Emmerdale: Series 15
Season 15 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Emmerdale Season 14.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 15 Progress Shield
Episode 1012 (Tue 7th Jan 1986)
Jan 7, 1986
Alan Turner has a romantic evening planned for Mrs Bates - but he's reckoned without Seth Armstrong.
Episode 1013 (Thu 9th Jan 1986)
Jan 9, 1986
Harry shoots his mouth off about the robbery money so Keith and Derek sort him out. Meanwhile, Matt worries about the state of Harry's sheep, and Harry doesn't take kindly to his i
Episode 1014 (Tue 14th Jan 1986)
Jan 14, 1986
Pat and Jack learn the sex of their baby, however Jackie, still upset over his break-up with Sita, is not happy at the news of a new addition to the family. Meanwhile, Matt and Har
Episode 1015 (Thu 16th Jan 1986)
Jan 16, 1986
Jackie and Sita have a blazing row before deciding to split permanently. Meanwhile, Harry kicks up a fuss over the dead sheep in The Woolpack.
Episode 1016 (Tue 21st Jan 1986)
Jan 21, 1986
Harry makes a pass at a terrified Dolly and Matt says Harry won't be doing that ever again...
Episode 1017 (Thu 23rd Jan 1986)
Jan 23, 1986
Matt violently confronts Harry, who takes a tumble and is left with a head injury. Meanwhile, Jack comforts Jackie over his messy break-up with Sita.
Episode 1018 (Tue 28th Jan 1986)
Jan 28, 1986
Henry is horrified to witness Harry take his final breath, and Matt is arrested on suspicion of murder. Meanwhile, Seth enjoys messing with Alan's weight loss attempt.
Episode 1019 (Thu 30th Jan 1986)
Jan 30, 1986
Matt's strong motive is established, and Matt is charged with Harry's murder. Meanwhile, Alan begins hankering after Harry's land...
Episode 1020 (Tue 4th Feb 1986)
Feb 4, 1986
The Sugdens are in shock after discovering Matt has been charged with Harry's murder. Donald is horrified to see how severe Harry's injuries looked after identifying his body, whil
Episode 1021 (Thu 6th Feb 1986)
Feb 6, 1986
Sandie comes forward as a witness to the armed robbery in October 1985, although DS Webb is furious at how long she's taken. Meanwhile, Matt confesses to Dolly that he wanted Harry
Episode 1022 (Tue 11th Feb 1986)
Feb 11, 1986
Derek is released from custody despite Sandie's statement. Meanwhile, Matt's solicitor advises him to plead guilty to manslaughter, whilst Seth tampers with Alan's scales.
Episode 1023 (Thu 13th Feb 1986)
Feb 13, 1986
Henry convinces Matt to sack his lawyer and hire Mr Barrett instead. Meanwhile, Alan takes his weight loss too seriously and ends up neglecting his duties.
Episode 1024 (Tue 18th Feb 1986)
Feb 18, 1986
Henry helps Matt discover evidence to potentially put Matt in the clear for Harry's murder, whilst Jackie is disappointed when Kathy shows no interest in the farm animals.
Episode 1025 (Thu 20th Feb 1986)
Feb 20, 1986
Matt is thrilled to learn there is a strong chance he will be found not guilty of murder, whilst Alan begins to suspect Seth has been tampering with his scales.
Episode 1026 (Tue 25th Feb 1986)
Feb 25, 1986
Sgt. MacArthur and DS Webb clash over Matt's innocence, whilst Amos snaps at Bill when Bill tells Jock that Matt did everyone a favour. Also, Dolly is upset to be given a frosty re
Episode 1027 (Thu 27th Feb 1986)
Feb 27, 1986
Jack is insistent on getting Harry's land, despite Henry and Annie's objections. Meanwhile, Dolly finds a true friend in Liz.
Episode 1028 (Tue 4th March 1986)
Mar 4, 1986
Jack and Alan try go all lengths to get Harry's land, and Karen is infuriated by Alan trying to get her to pull some strings for him.
Episode 1029 (Thu 6th March 1986)
Mar 6, 1986
Matt opens up to Annie, whilst Jackie devises a plan to get Harry's land.
