{"id":600041,"date":"2026-05-23T16:16:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T16:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/600041\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T16:16:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T16:16:16","slug":"emmerdale-fans-have-a-grim-theory-about-dr-todd-and-it-would-change-everything-soaps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/600041\/","title":{"rendered":"Emmerdale fans have a grim theory about Dr Todd &#8211; and it would change everything | Soaps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"646\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Untitled-design-6-b08a.png\" class=\"article-image wp-image-28478897\" alt=\"A composite image of Jacob Gallagher, Dr Caitlin Todd and Charity Dingle\" decoding=\"sync\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tSo wild, it could be true! (Picture: ITV\/Metro)<\/p>\n<p>A diehard <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tv-soaps\/emmerdale\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emmerdale<\/a> viewer shared an absolutely bonkers theory which could explain the insidious <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/dr-caitlin-todd\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dr Caitlin Todd<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0(<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/caroline-harker\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caroline Harker<\/a>) hatred for <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/jacob-gallagher\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacob Gallagher<\/a> (<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/joe-warren-plant\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joe-Warren Plant<\/a>). This author is dying for it to be true.<\/p>\n<p>I usually take <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/soaps-fan-theories\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fan theories<\/a> with a pinch of salt. It\u2019s easy to disappear down a conspiracy-filled rabbit hole of long lost siblings and resurrected villains.<\/p>\n<p>However, sometimes a theory surfaces on the socials that is so delightfully mad, so wildly outside the box, that it\u2019s just begging to be explored.<\/p>\n<p>Few stories invite more speculation that <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/04\/07\/doctor-todds-vile-new-move-paints-emmerdales-jacob-obsessed-stalker-27884092\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emmerdale\u2019s workplace bullying story<\/a>. Since joining Hotten General Hospital as a medical student, Jacob\u2019s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was been constantly worn down by Dr Todd as she relentlessly bullied him.<\/p>\n<p>When torturing him at work was no longer enough to satisfy her, she moved down the road from him. Her behaviour intensified to the point to the point <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/05\/02\/jacob-finally-reports-dr-todd-emmerdale-gets-a-unexpected-shock-28197122\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">he reported her behaviour <\/a>to HR, forcing her <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/05\/08\/ending-confirmed-emmerdales-dr-todd-not-one-expected-28284085\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">to retire early. <\/a><\/p>\n<p>There was a surprising heart-to-heart in the midst of their feud, though, which showed Jacob a more human side to his stern mentor as she opened up about her father, a former surgeon stricken with dementia, and her wife, who has never been mentioned before.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_04_emm_todd_jacob-6614.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27800948\" alt=\"Jacob anxiously looks on as Doctor Todd reads her notes\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tDoctor Todd is turning Jacob\u2019s dream job into a nightmare. (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n<p>Though she\u2019s since resumed her evil ways with her vicious <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/05\/22\/dr-todd-stuns-charity-emmerdale-creepily-explicit-change-tone-28462184\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">blackmail and extortion<\/a> of <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/charity-dingle\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charity Dingle\u00a0<\/a>(<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/emma-atkins\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emma Atkins<\/a>), the mention of Todd\u2019s mysterious \u2018wife\u2019 set the Soapland rumour mill ablaze.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/04\/04\/emmerdale-confirms-saves-jacob-sinister-boss-dr-todd-27838715\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">following a confrontation<\/a> with <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/kerry-wyatt\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kerry Wyatt<\/a> (<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/laura-norton\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Laura Norton<\/a>), Todd sought solace in <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/manpreet-sharma\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Manpreet Sharma<\/a> (<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/rebecca-sarker\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rebecca Sarker<\/a>) over a drink.