Emmerdale spoilers for next week tease a double comeback, an unexpected alliance and a new romance on the ITV soap, with hints about what's ahead for the rest of 2026. While the spoilers focus on next week's episodes, they also offer clues about bigger twists to come for the characters.
Tom's Return Twist
As Sam and Cain fight over Samson's predicament after he attacked Tom, Sam does the unthinkable. Desperate to help Samson, he visits Tom in prison and pleads for leniency. Tom revels in the power play and asks Sam to do him a favour.
Back in the village, Tom's ex-wife Belle, who is Sam's sister and was abused by Tom, is anxious about the idea of him being released from prison. Amid fears about him returning to the village if he has the chance, Sam could be about to make things so much worse. As he does this favour for Tom in secret, he risks upsetting Belle, but he also risks letting Tom back into their lives.
A New Alliance
Ruby Miligan confides in Graham Foster next week. Despite the Tates and the Milligans feuding, Ruby finds a moment to offload to an unexpected character in Graham. Ruby has no idea that her husband Caleb has cheated on her with Sadie. As things escalate, Ruby still believes she has a problem with alcohol.
She has been stitched up by Sadie, who is trying to tear her and Caleb apart. As Ruby confides in Graham, this could be the start of an unexpected friendship or alliance, or even something more.
Steve Marchant Comeback
Thea decides to track down her father Steve next week, despite Kim's history with him and her reservations. As Thea tries to track him down under false pretences, it seems this could be the moment he heads back to the show. Steve returns after hearing about Thea and the claims that she is his secret daughter.
This could be what sends him back to the village for a reunion with Kim, and he is teased to have bombshells of his own, leaving Kim to watch out.
Kev and Nicola Romance Sealed?
Finally next week, Kev finds himself struggling with his feelings for Nicola. As he tries to move on and forget about it, he realises how deep his feelings are. Nicola, meanwhile, is still mourning the loss of her husband Jimmy. But as the pair have grown closer recently, this hints at the future.
Could we see a romance between Kev and Nicola at some point on the show? When Nicola is ready to move on, she and Kev might get together. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