Episode 1030 (Tue 11th March 1986)
Mar 11, 1986
Alan throws a tantrum when Jack's bid for Harry's land is accepted, and is almost thrown out of The Woolpack by Amos. Meanwhile, Amos tries to stop Donald for getting Derek to repa
Episode 1031 (Thu 13th March 1986)
Mar 13, 1986
Amos is horrified when the cellar fills with water and the labels come off the vintage wine bottles, whilst Matt thinks he will still be found guilty.
Episode 1032 (Tue 18th March 1986)
Mar 18, 1986
Alan tricks Amos, and gets on Henry's bad side. Meanwhile, Karen refuses to be friends with Jack whilst Annie is thrilled to learn Joe is coming home.
Episode 1033 (Thu 20th March 1986)
Mar 20, 1986
Alan is horrified when the wine rack falls over in The Woolpack cellar - and blames Seth! Meanwhile, Donald is horrified to learn that Derek has been fixing his electrics with stol
Episode 1034 (Tue 25th March 1986)
Mar 25, 1986
Harry's burial takes place, however Seth is the only mourner. Meanwhile, the Sugdens are thrilled when Joe returns home. Also, Derek tries to avoid Donald.
Episode 1035 (Thu 27th March 1986)
Mar 27, 1986
Matt finally opens up to Dolly, whilst Jackie realises someone has been in the shelter.
Episode 1036 (Tue 1st April 1986)
Apr 1, 1986
The deceased Harry becomes a suspect for the armed robbery, whilst Alan decides to apply for the regional manager job. Also, Amos is teased by the customers because of his eye patc
Episode 1037 (Thu 3rd April 1986)
Apr 3, 1986
The police catch Derek and Keith digging up the money - Keith is arrested, however Derek gets away. After holding Donald hostage, he is convinced to give himself up.
Episode 1038 (Tue 8th April 1986)
Apr 8, 1986
Matt is furious to have wasted three months of his life due to his conviction. Meanwhile, Jackie finally demolishes the shelter on Mowlam's Farm.
Episode 1039 (Thu 10th April 1986)
Apr 10, 1986
Pat and Jack are disappointed when Pat has a false labour. Meanwhile, Sandie is angry over Pat's baby as Pat didn't want her to have Louise.
Episode 1040 (Tue 15th April 1986)
Apr 15, 1986
Jack worries to Annie that he may fail as a father. Meanwhile, Amos has cash register trouble.
Episode 1041 (Thu 17th April 1986)
Apr 17, 1986
Sandie's feelings about Pat's baby are revealed. Meanwhile, Alan keeps a close eye on Joe. Also, Amos revels in the new cash register.
Episode 1042 (Tue 22nd April 1986)
Apr 22, 1986
Pat unexpectedly has a home birth and has a healthy baby boy. Meanwhile, Joe admits he is jealous of Jack's life. Also, Jackie and Kathy bond over a drink.
Episode 1043 (Thu 24th April 1986)
Apr 24, 1986
Joe is over the moon to learn he has gotten the regional manager job, but Alan is furious. Meanwhile, Pat decides to name the baby "Robert Jacob Sugden".
Episode 1044 (Tue 29th April 1986)
Apr 29, 1986
Alan's sulking causes he and Joe to clash over numerous problems. Also, Jack asks Joe to be Robert's godfather.
Episode 1045 (Thu 1st May 1986)
May 1, 1986
Amos and Dolly are delighted when they are asked to be Robert's godparents. Meanwhile, Joe is interested to hear the ill Arthur has nobody to leave his businesses to.
Episode 1046 (Tue 6th May 1986)
May 6, 1986
Seth is horrified to discover his bike has been stolen, unaware it was by Donald. Meanwhile, Joe plans to obtain the Hotten Cattle Market.
Episode 1047 (Thu 8th May 1986)
May 8, 1986
Joe is annoyed when Arthur refuses to sell to NY Estates, whilst Henry is amused to learn Donald stole Seth's bike.
