Emmerdale has never been shy of delivering shocking twists, but even by its own high standards, the soap has stunned viewers with the sensational return of

a character many believed was gone forever. In a move that has sent ripples through the fanbase, legendary figure Graham Foster has made a dramatic comeback

to the village — six years after his apparent death — reigniting old rivalries, reopening painful wounds, and setting the stage for one of the most explosive storylines in recent memory.

Earlier this month, eagle-eyed viewers were left utterly gobsmacked when a familiar face emerged during the much-talked-about Emmerdale–Coronation Street crossover. What initially appeared to be a shadowy background moment soon escalated into a full-blown revelation: Graham Foster, portrayed by Andrew Scarborough, was alive. Very much alive.

Graham’s official return to Emmerdale itself came during Monday’s January 19 episode, and the moment was handled with trademark suspense. Rather than announcing his presence outright, the soap allowed him to lurk on the fringes of the action, silently observing as Ray Walters taunted Laurel Thomas’ son, Arthur. The scene was chilling not only for what was happening onscreen, but for what it signified — Graham was watching, calculating, and very much back in the game.

This appearance marked the beginning of a special run of episodes exploring the mysterious circumstances surrounding Ray Walters’ death. While Ray’s fate remains clouded in uncertainty, Graham’s involvement immediately raised questions about how deep the mystery goes and just how much he knows. His return has injected a darker, more dangerous energy into the village, reminding viewers that Graham was never a man to be underestimated.

Emmerdale’s Graham Foster is officially back – six years after the character’s apparent ‘death’ by Pierce Harris’ hands

In Tuesday’s episode, Graham reunited with his ex Rhona and revealed what really happened six years ago

Graham was able to use his experience and SAS contacts to pull off his deception, with everyone believing he was dead

The intrigue surrounding Graham’s comeback had already been carefully seeded during the Corrie crossover. Initially appearing as a hooded, anonymous figure, Graham’s identity was concealed until the dramatic reveal sent shockwaves through both soaps. Adding another sinister layer, he was seen with a woman tied up in the back of his van — a moment that left viewers reeling. The woman later escaped amid the chaos, and was subsequently revealed to be Jodie Ramsey, played by Olivia Frances Brown, the sister of Coronation Street’s Shona Platt.

These scenes painted Graham as a man operating in the shadows, involved in dangerous dealings far removed from his old life in Emmerdale. Yet moments later, viewers were reminded of his more complicated side when he was shown quietly watching over his former protégé and foster son, Joe Tate, as Joe recovered in hospital. The contrast was striking: ruthless fixer on one hand, protective father figure on the other.

To understand the full impact of Graham’s return, it’s impossible to ignore the history he leaves in his wake. Six years ago, Graham was believed to have been murdered by Pierce Harris — the abusive ex-husband of his partner, Rhona Goskirk. His death sent shockwaves through the village at the time, with devastating consequences that rippled outward for years. Rhona was left broken by his apparent loss, while Marlon Dingle later served time in prison, wrongfully convicted for Graham’s “murder.”

Now, Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw has confirmed what fans scarcely dared to hope: Graham is back on the soap full-time. Speaking about the decision, she teased the enormous fallout his return will unleash.

“A familiar face is returning to the village full-time,” she revealed. “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-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.”

Rhona was furious to hear of Graham’s deception – telling him about the consequences of his decision had on her and Vanessa (Michelle Hardwick)

That explanation began to unfold during Tuesday’s January 20 episode, when Graham finally came face-to-face with Rhona and revealed the truth behind his supposed death. In a revelation that recontextualised years of storylines, Graham admitted that he had help from within the police force. DI Dent, he explained, orchestrated an elaborate cover-up, paying off individuals to ensure Graham was officially declared dead.

Drawing on his SAS background, Graham knew exactly how to make himself appear lifeless when Billy Fletcher and Priya Sharma found him. Neither checked for a pulse, and with the complicity of police and forensic teams, the illusion of his murder was convincingly sold. From there, Graham was hidden away in a safe house, effectively erased from existence.

Initially, his plan had been to regroup and ultimately take down Pierce Harris. However, while in hiding, Graham spiralled. Realising he had lost Rhona for good, he drowned his regrets in whisky. In a haze of grief and anger, he allowed himself to be put on a ferry by an old SAS friend, who later claimed it was too late to go after Pierce because the villain had already been arrested.

Rhona’s fury at Graham’s deception was palpable. She confronted him with the horrific reality of what Pierce went on to do — the continued abuse and torment inflicted on both her and Vanessa Woodfield, and the fact that Marlon lost years of his life in prison for a crime Graham knew he hadn’t committed. To make matters worse, Graham later learned through tabloid headlines that Pierce’s arrest had been delayed, and that his so-called friend had lied to him.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Graham’s life has taken an even darker turn. Now working as a fixer who handles “the things the police can’t,” he has become entrenched in the criminal underworld. In his latest job, he was hired by a powerful man to make a problem disappear — only to discover that the client was involved in human trafficking. When Graham learned that April’s name was connected to the case, it became clear that he couldn’t walk away.

Despite all these revelations, some of the most explosive moments are still to come. Graham has yet to face Joe Tate and his former wife, Kim Tate — two people whose lives were irrevocably shaped by his disappearance. With emotions running high and trust shattered beyond repair, the question remains: can any of these relationships survive the truth?

One thing is certain — Graham Foster’s return has rewritten Emmerdale history. His resurrection has not only shocked the village, but reopened storylines thought long buried, ensuring that the fallout will be felt for months to come.