Emmerdale fans are convinced a monumental plot twist is brewing following the murder of villain Ray Walters, with speculation mounting that a character officially killed off last week may be the true culprit.
The Shocking Murder and Fan Theory
This week on the ITV soap, viewers discovered that Ray Walters had been killed and his body hidden in a depot van. While on-screen suspicion has fallen on Ross Barton, Rhona Goskirk, Marlon Dingle, and Laurel Thomas, the audience believes the real answer lies elsewhere.
The leading fan theory suggests that Ray's own mother, fellow villain Celia Daniels, is actually alive and committed the murder. In a shocking twist last week, Ray was seen stabbing Celia to death, but viewers are now questioning whether she miraculously survived.
Many believe Celia then returned for revenge, potentially being the shadowy figure seen dragging a wrapped corpse. This theory has exploded across social media, with one fan predicting, "Bet Celia killed Ray. Still alive." Another agreed, stating the "big twist" would be if Celia survived and then killed her son.
Graham Foster's Shock Return Fuels Speculation
Adding another layer of mystery is the unexpected return of Graham Foster, a character believed murdered in 2020. He made a surprise comeback during Emmerdale's crossover with Coronation Street on Monday, 5th January 2026, seen driving a van with a kidnapped girl named Jodie.
Fans have now connected Graham's reappearance to the murder mystery. On the day of his return, Rhona Goskirk was seen on the phone to a mystery person. Viewers now speculate she was talking to Graham, her ex, and may have asked him to kill Ray.
One fan posted online: "Maybe Rhona was on the phone to Graham who she knew was still alive & asked him to kill Ray!!" This theory has gained traction, with others questioning how Rhona would have known Graham was alive.
What Happens Next in the Village?
With the body still undiscovered in the village and multiple characters hiding secrets, the truth behind Ray's murder promises to be a central storyline. The dual theories of Celia's survival or Graham's involvement have captivated the audience, who await the inevitable revelation.
Emmerdale continues to air weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with the murder mystery expected to unravel in the coming episodes.