Episode 1048 (Tue 13th May 1986)
May 13, 1986
Donald returns Seth's bike without getting caught, but Seth decides to play a game with the villagers. Meanwhile, Joe pesters Arthur over the cattle market.
Episode 1049 (Thu 15th May 1986)
May 15, 1986
Jack and Matt realise how much Joe has changed, and Annie worries a confrontation between Jack and Joe is inevitable. Meanwhile, Donald and Henry are confused when Seth hides the f
Episode 1050 (Tue 20th May 1986)
May 20, 1986
Henry convinces Mr Golding to not sell Hotten Cattle Market to NY Estates, instead making Karen director. Meanwhile, Jackie and Kathy connect over their parents splitting.
Episode 1051 (Thu 22nd May 1986)
May 22, 1986
Robert's christening takes place. Meanwhile, Christopher Meadows orders Joe to get the Hotten Cattle Market from Arthur.
Episode 1052 (Tue 27th May 1986)
May 27, 1986
NY Estates purchases the Hotten Cattle Market, but Joe immediately puts his foot in it by bringing up Jack and Karen's affair. Meanwhile, Kathy is unimpressed when Jackie moves bac
Episode 1053 (Thu 29th May 1986)
May 29, 1986
Dolly decides to tackle Matt about having another child. Can she put their marriage to rights?
Episode 1054 (Tue 3rd June 1986)
Jun 3, 1986
Joe is forced into a confrontation with Sandie but he's reckoned without taking Jack on too.
Episode 1055 (Thu 5th June 1986)
Jun 5, 1986
Jackie discovers he has a rival for Kathy. Has he thrown all his chances away?
Episode 1056 (Tue 10th June 1986)
Jun 10, 1986
Amos is at a loose end - and that can only mean trouble for Henry!
Episode 1057 (Thu 12th June 1986)
Jun 12, 1986
Jack is determined to scotch Joe's plans, but is he risking the future of the farm into the bargain?
Episode 1058 (Tue 17th June 1986)
Jun 17, 1986
Is there romance in the air for Joe and Karen?
Episode 1059 (Thu 19th June 1986)
Jun 19, 1986
As the conflict between Jack and Joe comes to a head at the farm, Seth makes a surprising discovery about Alan and Caroline!
Episode 1060 (Tue 24th June 1986)
Jun 24, 1986
When Seth is in trouble with his wife, the last thing he needs is any help from Amos!
Episode 1061 (Thu 26th June 1986)
Jun 26, 1986
Annie hopes a day out on the river will help ease the family tensions. Will she be proved right?
Episode 1062 (Tue 1st July 1986)
Jul 1, 1986
When Amos and Meg bring in changes at The Woolpack, it looks like Seth's drinking days are numbered! The changes don't go down well with Henry either. Meanwhile, Jack to talk to Al
Episode 1063 (Thu 3rd July 1986)
Jul 3, 1986
Alan faces a crisis at NY Estates: will he risk his future and fight Joe? Meanwhile, when Jackie puts his foot in it with Kathy, it prompts several conversations about when he will
Episode 1064 (Tue 8th July 1986)
Jul 8, 1986
On the night of the big dominoes match at The Woolpack, Amos is determined his side will win - but he's reckoned without the interference of Meg!
Episode 1065 (Thu 10th July 1986)
Jul 10, 1986
Amos and Henry decide when to tell Meg they are relieving her of her cleaning duties. A field is flooded on NY Estates land. Jack is not happy and blames Phil. Luckily Meg says she
Episode 1066 (Tue 15th July 1986)
Jul 15, 1986
Matt brings Dolly her breakfast in bed. She says she has to rush off to the school. Amos is getting ready for the bowls match. Annie gives Dolly a jumper for her birthday. Matt say
Episode 1067 (Thu 17th July 1986)
Jul 17, 1986
Annie and Jackie wave Matt and Dolly off as they go to Bridlington. Amos practises for the bowls match with Donald. Donald asks to be considered if Amos is a player short.
