Emmerdale viewers are no strangers to shock twists, surprise returns, and long-buried secrets—but this time, the revelation didn’t unfold on screen. Instead,

it emerged from television history, leaving fans astonished as they discovered that Andrew Scarborough, the actor now synonymous with the enigmatic Graham Foster,

once played a prominent role in Coronation Street nearly two decades before his dramatic arrival in the Dales.

The discovery has sparked a wave of admiration and nostalgia among soap fans, many of whom had no idea that one of Emmerdale’s most dangerous and compelling figures once walked the cobbles of Weatherfield in a very different guise.

From Home Farm to the Cobbles

Andrew Scarborough first appeared in Emmerdale in 2017, stepping into the role of Graham Foster with immediate impact. From the moment he arrived, Graham was a character wrapped in menace and mystery—calculated, intimidating, and deeply unreadable. He quickly became a central figure in some of the show’s most intense storylines, forming dangerous alliances, controlling Home Farm affairs, and striking up a turbulent romance with Rhona Goskirk.

Graham’s reign of tension came to an apparent end in 2020, when he was believed to have been murdered by Pierce Harris, Rhona’s violent ex-husband. His death marked a dramatic turning point, closing what many assumed was a permanent chapter.

That assumption, however, proved disastrously wrong.

The Resurrection That Rocked Emmerdale

In a twist revealed in January 2026, Emmerdale stunned viewers by confirming that Graham Foster had survived. Far from being dead, he had been living under the radar for years, deliberately keeping his existence hidden.

The revelation sent shockwaves through the village and beyond. Graham’s return unsettled many—particularly Kim Tate, his former lover, and Joe Tate, who had once viewed Graham not just as a guardian but as a father figure. For Joe, the resurfacing of a man he had mourned reopened emotional wounds that had never fully healed.

In the aftermath, tensions reached boiling point at Home Farm. Kim was furious to learn that Joe had agreed to let Graham remain under her roof, seeing his presence as a ticking time bomb. Yet, after receiving measured and heartfelt advice from Joe’s fiancée Dawn Taylor, Kim reluctantly allowed Graham to stay—an uneasy truce that promises further turmoil.

Graham made his return this year

A Familiar Face—In a Forgotten Role

While Graham’s resurrection continues to dominate Emmerdale storylines, fans have turned their attention to Andrew Scarborough himself—and his surprisingly rich soap history.

Long before he ever set foot in the Yorkshire Dales, Andrew appeared in Coronation Street between September 2000 and August 2001, portraying Harvey Reuben, a factory owner and interim manager at Underworld. At the time, Harvey was a confident, authoritative presence—very different from the dangerous, morally ambiguous Graham Foster viewers know today.

The revelation came to light after a photo from Andrew’s Coronation Street days resurfaced on an Emmerdale fan Facebook page. The caption playfully read: “One for the ladies—Andrew Scarborough as Harvey in Corrie.” What followed was an outpouring of surprise and admiration.

Fans React: “Aged Like Fine Wine”

The reaction was immediate and enthusiastic. Fans flooded the comments with disbelief, praise, and more than a little swooning.

“No way!” one viewer exclaimed.
“Definitely ages like fine wine,” another wrote.
“He’s more handsome now than back then,” said a third. “I love Graham and that sexy voice.”
“He’s matured incredibly well,” another fan added, echoing a sentiment shared widely across the thread.

For many, the discovery added a new layer of appreciation for Andrew’s career longevity and versatility. To move from Coronation Street to Emmerdale—and to make such a powerful impact in both—is no small feat in the fiercely competitive world of British soap.

A Master of Reinvention

Andrew Scarborough’s journey highlights a truth longtime soap fans know well: reinvention is key. While some actors become permanently associated with one role, others evolve quietly, returning years later to redefine themselves entirely.

As Harvey Reuben, Andrew played a grounded, business-focused character navigating the politics of the factory floor. As Graham Foster, he embodies danger, emotional manipulation, and a haunting unpredictability. The contrast has only deepened fan admiration for his craft.

That ability to transform is precisely why Graham Foster works so well as a character—viewers never quite know what he’s thinking, or what he’s capable of next.

Keeping the Comeback Secret

Speaking previously about Graham’s shocking return, Andrew admitted that even he didn’t see it coming. “I never expected it at all,” he revealed. “Although, saying that, I did think that Graham always had the possibility of coming back.”

Maintaining secrecy proved challenging. Andrew confessed that he kept the twist from most of his family, a task he described as “tricky.” Only a handful of people were trusted with the truth.

“I had some cousins who contacted me after it aired,” he recalled with a laugh, “saying, ‘You sod.’”

The secrecy only added to the impact of the reveal, ensuring that viewers experienced the shock in real time.

The actor previously appeared on Corrie

Why This Revelation Matters

For fans, discovering Andrew Scarborough’s past in Coronation Street isn’t just a fun piece of trivia—it’s a reminder of how deeply interconnected the world of British soap truly is. Actors move between shows, reinventing themselves and bringing decades of experience into new roles.

It also reinforces why Graham Foster resonates so strongly. He isn’t just a villain resurrected for shock value; he’s a carefully constructed character portrayed by an actor with years of soap storytelling behind him.

What Lies Ahead for Graham Foster

With Graham now firmly back in the village—and under Kim Tate’s roof—the stage is set for further chaos. His presence threatens to destabilise relationships, reopen old feuds, and test loyalties across the Dales.

Whether Graham is seeking redemption or quietly plotting his next move remains unclear. What is certain is that Andrew Scarborough’s performance will continue to hold viewers captive—just as it did over 20 years ago on the cobbles of Weatherfield.

A Career Full Circle

From Coronation Street to Emmerdale, Andrew Scarborough’s career has come full circle—proof that in soap, no role is ever truly forgotten, and no character’s story is ever fully finished.

As fans rediscover his past and brace for Graham Foster’s next chapter, one thing is clear: Andrew Scarborough is no stranger to drama—and neither is the audience who can’t look away.