<\/p>\n<p>While gently defending Kerry, Manpreet inadvertently let slip a key detail about Jacob\u2019s traumatic past that intrigued Doctor Todd \u2013 how <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/04\/09\/jacob-haunted-sex-predator-maya-early-emmerdale-itvx-release-27897914\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">he was groomed as a teenager by his sexually abusive teacher<\/a> <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/maya-stepney\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Maya Stepney (Louisa Clein).<\/a><\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to be Emmerdale\u2019s finest sleuth, DS Walsh, to guess where this is going.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/16_04_emm_manpreet_todd_jacob_01-773c.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27800978\" alt=\"Jacob witnesses Doctor Todd speaking to Manpreet in the pub in Emmerdale\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tManpreet blabbed to Doctor Todd about Jacob\u2019s traumatic past. (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"396\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/PRI_98642879-7e31-e1775815045391.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27900061\" alt=\"Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV\/REX\/Shutterstock (10181628q) Ep 8434 Tuesday 2nd April 2019 Maya Stepney, as played by Louisa Clein, and Jacob Gallagher's, as played by Joe Warren Plant, domestic bliss is interrupted as David arrives home early. 'Emmerdale' TV Show UK - 2019 Emmerdale, is a British ITV long running soap opera, known as Emmerdale Farm until 1989, set in Emmerdale, a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. It was created by Kevin Laffan and was first broadcast on 16 October 1972. It was originally produced by ITV Yorkshire and is still filmed in their Leeds studios.\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tJacob was brainwashed into a twisted \u2018relationship\u2019 by predatory Maya. (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n<p>After this scene, a fan by the name of Emmerdale2dae took to X to share a creative way of explaining Todd\u2019s fixation on Jacob which links her to Maya.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tDon&#8217;t miss a Soaps scoop! Add us as a Preferred Source\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>As a loyal Metro Soaps reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories. We have all the latest soaps news, spoilers, videos, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below and tick\u00a0Metro.co.uk\u00a0to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.<\/p>\n<p>\n<a class=\"metro-button metro-cta-button\" data-vars-module=\"cta_button__soaps-preferred-source\" style=\"background-color:#000000\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\">Add us as a Preferred Source<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779552974_445_SEI_278522320-46a3.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-25627285\" alt=\"Soaps authors collage Fact box image only Picture: Metro\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tNow you can ensure you never miss a story from the Soaps team<\/p>\n<p>The user wrote \u2018If the theories are true that Dr. Todd\u2019s wife is Maya, I think I would genuinely freak out!!? What a twist this would be. Why else would Todd be so set on bullying and ruining Jacob? It\u2019s all pointing in that direction. The symbolism would be CRAZY!\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Indeed it would be. The last time we saw Maya was in court, where a judge gave her a twelve month sentence for grooming Jacob. <\/p>\n<p>After being released, she gave birth to a baby boy, believed to be the son of her ex <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/david-metcalfe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">David Metcalfe<\/a> (<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/matthew-wolfenden\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Wolfenden<\/a>), abandoned the child outside David and Jacob Gallagher\u2019s house on Christmas Day 2019 before fleeing the country.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"356\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/PRI_105260627-a112-e1775657230663.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27900058\" alt=\"Maya and Jacob hiding in the Emmerdale village\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tJacob was gaslit into believing that Maya loved him (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n<p>Conceivably, she could have found time to marry Dr Todd in the five years she\u2019s been off-screen.<\/p>\n<p>Then again, if Todd\u2019s wife is not relevant to the story, which mention her sexuality at all? Why have her move in with Emmerdale\u2019s sassiest vet and <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/charity-dingle\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charity Dingle<\/a>\u2019s (<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/emma-atkins\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emma Atkins<\/a>) ex girlfriend, <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/vanessa-woodfield\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vanessa Woodfield<\/a> (<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/michelle-hardwick\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle Hardwick<\/a>)? The same, ever-dangerous Charity that she\u2019s currently extorting?<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s be real. This is an outlandish suggestion. <\/p>\n<p>As a story, it is an outrageously camp and theatrical twist that may be glorious the first time you hear it, but not something you need in a serious issue story like Jacob\u2019s toxic work place bullying ordeal.