Emmerdale: Series 16
Season 16 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 15.
- 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 16 Progress Shield
Episode 1112 (Tue 6th Jan 1987)
Jan 6, 1987
Dolly hadn't seen her adopted son for eighteen years when he arrived out of the blue on Christmas Eve. Now Christmas is over but Graham shows no sign of leaving Beckindale.
Episode 1114 (Tue 13th Jan 1987)
Jan 13, 1987
When a stranger comes to Emmerdale Farm looking for Graham, Dolly finds out some unexpected truths about her son - but the question is, what does she do?
Episode 1115 (Thu 15th Jan 1987)
Jan 15, 1987
Matt has had enough. He wants Graham out of his house - and soon.
Episode 1116 (Tue 20th Jan 1987)
Jan 20, 1987
Nick is far from happy, when Caroline finds out why Alan is in for a shock.
Episode 1117 (Thu 22nd Jan 1987)
Jan 22, 1987
Dolly tries to clear the air with Matt and Graham's future seems finally decided...or is it?
Episode 1118 Tue 27th Jan 1987)
Jan 27, 1987
Matt and Dolly are taking Graham back to the army, but Graham decides the army will have to wait.
Episode 1119 (Thu 29th Jan 1987)
Jan 29, 1987
There's a woman in Amos's life. The trouble is, he's got no idea who she is.
Episode 1120 (Tue 3rd Feb 1987)
Feb 3, 1987
The police are asking questions about Graham and Matt and Dolly find themselves at odds with the law.
Episode 1121 (Thu 5th Feb 1987)
Feb 5, 1987
Kathy faces a difficult time on her first day at work and it's even more difficult when Graham comes out of hiding and demands her help.
Episode 1122 (Tue 10th Feb 1987)
Feb 10, 1987
Amos is ready to tell his life story on local radio - but is local radio ready for Amos?
Episode 1123 (Thu 12th Feb 1987)
Feb 12, 1987
Kathy can't keep her secret any longer. Can Dolly get to Graham before the police do?
Episode 1124 (Tue 17th Feb 1987)
Feb 17, 1987
Graham has gone and Jackie for one is glad to see the back of him, but Dolly returns from army camp with some surprising news.
Episode 1125 (Thu 19th Feb 1987)
Feb 19, 1987
Alan believes there's conspiracy in the air, and that Joe is at the bottom of it.
Episode 1126 (Tue 24th Feb 1987)
Feb 24, 1987
Phil and Joe make a startling discovery at The Mill, and it looks like their dreams of success are about to turn sour.
Episode 1127 (Thu 26th Feb 1987)
Feb 26, 1987
Matt and Dolly go to the army camp to bring Graham home, but someone else has very different ideas, and Graham has one more shock in store for Dolly.
Episode 1128 (Tue 3rd March 1987)
Mar 3, 1987
Jackie is missing on the high fells in terrible weather. He must be found, but time is running out.
Episode 1129 (Thu 5th March 1987)
Mar 5, 1987
Alan is worried about his future at NY Estates, but what Joe tells him gives Alan more to worry about than his career.
Episode 1130 (Tue 10th March 1987)
Mar 10, 1987
Alan's secret knowledge is beginning to weigh heavily.
Episode 1131 (Thu 12th March 1987)
Mar 12, 1987
A visit from the Bishop of Skipdale brings a challenge for Reverend Hinton: has the time come for him to move on from Beckindale?
Episode 1132 (Tue 17th March 1987)
Mar 17, 1987
Amos plans to make Robert's first birthday a magical occasion - if all goes well!
Episode 1133 (Thu 19th March 1987)
Mar 19, 1987
Joe tries to stop the row between Sandie and Eric, but it looks like there's no way of avoiding confrontation at the market.
Episode 1134 (Tue 24th March 1987)
Mar 24, 1987
Sandie suspects crooked dealings at the antique sales. A surprising discovery does nothing to calm her fears.
Episode 1135 (Thu 26th March 1987)
Mar 26, 1987
As Reverend Hinton faces a decision about his future in Beckindale, news breaks which questions the whole future of the village.
Episode 1136 (Tue 31st March 1987)
Mar 31, 1987
News of a nuclear waste dump in Beckindale has left the village shocked and stunned. But after that, comes the anger!
Episode 1137 (Thu 2nd April 1987)
Apr 2, 1987
A bitter confrontation between Jack and Joe can't be postponed any longer.
Episode 1138 (Tue 7th April 1987)
Apr 7, 1987
It's time for the nuclear industry to state its case in Beckindale, but some people don't want to listen. Nick has his own reasons for staying away from the meeting.
Episode 1139 (Thu 9th April 1987)
Apr 9, 1987
Eric's career hangs in the balance and Sandie has to face up to saying something that may cost him his job.
Episode 1140 (Tue 14th April 1987)
Apr 14, 1987
Henry walks from the shop down the side of The Woolpack and sees a huge "No Nukes Here" sign sprayed onto the wall.
