Next week in Emmerdale, the village is rocked by the sensational return of Graham Foster, who comes face-to-face with a stunned Kim Tate, while Paddy Kirk desperately attempts to cover up the fact that Bear Wolf killed Ray Walters. Following the explosive “Corriedale” crossover events, the week of January 26, 2026, focuses on the fallout of Ray’s death and the beginning of Cain Dingle’s life-changing health battle.
This comprehensive guide covers everything happening in the Dales from Monday, January 26 to Friday, January 30, 2026. You will learn about the chilling confrontation at Home Farm, the police investigation into the “modern slavery” ring, and the tragic discovery of Anya’s body. Whether you are following the Dingle family’s latest crisis or the high-stakes drama of the Tate empire, these spoilers provide the essential roadmap for next week’s episodes.
Graham Foster Confronts Kim Tate
Graham Foster makes his official full-time return to the village next week, walking into Home Farm to confront Kim and Joe Tate. After being presumed dead for six years, Graham’s reappearance sends shockwaves through the estate, especially as Kim was just beginning to believe she had moved on from his memory.
The tension between the former lovers is palpable as Graham prepares to explain exactly how he survived his “death” and where he has been hiding. Kim is left reeling, oscillating between fury and relief, while Joe must grapple with the fact that his father figure allowed him to grieve for over half a decade.
Paddy Covers Bear’s Killer Secret
Paddy Kirk takes drastic action next week to ensure the police do not discover that Bear Wolf was the one who choked Ray Walters to death. Although Bear acted in self-defense to save Paddy and Dylan, Paddy fears that Bear’s fragile mental state and previous disappearance will make the authorities less than sympathetic.
When DS Walsh arrives in the village to provide an update on the Ray Walters murder investigation, Paddy tries to steer suspicion toward the late Celia Daniels. By hoping the police blame the deceased villainess for Ray’s demise, Paddy believes he can protect his father from a prison sentence.
Cain Dingle Faces Cancer Diagnosis
The Dingle family’s world is turned upside down as Cain Dingle attends a pivotal hospital appointment to receive his formal prostate cancer diagnosis. This storyline, which is set to span the entirety of 2026, begins with Cain struggling to maintain his “tough guy” exterior while facing his own mortality.
Adding to the heartbreak, Moira Dingle finds herself unable to fully support her husband due to her own legal troubles. As Cain receives the news that will change his life, Moira is being questioned by police regarding her alleged links to the human trafficking ring run by Celia.
Ruby and Caleb Find Bear
Ruby and Caleb Miligan are the ones who finally track down a disoriented Bear Wolf after he goes missing following the struggle with Ray. Bear is found in a distressed state, struggling to process the violence he committed and the months of trauma he endured as a forced laborer.
During the rescue, Bear lets slip a cryptic comment to Ruby, suggesting that Anya is “gone,” which immediately raises alarms. This revelation prompts Ruby and Caleb to contact the authorities, leading to a grim search of the surrounding woods.
Anya’s Body Is Finally Discovered
Following Bear’s tip-off, a major police operation results in the discovery of Anya’s body, several weeks after she passed away. The village is left in a state of mourning as the true extent of Ray and Celia’s cruelty is laid bare for all to see.
The discovery of the body complicates the ongoing investigation into Ray’s murder, as forensics teams begin to swarm the depot. For the residents of the village, it serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that has recently permeated their community.
Jai Sharma Under Police Suspicion
Jai Sharma finds himself in the hot seat when the police discover that he unknowingly drove the van containing Ray’s corpse. Although Jai was completely oblivious to the body in the back of the depot vehicle, his “spiteful” reputation and history of shady dealings make him an easy target for DS Walsh.
Jai must fight to clear his name while also dealing with the fallout of the modern slavery scandal at the HOP. His stress levels reach a breaking point as he realizes that being in the wrong place at the wrong time might cost him his freedom.
Charity’s Pregnancy Secret Under Threat
Charity Dingle continues to play a dangerous game as she keeps the truth about her pregnancy hidden from Mackenzie Boyd. While Mack is convinced he is the father of the child she is carrying, the audience knows that the real father is actually Ross Barton.
Next week, Charity’s conscience begins to weigh on her as she sees Mack planning for a future that is built on a lie. With the baby due in the spring, the pressure is mounting for Charity to confess before the truth is revealed in a much more explosive fashion.
Rhona and Marlon’s Mental Strain
Rhona Goskirk and Marlon Dingle are pushed to their limits as they deal with the aftermath of the “flashback week” and the search for April. Even though Ray is dead, the trauma he inflicted on their family remains, and Marlon is seen struggling with a “secret rage” regarding how close they came to losing everything.
Rhona is also distracted by the sudden return of Graham, a man she was once prepared to run away with. The ghost of her past complicates her current marriage, leading to a series of tense conversations with Marlon about their future in the village.
Practical Information and Planning
For viewers looking to keep up with the fast-paced developments in the Dales, the following schedule and viewing details are essential.
- Air Times: Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30 PM on ITV1, with an hour-long “Power Hour” crossover often occurring on Mondays.
- Streaming: Episodes are available for early-access streaming starting at 7:00 AM every morning on ITVX.
- Catch-Up: Full omnibus editions and past storylines can be found on the ITVX “Soap Hub.”
- Visitor Tips: If you are planning to visit the Emmerdale Village Tour in Leeds, be sure to book tickets at least three weeks in advance, as the popularity of the 2026 storylines has caused a surge in bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who killed Ray Walters in Emmerdale? Bear Wolf killed Ray Walters by choking him during a struggle to save Paddy and Dylan. The death was accidental but has been covered up by Paddy to protect his father.
Is Graham Foster really back in Emmerdale? Yes, Andrew Scarborough has returned as Graham Foster. The character revealed he survived the 2020 attempt on his life and has returned to confront Kim and Joe Tate.
What is wrong with Cain Dingle? Cain Dingle has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This is a long-term storyline for 2026 designed to raise awareness about the condition and show a different side of the Dingle patriarch.
Who is the father of Charity’s baby in 2026? The father of Charity’s baby is Ross Barton, though Mackenzie Boyd currently believes the child is his. This secret is expected to be revealed during the birth in Spring 2026.
Why was Moira Dingle arrested? Moira was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking. She was framed by the villainous Celia Daniels to distract the police from Celia’s own criminal operations.
Is Bear Wolf leaving Emmerdale? There are no current reports of Bear Wolf leaving. However, the character is currently dealing with significant trauma and the legal repercussions of Ray’s death.
When did the Corriedale crossover happen? The Corriedale crossover event aired on January 5, 2026, marking a historic collaboration between Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
What happened to Anya in Emmerdale? Anya was a victim of the modern slavery ring run by Ray and Celia. Her body was discovered in the woods next week after Bear Wolf provided a tip-off to the police.
Is Joe Tate still in the village? Yes, Joe Tate is currently at Home Farm and will be one of the first people to encounter the returning Graham Foster.
Will Ross Barton stay in the village? Ross Barton is back in the village and is heavily involved in the Charity pregnancy storyline, as well as the fallout from Ray’s death.
How can I watch Emmerdale spoilers early? The best way to see spoilers and clips early is through the official Emmerdale YouTube channel and the ITVX streaming service.
Is April Windsor okay after the kidnapping? April is physically safe but deeply traumatized. Her actress, Amelia Flanagan, is currently involved in a major storyline regarding the psychological impact of the ordeal.
What is the “Power Hour” on ITV? The “Power Hour” is a scheduling block where Emmerdale and Coronation Street air back-to-back or in crossover specials to maximize viewership.
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