How Emmerdale pulled off a top-secret return from the dead with a YEAR of planning...
The Emmerdale team went to extreme lengths to bring back Andrew Scarborough's character, Graham Foster, six years after his on-screen death. The actor's return was a shock to viewers during the Coronation Street crossover event, Corriedale.
The planning for this surprise return was meticulous, with the team keeping it a secret for almost a year. They went to great lengths to maintain secrecy, including using fake names in scripts and closing sets to the public. Even Andrew Scarborough was restricted from entering certain areas to avoid being spotted.
The episode's viewers witnessed a hooded Graham transporting a bound and gagged woman in the back of a van, who was later revealed to be Shona Platt's sister, Jodie. The connection between Graham and Jodie remains a mystery, adding to the intrigue.
In the latest episode, Graham made his first appearance in the village, marking the beginning of a special run of episodes focusing on the murder of gangster Ray Walters. The audience was left with a chilling scene of Graham watching Ray taunt Laurel Thomas' son, Arthur.
The details of Graham's survival are still under wraps, but Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw confirmed his full-time return. She hinted at the impact of his comeback on the relationships with Kim and Rhona, suggesting a complex web of emotions and consequences. The question of whether Joe can forgive his father-figure for the deception adds another layer of drama to this highly anticipated return.