<\/p>\n<p>Other X users seemed to agree, with one posting \u2018It\u2019s an absurd theory and has almost no chance of happening. It would be lame storytelling and what message does that send to abuse victims? Watch out one day someone connected to your abuser will try to get revenge on you? Dr Todd is just a manipulative bully.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Another fan seemed to agree, citing the fact that there are few people in the village left with connections to Maya to make a return worthwhile.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"494\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_284219638-5f63.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26797978\" alt=\"Doctor Todd speaks to Jacob in Emmerdale\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tIs Todd targeting Jacob for fun\u2026 or revenge?(Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Maya being back would be wild considering David ain\u2019t around. Layla died and Tracey left who all 3 supported and fought against Maya to help Jacob. i guess Kerry was there as well, but having maya back would be kinda pointless no?\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Not entirely. Maya\u2019s ex <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/liam-cavanagh\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Liam Cavanagh<\/a>\u00a0(<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/jonny-mcpherson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jonny McPherson<\/a>) is still living in the village. He\u2019d certainly have something to say about her shock return to the Dales.<\/p>\n<p>Another viewer was slightly more optimistic at the prospect of Maya\u2019s comeback, posting \u2018I thought this was a bit of a wild idea at first but was just beginning to think it might be something (ridiculous) that ED might do, but then there was a little something in today\u2019s episode that means it shouldn\u2019t really be a goer (though I know that doesn\u2019t mean it won\u2019t!!)<\/p>\n<p>It won\u2019t be a goer. Probably. <\/p>\n<p>This is a workplace bullying story, not a mad revenge quest. Occam\u2019s Razor, people. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_293036937-fd26.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27960435\" alt=\"Jacob speaks to HR in Emmerdale\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThe focus of the story should be Jacob, not Dr. Todd\u2019s personal life (Picture: Danielle Baguley\/ITV)<\/p>\n<p>Dr Todd is an insecure bully in a stressful job who takes out her frustrations by picking on her students. Oldest story in the book. Not especially soapy, but true. <\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s what makes it so compelling. I doubt Emmerdale would mess with that winning formula for the sake of a jaw-dropping reveal.<\/p>\n<p>Then again, I didn\u2019t think <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/graham-foster\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Graham Foster<\/a> (<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/andrew-scarborough\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Andrew Scarborough<\/a>) would return from the dead either, so anything is possible\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/05\/20\/charity-emmerdale-makes-worst-move-yet-fight-dr-todd-28446310\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charity in Emmerdale makes her worst move yet in fight against Dr Todd<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/05\/20\/theos-killer-confirmed-coronation-street-not-one-suspects-28445534\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Theo\u2019s killer \u2018confirmed\u2019 in Coronation Street \u2013 and it\u2019s not one of the suspects<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/05\/19\/emmerdale-confirms-wipes-grin-off-dr-todds-face-not-charity-jacob-28429552\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emmerdale \u2018confirms\u2019 who wipes the grin off Dr Todd\u2019s face \u2013 and it\u2019s not Charity or Jacob<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-comments\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tComment now<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tComments<br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" class=\"metro-button share-bar-preferred-source\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tAdd as preferred source<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tThe Soaps Newsletter \u2013 Weekly<\/p>\n<p>Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"So wild, it could be true! (Picture: ITV\/Metro) A diehard Emmerdale viewer shared an absolutely bonkers theory which&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":600042,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[196035,20545,25789,1608,96,196031,98176,204838,1609,169507,391,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-600041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tv","tag-caroline-harker","tag-charity-dingle","tag-emma-atkins","tag-emmerdale","tag-entertainment","tag-jacob-sugden","tag-joe-warren-plant","tag-maya-stepney","tag-soaps","tag-soaps-fan-theories","tag-tv","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/600041","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=600041"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/600041\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/600042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=600041"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=600041"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=600041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}