2026 has got off to a flying start on Emmerdale – with huge storylines including the Corriedale crash, Ray’s mysterious murder and the bombshell return of Graham. But where does it all go from here?

Show producer Laura Shaw recently shared several teasers for 2026, which we brought to you last week. If you missed the individual articles, here’s a handy round-up which brings all the gossip together in one place!

1. Cain’s diagnosis is confirmed

In the closing moments of Corriedale, a doctor told Cain that he could have cancer. The discovery was only made by chance, as Cain underwent tests at the hospital after being shot in the woods.

Cain has since faced further checks. When the results are revealed soon, this marks the beginning of a big storyline which will run for the whole year.

“The Dingle family are set to face huge repercussions and Cain is at the centre of a major prostate cancer storyline spanning across 2026,” show boss Laura Shaw explained.

2. Moira struggles to be there for Cain

Moira has been right by Cain’s side ever since her worried husband heard the doctor’s initial concerns. Sadly, this may not be the case for long.

This week’s episodes see Moira arrested after being framed for Celia’s crimes. Could she end up locked away in prison, just when Cain needs her the most?

“Adding to their devastation, Moira will be arrested for human trafficking, with her arrest timed to coincide with her husband’s diagnosis,” Shaw said.

“Their complex marriage will be tested as they face dark times.”

3. Ray’s flashback week – as a killer is revealed

Next week’s episodes see Emmerdale rewind the clock, with a series of flashbacks showing how Ray was killed.

Laurel, Rhona and Marlon are the main three suspects as they each get their own episode, showing the events surrounding Ray’s demise from their different perspectives.

But we shouldn’t rule out others like April, Dylan, Arthur, Ross and Paddy, as they’re all in the mix too…

“Following the discovery of Ray’s body, villagers’ secrets will come out as the mystery surrounding Ray’s death is finally solved,” Shaw teased.

“Before the end of January, a special week will flash back to the night of the murder, revealing which of the multiple suspects is responsible for Ray’s demise.”

4. Paddy’s mental health issues are revisited

Paddy is facing a devastating time after learning that his father Bear was held as a forced worker by Ray and Celia for so many months.

Next week’s flashbacks reveal that Ray warned Paddy about Bear’s death, shortly before being killed himself. Paddy has been keeping quiet about this crucial conversation, although it’s unclear why. Is he in denial over Bear’s fate? Or is he slyly hiding his potential motive in the Ray murder mystery?

“While Paddy is still out searching for his missing father, the bleak truth is that Bear has been killed by the villainous Celia,” Shaw warned.

“This emotional search and tragic discovery will bring Paddy’s mental health problems back to the forefront.”

5. Charity’s lies are finally exposed

Charity is still spinning a web of lies, determined to protect the secret that she’s carrying Ross’s baby.

Her deception is growing ever more complicated, though, and her luck may be running out – especially with Ross set to discover the truth this week!

“The truth surrounding Charity’s pregnancy is set to blow wide open,” Shaw promised.

“Mackenzie mistakenly believes he could be the baby’s father, but the secret that Ross is the real father is still under wraps. With the baby due in spring, the birth may be the event that finally exposes all of Charity’s secrets…”

6. Victoria’s exit

Victoria will be leaving our screens for a while, as Isabel Hodgins – who plays her – is expecting a baby in real life.

It seems very likely that we’re already watching Victoria’s exit story unfold, as she was responsible for the death of her brother John when she attacked him in self-defence in Corriedale.

Could Victoria be heading to prison, despite Robert’s desperate attempts to save her?

7. Graham returns for good

The reappearance of Graham Foster in Corriedale was undoubtedly the biggest surprise in the crossover special. The fearsome character had been presumed dead since early 2020, when he was seemingly killed by Pierce Harris.

So, how will Graham explain his miraculous recovery once he’s back? And how will Kim, Joe and Rhona feel about him staying away for so long?

“A familiar face is returning to the village full-time! None other than Graham Foster will make a sensational comeback,” Shaw revealed.

“His return will have massive repercussions for both Kim, with whom he shares a complex love and 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.”