{"id":235327,"date":"2026-01-13T06:47:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T06:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/235327\/"},"modified":"2026-01-13T06:47:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T06:47:23","slug":"emmerdale-2026-preview-10-spoilers-for-the-year-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/235327\/","title":{"rendered":"Emmerdale 2026 preview: 10 spoilers for the year ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"

The new year began with a bang in Emmerdale<\/a>, quite literally, as the crossover with Coronation Street<\/a> led to game-changing twists and sent storylines off in directions nobody could have predicted. <\/p>\n

So far in 2026, we\u2019ve had three murders and a resurrection from someone who died six years ago \u2013 and we\u2019re only days into the new year!<\/p>\n

The Corriedale episode left us wondering<\/a> whether life would ever be the same for the villagers, as they try to manoeuvre a very uncertain future.<\/p>\n

Read on for RadioTimes.com<\/a>\u2019s epic preview of what\u2019s coming up in Emmerdale in the next 12 months\u2026<\/p>\n

Emmerdale 2026 preview: 10 spoilers for the year ahead from Ray Walters death mystery and Graham Foster return1. Who killed Ray Walters? Whodunnit resolved\"A<\/p>\n

Who killed Ray Walters (Joe Absolom)?\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Everyone is glad to see the back of evil Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), but who hated the crime boss enough to actually do him in? <\/p>\n

Following the reveal of his corpse is in one of Caleb Milligan\u2019s (Will Ash) haulage vans, news of Ray\u2019s death spreads around the village, launching Emmerdale\u2019s first whodunnit of 2026 \u2013 with a twist\u2026 <\/p>\n

\u201cMany secrets will come out as the mystery surrounding Ray\u2019s death is finally solved later this month,\u201d confirms Laura Shaw, executive producer of Emmerdale. <\/p>\n

\u201cBefore the end of January, a special week will flashback<\/a> to the night of the murder, revealing which of the multiple suspects is responsible for Ray’s demise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who\u2019s your money on? Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock)? Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy)? April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan)? Ross Barton (Michael Parr)? <\/p>\n

2. Cain Dingle\u2019s cancer hell\"Cain<\/p>\n

Cain (Jeff Hordley) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Fans thought Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) had copped it in Corriedale when he was shot, but even though he was saved in hospital another shock was about to be delivered that changes everything for the village hard man \u2013 scans showed he has a mass that looks very worrying to the doctors, which will soon be confirmed as cancerous\u2026 <\/p>\n

\u201cCain is at the centre of a major prostate cancer storyline<\/a> spanning across 2026,\u201d reveals Shaw. <\/p>\n

\u201cAdding to the Dingle family\u2019s devastation, Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) will be arrested for human trafficking, with her arrest timed to coincide with her husband\u2019s diagnosis. Their complex marriage will be tested as they face dark times and there are set to be repercussions for the whole clan.\u201d <\/p>\n

3. Graham Foster\u2019s shock return\"Andrew<\/p>\n

How did Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) survive?\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Another Corriedale surprise was the return of Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough), who apparently did not die<\/a> at the hands of Pierce Harris six years ago, as we all thought. How did grim Graham survive, and where has he been? <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is going to be a sensational comeback,\u201d says Shaw. <\/p>\n

\u201cGraham\u2019s return will have massive consequences for both ex-wife Kim Tate (Claire King), with whom he shares a complex love and hate relationship, and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry), 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 Tate (Ned Porteous) can ever forgive his father figure for allowing him to believe he was dead\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Jodie,<\/p>\n

What is his connection with Corrie’s Jodie (Olivia Frances Brown)?\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Graham had Coronation Street newcomer Jodie Ramsey<\/a> (Olivia Frances Brown) bound and gagged in a van \u2013 has he been carving out a living as a hit man? And will his reappearance in the village coincide with Joe\u2019s upcoming wedding to Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley)?<\/p>\n

4. Charity Dingle\u2019s baby secret exposed\"Charity<\/p>\n

It’s only a matter of time before Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) exposes the secret.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Soap pregnancies are rarely straightforward, but has there ever been a more complicated scenario than Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) getting up the duff<\/a> after a one-night stand with old flame Ross just before an embryo transfer for her to be a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill)? <\/p>\n

Charity\u2019s husband, Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb), thinks he\u2019s the daddy and has agreed not to tell Sarah, unaware of the Ross twist, but it won\u2019t be long before everyone knows the full story, as Shaw divulges: \u201cThe truth surrounding Charity’s pregnancy is set to blow wide open. With the baby due in spring, the birth may be the event that finally exposes all of Charity’s secrets…\u201d<\/p>\n

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5. Murder and blackmail for the Tates and Sugdens\"Victoria<\/p>\n

Vic (Isabel Hodgins) tried to cover her tracks.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Emmerdale\u2019s feuding families are at it again in 2026, as the rivalry between the Sugdens and the Tates is spectacularly reignited. <\/p>\n