Episode 1068 (Tue 22nd July 1986)
Jul 22, 1986
Jack discovers that Joe and Karen are having an affair. Will it reopen old wounds for him and Pat? Tensions rise between Wilks and Donald as they realise they are fighting for the
Episode 1069 (Thu 24th July 1986)
Jul 24, 1986
Matt and Dolly try to put their troubles behind them, but find it's not easy to rediscover their old happiness.
Episode 1070 (Tue 29th July 1986)
Jul 29, 1986
Pat's irritable and suspicious of Karen being linked with Joe. Amos tells Henry he's going to ask Joe to be on the bowling team along with Clifford and Alan
Episode 1071 (Thu 31st July 1986)
Jul 31, 1986
After attempting to play them off against each other, Henry guesses that Amos is about to ask him to referee the bowls match and flatly refuses. Alan receives notice from Christoph
Episode 1072 (Tue 5th Aug 1986)
Aug 5, 1986
Is Joe stabbing Clifford in the back - or is he offering him a helping hand?
Episode 173 (Thu 7th Aug 1986)
Aug 7, 1986
What is going on at The Woolpack? Whatever it is, it's a lot fishier than Amos expected!
Episode 1074 (Tue 12th Aug 1986)
Aug 12, 1986
Is this the end of the line for Joe and Karen?
Episode 1075 (Thu 14th Aug 1986)
Aug 14, 1986
It is time for the Piranha fish to leave The Woolpack, but Amos discovers that's easier said than done!
Episode 1076 (Tue 19th Aug 1986)
Aug 19, 1986
Joe has made enemies in the village. Will Annie stand by him? Preparations are underway for the barn dance, whilst Clifford and Peggy must make a decision about their future, now t
Episode 1077 (Thu 21st Aug 1986)
Aug 21, 1986
It's the night of the Barn Dance at Emmerdale Farm, but things are looking bleak for Amos.
Episode 1078 (Tue 26th Aug 1986)
Aug 26, 1986
Pat drives Janie back to the train station, picking up a book for Jack on the way. As she drives along the roads back to Beckindale she swerves to miss a flock of sheep, however hi
Episode 1079 (Thu 28th Aug 1986)
Aug 28, 1986
Jack struggles with the news of Pat's death. Annie tries to console him. News spreads of the loss around the village.
Episode 1080 (Tue 2nd Sept 1986)
Sep 2, 1986
It's the day of Pat's funeral. The cars arrive at Emmerdale and the family silently make their way to the church service.
Episode 1081 (Thu 4th Sept 1986)
Sep 4, 1986
Annie's concerned as Jack barely speaks to anyone and immerses himself in work. Tom sits alone in a pub outside the village.
Episode 1082 (Tue 9th Sept 1986)
Sep 9, 1986
In the aftermath of Pat's funeral, Jack has grown further and further from his family - and closer to breaking point.
Episode 1083 (Thu 11th Sept 1986)
Sep 11, 1986
Jack's disappearance from the farm is still unexplained and Annie has become increasingly anxious about him. Alan is preparing for the upcoming cricket match. Jack breaks down and
Episode 1084 (Tue 16th Sept 1986)
Sep 16, 1986
Jackie's holiday plans are causing more trouble than he bargained for, especially for Kathy.
Episode 1085 (Thu 18th Sept 1986)
Sep 18, 1986
Will Sandie's interview with Joe mark the start of a new direction in her life? Jack is annoyed when a driver almost causes an accident, especially as his wife recently died in a c
Episode 1086 (Tue 23rd Sept 1986)
Sep 23, 1986
Kathy has little reason to enjoy working at Emmerdale Farm just now - and Jack does nothing to help. Sandie has not got the job, a man named Eric Pollard has the job. Alan is ready
Episode 1087 (Thu 25th Sept 1986)
Sep 25, 1986
The day of the Beckindale cricket match, and Alan's hopes for a personal triumph are being strangely undermined.
