In the Corriedale aftermath, the ITV soap is still recovering from the drama
2026 may have only just arrived, but for Emmerdale, it’s been a tough start to the year as the ripple effects from December continue to haunt the village, especially just a week after the Corriedale drama.
Last week, Celia Daniels’ modern slavery and drug operation was exposed, but she and son Ray Walters were killed. While Ray killed Celia in a final act to get away and live a new life with Laurel, Ray’s murderer is currently unknown.
The Corriedale crossover welcomed an old face back to the Dales as Graham Foster returned, even though he was believed to have been dead for the last six years.
Cain Dingle was shot in the chase to find John Sugden, but was later given a worrying diagnosis at the hospital as Moira sat by his side and supported the Dales legend.
Here’s what’s to come next in the Dales…
Moira is arrested for human trafficking…
The village’s morning peace is abruptly broken as a convoy of police vehicles heads down Main Street. DC Stewart arrives at Butlers Farm to interview the staff, whilst Moira heads off to collect Cain from the hospital. Robert and Victoria do their best to paint Moira in an innocent light in their interview and are left hoping they’ve done enough.
As their interview wraps up, Cain and Moira arrive home and their interview begins. Moira is left hoping she’s said enough as DS Walsh pushes her for answers about her relationship with Celia. When the police arrive to question Joe at Home Farm he doesn’t paint Moira in an entirely innocent light.
Before long, up at the farm, Cain and Moira are interrupted by the police arriving with a search warrant. Confident she has nothing to hide, Moira allows the police to begin their search, the police emerge from the lounge having found evidence. Moira is arrested on the spot on suspicion of human trafficking. Moira is led away by police, Caleb prepares to help Cain by getting Moira the best lawyer possible.
Jai is lead suspect…
Before long the police begin their search of the depot, due to their ongoing query regarding drugs being likely couriered through this business. Jai, Caleb and Billy are shocked when Ray’s body is found inside the van. Jai’s under pressure as the police try to work out a timeline of his use of the van.
When they leave telling him they’ll be in touch, Caleb asks if there’s anything Jai needs to tell him, convinced there’s a killer nearby. Jai theorises Celia must have killed Ray, but Caleb thinks it was someone closer to home. The next day, DC Stewart asks Caleb if there’s a connection between Jai and Ray. When Caleb tells them about Jai and Laurel’s divorce, Stewart takes note.
Laurel is struggling…
Arthur tells Laurel she doesn’t get to lecture him after what has happened re Ray. Arthur is quickly stunned when Laurel reveals Ray’s body’s been found. The next day, Laurel is praying in the church. Laurel bumps into Marlon and chastises him for not telling her about Ray sooner. Marlon is left to struggle with the weight of her words. Before long, DS Walsh questions Laurel about her relationship with Ray.
When she implies Jai might have been unhappy about it, they are interested although Laurel is adamant Jai couldn’t be behind Ray’s murder. DS Walsh leaves not long after Jai is taken in for questioning. Before long over a coffee Nicola wonders to Laurel if Jai killed Ray but seeing the gossipy conversation is upsetting Laurel, Nicola softens.
Meanwhile, Jai is left worried by the questioning. Soon in the pub, all eyes are on Jai. As he gets heated defending himself, Jai points the finger at April and Dylan and storms out. Mandy calls Paddy from Ireland but on ending their call Paddy breaks down in uncontrollable sobs and Dylan isn’t sure how to console him. Meanwhile, as April is comforted by her family, the conversation moves on to theorising about who killed Ray. The villagers begin questioning who’s really responsible and it becomes clear they all have secrets.
Paddy is desperate to find Bear…
The search for Bear continues but it’s looking futile. Paddy is desperately sad and tries to keep busy. As the family try to rally. Lewis tries to comfort Paddy, but accidentally just makes him more upset. Unbeknownst to either of them, there is a section of newly disturbed soil next to Anya’s secret grave.
Heading home, Paddy is comforted by Rhona, Marlon and Jai. Their sympathy is interrupted when DS Walsh appears and leads Jai away for questioning. The following day, as Paddy and Dylan prepare to search for Bear, Lydia, Sam and Belle arrive. As they discuss Jai being taken in by the police, the question of who murdered Ray hangs in the air.
Elsewhere in the village…
The villagers in the cafe can’t believe it when Billy walks in and breaks the news about Ray’s body being found. But some look shifty. April tries to convince Dylan, Ray manipulated them all along, but Dylan storms out claiming Ray didn’t deserve to die.
Kim asks Joe if he had anything to do with Moira’s arrest, but eventually decides she doesn’t want to know, and urges him to stay out of it. Once she’s left, Joe makes a secret phone call asking for an update.