Killer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) is dead, accidentally bumped off by little sister Victoria Sugden<\/a> (Isabel Hodgins) in self-defence, who thinks she\u2019s got away with it. But Joe Tate knows the truth and relishes having a hold over the clan and forcing Robert to do his bidding\u2026 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth about John’s death will be revealed, as Victoria’s clever deception, making it look like suicide, will unravel,\u201d continues Shaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvil Joe has damning video evidence, which he plans to use to get what he wants from the Sugdens, potentially taking control of Butler’s Farm. Robert (Ryan Hawley) is also in the thick of it<\/a>, trying to save Victoria by planting evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hodgins is set to go on maternity leave at some point in 2026, but what drives her killer character to vanish from the village? <\/p>\n

6. Another Robron wedding\"Robert<\/p>\n

Wedding bells are set to ring for Aaron and Robert.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Robert and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) may be caught up in trying to cover up Vic\u2019s crime, but let\u2019s not forget the boys are newly-engaged after a heart-to-heart on the roadside of the Corriedale car crash. <\/p>\n

Robron weddings have a history of being dramatic \u2013 their first attempt at tying the knot back in 2017 was interrupted by police showing up to arrest Aaron\u2019s granny, Faith Dingle. <\/p>\n

Their roller coaster of a romance is hurtling towards wedding number three in 2026, but will they get a happy ending? Can they avoid prison for hiding the truth about John\u2019s demise? Or could another crazy ex show up to ruin everything? <\/p>\n

7. Kev Townsend returns?\"Kev<\/p>\n

Is this the last we’ve seen of Kev (Chris Coghill)?\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Talking of which, fans are keeping their fingers crossed we haven\u2019t seen the last of ex-con Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill). <\/p>\n

Robert\u2019s prison husband made a big impression, and despite his violent streak and unpredictable temper, the misguided guy has a big heart \u2013 and a talent for karaoke, as witnessed in his unforgettable serenading of his soul mate with a Daniel Bedingfield ballad. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty more to explore with Kev, not least Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) learning he\u2019s his long-lost dad. Actor Coghill\u2019s social media post confirming he\u2019d finished filming<\/a> generated countless comments praying for his return, so watch this space\u2026<\/p>\n

8. Romance blossoms for Vinny Dingle\"Vinny<\/p>\n

Vinny (Bradley Johnson) is clearly interested in pursuing something with Lewis (Bradley Riches).\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

As well as a paternity bomb waiting to go off, Lewis also has a potential love story simmering away on a low heat. <\/p>\n

Now Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) has confronted his sexuality wobbles, he\u2019s found himself attracted to his housemate. <\/p>\n

The boys began a game of \u2018will they?\/won\u2019t they?\u2019 towards the end of 2025, that\u2019s bound to be picked up in 2026. <\/p>\n

How will overprotective Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) feel about his best pal Vinny finding romance with a fella for the first time? <\/p>\n

Could Kammy be jealous that he\u2019s no longer the object of Vin\u2019s affections?<\/p>\n

9. Paddy Dingle\u2019s nightmare over Bear Wolf\"Dylan<\/p>\n

Paddy (Dominic Brunt) is heartbroken.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Bear Wolf (Joshua Richardson) being dragged into people trafficking and modern slavery was one of the most unsettling storylines of 2025, and in 2026, the shockwaves will continue to be felt as the community comes to terms with what was going on right under their noses. <\/p>\n

Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) is desperate to find his missing father, but the nightmare is far from over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile Paddy is still out searching, the bleak truth is that Bear has been killed<\/a> by the villainous Celia,\u201d explains Shaw. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis emotional search and tragic discovery will bring Paddy’s mental health problems back to the forefront.\u201d<\/p>\n

The last time Paddy was gripped by depression, he came close to taking his own life\u2026<\/p>\n

10. Eric Pollard dies in prison?\"Chris<\/p>\n

Could Pollard (Chris Chittell) face the consequences of his actions?\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) and Kerry Wyatt\u2019s (Laura Norton) Christmas Eve wedding was one of the most unexpected moments of the year<\/a>, or possibly the decade, but what does the future hold for this fraudulent marriage? <\/p>\n

Terminally ill Pollard has only tied the knot with the gobby Geordie for financial reasons – to protect grandson Jacob Gallagher\u2019s (Joe-Warren Plant) inheritance – but jealous Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) still fancies Kerry and has threatened to expose the sham union. <\/p>\n

Could the couple end up behind bars? Might Pollard die in prison? <\/p>\n

\u201cKerry starts to realise this whole idea was a bit rash,\u201d comments Laura Norton, who plays the new Mrs P. <\/p>\n

\u201cShe genuinely cares about Eric, they\u2019re both loveable rogues. It\u2019s a full circle moment because he looked after her daughter, Amy, and she feels she\u2019d want Kerry to do this for him. As for Jai, I don\u2019t think Kerry realised how much he actually cared for her. Who knows what might happen next?\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/p>\n

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.<\/p>\n

Add Emmerdale to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app<\/a> \u2013 download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.<\/p>\n

Check out more of our Soaps<\/a> coverage or visit our TV Guide<\/a> and Streaming Guide<\/a>to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The new year began with a bang in Emmerdale, quite literally, as the crossover with Coronation Street led…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":235328,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[146,85,46,411],"class_list":{"0":"post-235327","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-il","10":"tag-israel","11":"tag-tv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=235327"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235327\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/235328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=235327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=235327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=235327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}