Emmerdale actor Andrew Scarborough, who portrays the enigmatic Graham Foster on the ITV soap, has opened up about his character's latest storyline and the reasons behind his signature attire. Graham, known for his sharp suits and red tie, has a deeply tragic past that explains his meticulous appearance.
Graham's Tragic Past and Signature Style
Andrew Scarborough, 52, revealed that Graham's constant mourning over the death of his wife Cheryl and their unborn child in a car crash—which he caused while driving drunk—is why he always wears a suit. "He wanted a family when he was younger but he blew that completely. So he's mourning that the whole time, hence why he always wears the suit. He wears a red tie because he's been to hell and back and that's his reminder," Andrew explained. He added that Graham has OCD and PTSD, and his suit is a coping mechanism.
Graham Takes Kyle Under His Wing
In upcoming episodes, Graham discovers that troubled teenager Kyle Winchester (Huey Quinn) is responsible for the fires on Robert Sugden's farm. Rather than turning him in, Graham steps in to help the boy, drawing from his own troubled past. "He's had quite a lot of tragedy, and he's lost, and has found things that were not good for him. He's self-medicated. Arson, I suppose, is a form of that. Graham sees Kyle as somebody who's lost his way and still young, so he has a bit more forgiveness for him," Andrew said.
Kyle has been struggling since the death of his mother Amy Barton a year ago, compounded by his family being forced from their home and his stepmother Moira's imprisonment. Graham's own trauma is triggered when he finds Kyle starting another blaze, but he chooses to help the teenager instead of punishing him.
Graham's Relationship with Joe and Kim
Despite Joe Tate's many enemies, Graham remains loyal to him. "I think he wants to correct him. He loves him, so he wants to help him, and again it's that paternal thing. He realises Joe was hurt. I think he will stand by him," Andrew said.
As for his volatile relationship with Kim Tate, Andrew hinted at a possible reunion. "I think they feel quite safe picking battles with each other. They see how far they can push each other, but at the same time, they haven't quite pushed each other over the edge yet. I think there's always going to be a spark between Graham and Kim," he said.
Coronation Street Connection Revealed
Andrew also addressed the mystery surrounding Graham's connection to Coronation Street's Jodie Ramsey, which was hinted at during the "Corriedale" crossover. Jodie was seen tied up in Graham's van, but Andrew clarified that Graham wasn't going to kill her. "That wasn't the job. He was taking her to somebody and then he realised this person was bad. So he kind of let her go really. I think you do find out bits, and I think possibly later on you'll find out a bit more about the guys and who they were," he explained.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
