Emmerdale's Graham Foster Confronts Devastated Joe Tate in Early ITVX Release
In a dramatic early release episode available exclusively on ITVX, Emmerdale delivered an emotionally charged confrontation between Joe Tate and the man he once considered a father figure, Graham Foster. The episode, dated January 28, 2026, reveals the devastating aftermath of Graham's faked death and his unexpected return to the village.
A Heartbreaking Revelation at Home Farm
After briefly reappearing in the village last week, Graham Foster made his way to Home Farm to reveal himself to Joe Tate and Kim Tate. Joe, initially believing he was seeing a ghost, broke down as he recounted the traumatic moment he learned of Graham's supposed death in 2020. The grief sent Joe on a downward spiral that nearly destroyed him.
Joe described how the news of Graham's death left him feeling completely alone, triggering a severe decline in his health. He stopped eating and sleeping properly, turning instead to drugs that ultimately damaged his kidneys so severely he required a transplant in December 2024. This medical crisis eventually brought him back to Emmerdale, though Graham remained unaware of these devastating consequences until now.
Graham's Motives and Kim's Suspicious
Graham offered profuse apologies to Joe, but his words fell short of healing the deep wounds caused by his deception. Meanwhile, Kim Tate quickly deduced that Graham's return was connected to Rhona Goskirk, with whom he had spoken earlier. Graham confirmed he had returned primarily to help Rhona, but this admission was overheard by Joe, who had believed Graham came back specifically for him.
The revelation that Graham had been in the village days before the Corriedale crash without contacting Joe shattered Joe's heart even further. As Joe stepped outside for air, Graham reminded Kim of their technically still-valid marriage, since the legal declaration of his death became invalid upon his reappearance.
A Shocking Betrayal and Uncertain Future
Kim immediately suspected Graham might be seeking a share of her assets, but he insisted his motives were purely personal - he returned for Rhona and now intends to stay for Joe. However, the episode concluded with a dramatic twist as two police officers arrived at Home Farm, asking Graham to accompany them to the station.
Joe revealed he had called the police on Graham, explaining that while he understood some of Graham's actions, the betrayal still hurt deeply. This leaves Graham's future in the village uncertain, raising questions about whether the Tates can ever forgive his elaborate deception.
Cast Insights and Future Developments
Andrew Scarborough, who portrays Graham Foster, offered insight into potential reconciliation. If Kim Tate can forgive Joe for harvesting an organ, she can forgive Graham for coming back from the dead, he suggested. Scarborough believes Graham could work his way back into the family's good graces by proving his loyalty and skills, though he acknowledges this process might take several months.
The early ITVX release continues Emmerdale's tradition of delivering compelling drama through digital platforms, giving dedicated viewers exclusive access to story developments before they air on traditional television. This particular episode explores themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and the complex dynamics of found family relationships within the soap's narrative framework.
