Emmerdale fans are set for a tumultuous year as the ITV soap's producer, Laura Shaw, has unveiled a slate of explosive storylines for 2026. Following the dramatic 'Corriedale' crossover with Coronation Street, the Dales will be rocked by a devastating health diagnosis, a long-buried murder mystery finally solved, and the impossible return of a fan-favourite character.
A Dingle Family in Crisis: Cancer and Criminal Charges
The heart of the village, the Dingle clan, will be pushed to its limits. Cain Dingle will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in a major storyline that will span the entire year. This devastating news will coincide with further turmoil for his wife, Moira.
In a cruel twist of fate, Moira Dingle will be arrested for human trafficking, a charge stemming from a set-up by the now-deceased Celia Daniels. Their complex marriage will be tested like never before as they face these concurrent crises.
Secrets, Lies and a Killer Exposed
The truth behind John Sugden's death is set to unravel. Victoria Sugden's clever deception, which made his death appear to be a suicide, is under threat. The sinister Joe Tate has damning video evidence of Victoria killing John and plans to use it to manipulate the Sugden family, potentially seizing control of Butler's Farm.
Robert Sugden will find himself in the thick of the action, attempting to save his sister by planting evidence. This high-stakes cover-up could lead to a dramatic exit for Victoria from the village.
Furthermore, the mystery surrounding Ray's murder will finally be solved. A special week of episodes in late January will flash back to the night of the crime, revealing which of the multiple suspects is truly responsible. In related tragedy, the search for Paddy Kirk's missing father, Bear, will end with the bleak discovery that he was killed by the villainous Celia.
Shock Returns and Pregnancy Secrets
In one of the most sensational twists, Graham Foster will make a full-time return to the village, explaining what really happened in 2020 when he was presumed killed. His comeback will have massive repercussions for both Kim Tate, with whom he shares a volatile history, and Rhona Goskirk.
A major question will be whether Joe Tate can ever forgive his father-figure for letting him believe he was dead for six years.
Finally, Charity Dingle's pregnancy secrets are poised to blow wide open. While Mackenzie mistakenly believes he is the father, the truth that Ross is the real dad remains hidden. With the baby due in spring, the birth may be the catalyst that exposes everything.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
