm:h-[233px] absolute flex flex-row flex-nowrap transition-all duration-300 ease-in-out\">\n                              <div class=\"story-item flex-none slide\">\n              <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:hidden dbxgas:md:block dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-desktop\"><\/div><\/div>            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\" md:ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/bear-could-blow-everything-as-he-takes-to-the-stand\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DATE-standard-2026-05-01T163329.213.jpg\" alt=\"Bear could blow everything as he takes to the stand\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Tue, May 5<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Bear could blow everything as he takes to the stand<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">1 hour ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/paddy-bear-dylan-face-jury-on-trial\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Emm-Banners-ExclusiveOp-Templates-11.jpg\" alt=\"Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Mon, May 4<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">3 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/kevs-comeback-dawn-exit-return-sadie-king\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/News-split-2026-04-10T172033.421.jpg\" alt=\"Kev's comeback, Dawn's exit and the 'return of Sadie King'\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\">Upcoming<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Kev's comeback, Dawn's exit and the 'return of Sadie King'<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">3 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/joe-exposes-dawn-big-secret-paddy-faces-his-last-night-village\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DATE-split-2026-04-30T131946.383.jpg\" alt=\"Joe exposes Dawn's big secret and Paddy faces his last night in the village\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Fri, May 1<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Joe exposes Dawn's big secret and Paddy faces his last night in the village<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">4 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/moira-recruits-dawn-todd-beds-hope-bear\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Fan-theory-Split-36.jpg\" alt=\"Moira recruits Dawn, Todd beds in and hope for Bear\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Thu, Apr 30<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Moira recruits Dawn, Todd beds in and hope for Bear<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">5 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/dont-worry-that-was-not-moira-revenge-joe-emmerdale-spoilers-confirm-real-plan-next-week\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/News-split-2026-04-28T153547.115.jpg\" alt=\"Moira's real plan confirmed after letting Joe live\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\">May 4 - 8<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Moira's real plan confirmed after letting Joe live<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">6 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"story-item mx-auto flex-none md:hidden sm:block w-[300px]\">\n    <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-mpu\"><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>But as the show has so far this week failed to address Graham at all, theories are everywhere over just why he is back\u2026<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_51435\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51435\" style=\"width: 1720px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51435 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433.jpg\" alt=\"Who was on the other end of the line? (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1720\" height=\"978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433.jpg 1720w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-1024x582.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-1300x739.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-768x437.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-1536x873.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-180x102.jpg 180w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-96x55.jpg 96w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-512x291.jpg 512w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T135748.433-192x109.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1720px) 100vw, 1720px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-51435\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Graham is back in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Graham Foster returns to Emmerdale<\/h2>\n<p>Believed to have died at the hands of evil <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/pierce-harris-emmerdale-villain-reshaped-rhona-life-forever-complete-timeline\/\">Pierce Harris<\/a>, Graham was seen in Corriedale.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div><div data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot2\"><\/div>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/coronationstreet-insider\/news\/itvx-coronation-street-early-release-fate-shona-baby-secret-sister-jodie-identity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jodie, Shona Platt\u2019s sister.\u00a0<\/a><\/p><div class=\"my-5 boxout\"><div><h2 class=\"!text-2xl p-3 !my-0 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\">Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your Emmerdale news<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"p-3 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\/50 text-base\">It's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news &amp; schedules to share with our community of loyal readers.\r\n\r\nClick\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tvguide.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q%3Dtvguide.co.uk&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw26YBpjtwUOaDOV8IYgQAmD\" data-track=\"preferred-source\" data-placement=\"article_body\"><b>here<\/b><\/a>\u00a0and tick\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Uu9xte1Ig7bDiZNlkPjpu\">TVGuide.co.uk<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>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 \u201csomething else\u201d to take care of, looking at Joe.<\/p>\n<h2>Theories on how Graham Foster has returned to Emmerdale<\/h2>\n<p>Of course, to say we\u2019re confused as to how and why he\u2019s back is an understatement. Despite the promise of answers, so far we don\u2019t have any. So fans have been coming up with their own\u2026<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_51536\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51536\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51536 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s.jpg\" alt=\"Rhona and Graham looking lovingly and now he has returned to Emmerdale (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-1300x731.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-180x101.jpg 180w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-96x54.jpg 96w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_10436023s-192x108.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-51536\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rhona and Graham were about to run away together before his \u2018death\u2019 (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>1. Graham back for Rhona \u2013 and to kill Ray<\/h3>\n<p>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 \u2013 two and two makes four! Viewers firmly believe the only explanation is that Graham is back for Rhona \u2013 and was helping her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/exclusive-did-graham-kill-ray-fans-convinced-phone-rhona-it-all-adds-up\/\">deal with Ray Walters<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">\u201cIs <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">Graham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"> back because of Rhona?\u201d questioned several as they also queried: \u201c<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">Who was Rhona talking to? Has to be <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">Graham.\u201d<\/span><\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>\u201cW<span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">ild theory, said one, \u201cbut could Rhona have been talking to G<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">raham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"> and he\u2019s killed R<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">ay<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">Others pointed out the significance of the date of the return. \u201cSo \u2018Who Killed Ray?