Episode 1088 (Tue 30th Sept 1986)
Sep 30, 1986
New Hotten Market auctioneer Eric Pollard pays Sandie a visit at her office at Hotten Cattle Market and immediately starts showing her who is boss. Joe makes a big decision about h
Episode 1089 (Thu 2nd Oct 1986)
Oct 2, 1986
Amos believes he is the victim of Gypsy's curse - and Seth is more than willing to lend a hand to the Supernatural. Alan introduces Eric to Amos and Henry. Alan says that Sandie is
Episode 1090 (Tue 7th Oct 1986)
Oct 7, 1986
Harvest time means hard work at Emmerdale Farm, but Jack discovers there's a dangerous price to pay for pushing yourself too hard.
Episode 1091 (Thu 9th Oct 1986)
Oct 9, 1986
Phil tries to assure Sandie that his marriage is over.
Episode 1092 (Tue 14th Oct 1986)
Oct 14, 1986
Phil arrives at Emmerdale Farm for dinner and it's not going to be an easy evening for Sandie especially as Annie is hoping his wife will be there.
Episode 1093 (Thu 16th Oct 1986)
Oct 16, 1986
As Sandie prepares for the Antiques Sale an unexpected encounter brings her face to face with an unpleasant reality.
Episode 1094 (Tue 21st Oct 1986)
Oct 21, 1986
Joe and Phil stand on the brink of a new future, but what price will their families pay for their ambitions?
Episode 1095 (Thu 23rd Oct 1986)
Oct 23, 1986
When Joe tries to buy Jack's old home at auction, he hasn't reckoned with his brother's strong attachment to the past.
Episode 1096 (Tue 28th Oct 1986)
Oct 28, 1986
Phil asks his wife for breathing space, but for Sandie the marriage is well and truly over. However, she may have revealed too much to Dolly, who is starting to get suspicious. Mea
Episode 1097 (Thu 30th Oct 1986)
Oct 30, 1986
As the villagers begin to gossip about Sandie and Phil, Sandie worries just what her family will think.
Episode 1098 (Tue 4th Nov 1986)
Nov 4, 1986
A quiet evening in The Woolpack turns very sour when Lesley comes looking for her husband.
Episode 1099 (Thu 6th Nov 1986)
Nov 6, 1986
Annie is determined to speak her mind about Sandie and Phil but Sandie's in no mood to listen.
Episode 1100 (Tue 11th Nov 1986)
Nov 11, 1986
Has Sandie closed the door on her life at Emmerdale Farm?
Episode 1101 (Thu 13th Nov 1986)
Nov 13, 1986
After Sandie's departure Annie finds little comfort from her family.
Episode 1102 (Tue 18th Nov 1986)
Nov 18, 1986
Annie has an unexpected visitor. While a bribe helps Amos's badger hunt.
Episode 1103 (Tue 20th Nov 1986)
Nov 20, 1986
Alan pays a heavy price for a free lunch - and Henry makes a disturbing discovery.
Episode 1104 (Thu 25th Nov 1986)
Nov 25, 1986
A big day for Emmerdale Farm puts Joe on the spot.
Episode 1105 (Thu 27th Nov 1986)
Nov 27, 1986
Seth is hailed as a hero - but there's a shock for Phil.
Episode 1106 (Tue 2nd Dec 1986)
Dec 2, 1986
Phil and Sandie are fast outstaying their welcome in Joe's home and an alarming incident at NY Estates does nothing to soften his mood. A young youth is involved in the incident.
Episode 1107 (Thu 4th Dec 1986)
Dec 4, 1986
Amos has a big surprise in store for Henry at Christmas. All he has to do now is get it into The Woolpack unnoticed!
Episode 1108 (Tue 9th Dec 1986)
Dec 9, 1986
Christmas comes early for Sandie when Phil finds them a new home.
Episode 1109 (Thu 11th Dec 1986)
Dec 11, 1986
Sandie and Phil are forced to invite Archie to stay for a meal when he arrives for his money and they are unable to pay him.
Episode 1110 (Tue 16th Dec 1986)
Dec 16, 1986
Preparations get underway for Alan's N.Y. Estates gathering. Seth expects the party to be boring and secretly plans to spice it up.
Episode 1111 (Thu 18th Dec 1986)
Dec 18, 1986
The Sugden family gathers on Christmas Eve for the nativity play, and Jack has a few surprises planned for the village. A far more disturbing surprise awaits Dolly on her return to