\u2019 is likely to be on the anniversary of <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">Graham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">\u2018s demise in 2020\u2026that can\u2019t be a coincidence\u2026surely?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_49077\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49077\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-49077 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale.jpg\" alt=\"Ray and Celia look angry in Emmerdale\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale-1300x679.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale-180x94.jpg 180w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale-96x50.jpg 96w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale-512x268.jpg 512w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ray-Celia-Emmerdale-192x100.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-49077\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Was Graham pulling Ray and Celia\u2019s strings? (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>2. Graham was the real drug dealer and people trafficker<\/h3>\n<p>The connection to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/emmerdale-reveals-celia-ray-related-blows-our-minds-heres-everything-we-know-about-them\/\"> Ray and Celia<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">\u201cGraham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"> was the brains behind Celia and <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">Ray, <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">my guess,\u201d suggested one on social media.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">Another agreed: \u201cGraham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"> killed Ray and he was the big man in Celia and Ray\u2019s 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\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cGraham the boss, nooooooo,\u201d a third simply said.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_51455\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51455\" style=\"width: 1720px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51455\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809.jpg\" alt=\"John was killed by Victoria (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1720\" height=\"978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809.jpg 1720w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-1024x582.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-1300x739.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-768x437.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-1536x873.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-180x102.jpg 180w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-96x55.jpg 96w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-512x291.jpg 512w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Emmerdale-Standard-image-2026-01-06T222246.809-192x109.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1720px) 100vw, 1720px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-51455\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">John was killed by Victoria \u2013 or was he? (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>3. Another murder \u2013 John Sugden<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cCan we agree that Graham took John out? Vic only immobilised him. Vic thinks she\u2019s taken him out but she hasn\u2019t. 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?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This was the idea of another viewer on social media. But did Graham <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/corriedale-confirms-the-end-of-john-sugden-but-is-this-isabel-hodgins-maternity-exit\/\">kill John Sugden<\/a> as well?<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>4. Is Graham undercover in Emmerdale?<\/h3>\n<p>All the theories so far suggest Graham is as bad as bad can be. But what if they are wrong?<\/p>\n<p>Some fans certainly seem to think so, sure that in fact Graham is working on the right side of the law.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>\u201cMaybe he\u2019s the police\u2019s undercover operator?\u201d some mused.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Seeing double?<\/h3>\n<p>The theories get rather more out there as they go on \u2013 including one that he is not Graham, he is in fact Graham\u2019s identical twin brother.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>\u201cMake him a twin,\u201d cried one on social media. \u201cM<span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">aybe this was G<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">raham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">\u2018s <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">twin<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">\u2026\u201d added another.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_51535\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51535\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51535 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l.jpg\" alt=\"Joe and Graham were like father and son (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-1300x842.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-1536x994.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-180x117.jpg 180w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-96x62.jpg 96w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-512x331.jpg 512w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_editorial_9772102l-192x124.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-51535\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joe and Graham were like father and son (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>6. Was Graham\u2019s Emmerdale return hallucinated by Joe Tate<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">Despite it being confirmed Graham is returning to Emmerdale full-time, some think it won\u2019t be as alive as he seems. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">\u201cI bet it\u2019s gonna be that <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">Graham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"> was imagined by Joe,\u201d said one fan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">\u201cJoe<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"> wondering if he really saw <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q\">Graham<\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"> or he was hallucinating. <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\">Oh please keep him thinking he was and drive him nuts,\u201d added another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><b>Read more: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/whos-leaving-emmerdale-2025-complete-guide-departures-returns-new-arrivals\/\"><b>Who\u2019s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src-consent=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ykkxmfnk83A?si=RL7xzzWBNW-1Qq_H\" data-consent-required=\"true\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We know Graham Foster is back, but how and why?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":249734177,"featured_media":51537,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Emmerdale Graham return","_yoast_wpseo_title":"As we wait for answers over Graham's return from the dead in Emmerdale, 6 of the best theories so far","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Graham Foster was killed off in Emmerdale on January 20, 2020 - except on January 5 2026 he made a return as part of Corriedale.","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"As we still wait for answers over Graham's return from the dead in Emmerdale, 6 of the best theories so far","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_secondary_title":"As we still wait for answers over Graham&#039;s return from the dead in Emmerdale, 6 of the best theories so far","secondary_post_title":"","dbc_origin_post_id":0,"dbc_origin_site_url":"","homepage_headline":"","excerpt":"","dbc_special_tags":"","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"1362","slider_placement":"","_slider_placement":"field_681be083af7d6","footnotes":""},"categories":[1362],"tags":[1731,1673,1605],"coauthors":[1763],"class_list":["post-51530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-features","tag-graham-foster","tag-joe-tate"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.4 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>As we wait for answers over Graham&#039;s return from the dead in Emmerdale, 6 of the best theories so far<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Graham Foster was killed off in Emmerdale on January 20, 2020 - except on January 5 2026 he made a return as part 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