Episode 1141 (Thu 16th April 1987)
Apr 16, 1987
Jackie Merrick comes across a dead sheep in one of the fields at Emmerdale Farm.
Episode 1142 (Tue 21st April 1987)
Apr 21, 1987
A councillor, Mr. Bailey, who is behind the nuclear waste disposal site in Beckindale visits the Village Hall and discusses the scheme with the reluctant residents including Dolly
Episode 1143 (Thu 23rd April 1987)
Apr 23, 1987
Phil finds his driver side tyre has been slashed and goes to replace the tyre. Meanwhile, the culprit, Eric, continues his hate campaign against Sandie. He finds a window has been
Episode 1144 (Tue 28th April 1987)
Apr 28, 1987
Alan finds himself fighting for survival. Archie asks for a place to stay for a night or 2. Amos allows him to stay at The Woolpack. Archie plays loud music upstairs, and Amos is s
Episode 1145 (Thu 30th April 1987)
Apr 30, 1987
Jackie and Matt see 2 surveyors on Pencross Fell. They are sure to win the battle against the nuclear dump. As Phil goes out for the evening, a drunken Eric breaks into Mill Cottag
Episode 1146 (Tue 5th May 1987)
May 5, 1987
Sandie is still recovering from being held hostage with a poker by Eric. She puts on a brave face for Phil and does not tell him about the incident. When plans to site a nuclear wa
Episode 1147 (Thu 7th May 1987)
May 7, 1987
Archie has been forced to leave home. After a night of chaos in The Woolpack, Amos is beginning to understand why!
Episode 1148 (Tue 12th May 1987)
May 12, 1987
Jackie has spent the night in the police cells but has been released on bail. He is facing an assault charge.
Episode 1149 (Thu 14th May 1987)
May 14, 1987
Jack is afraid that the rest of the family have given up the struggle.
Episode 1150 (Tue 19th May 1987)
May 19, 1987
Phil has every reason to feel optimistic but Sandie cannot share his enthusiasm.
Episode 1151 (Thu 21st May 1987)
May 21, 1987
Amos has a surprise for the village but his well-intentioned plan could land him in serious trouble.
Episode 1152 (Tue 26th May 1987)
May 26, 1987
On the morning of Kathy and Jackie's court case there is an unexpected protest - or is it just mindless vandalism. Amos may be facing a lawsuit from Meadows over his article in the
Episode 1153 (Thu 28th May 1987)
May 28, 1987
Seth's reputation is restored when he galvanizes the whole village into action. The villagers all protest "No Dump" and Sgt Ian MacArthur says the builders of the dump will not be
Episode 1154 (Tue 2nd June 1987)
Jun 2, 1987
There's a long-awaited reunion as Henry welcomes his daughter Marian to Beckindale, along with her husband Paolo, son Nicolo and step daughter Francesca. Paolo jokes that English r
Episode 1155 (Thu 4th June 1987)
Jun 4, 1987
Matt discovers that work at Emmerdale Farm is the last thing on Jack's mind at present - and he decides it's time for a few home truths. Meanwhile, Archie finds an injured owl and
Episode 1156 (Tue 9th June 1987)
Jun 9, 1987
An evening at the farm promises to be a happy occasion for Marian as old friendships are renewed with the Sugdens. Marian plays the piano. But not everyone is taken in by her husba
Episode 1157 (Thu 11th June 1987)
Jun 11, 1987
A brief encounter with a mysterious woman puts all thoughts of work out of Joe's mind and leads Alan to believe that his boss may be cracking up under pressure! Francesca carries o
Episode 1158 (Tue 16th June 1987)
Jun 16, 1987
Francesca sits eavesdropping on the stairs as Jack and Marian have dinner together. Caroline dolls herself up and waits excited and impatient for Jack to arrive.
Episode 1159 (Thu 18th June 1987)
Jun 18, 1987
Paolo continues to give Marian a hard time over Jack. Marian becomes annoyed by Francesca teasing Nicolo and warns Paolo to do something about it.
Episode 1160 (Tue 23rd June 1987)
Jun 23, 1987
Annie has sharp words to say about Jack's relationship with Marian. Paolo is in hospital, severely injured. His wife, Marian keeps a bedside vigil.
Episode 1161 (Thu 25th June 1987)
Jun 25, 1987
Henry is saddened by the prospect of Marian's return to Italy; but should he try to make her change her mind? Eric is stopped by police and is asked if he knows anything about the
Episode 1162 (Tue 30th June 1987)
Jun 30, 1987
There is panic at The Woolpack when Francesca goes missing.
Episode 1163 (Thu 2nd July 1987)
Jul 2, 1987
Annie tries to bridge the gulf between father and daughter as the Rossetti family prepares to leave for Italy.
Episode 1164 (Tue 7th July 1987)
Jul 7, 1987
Matt and Dolly are determined to secure the future of the farm - they're not prepared to let Jack stand in their way. Henry is despondent as Marian and the Rosettis' return to Ital
Episode 1165 (Thu 9th July 1987)
Jul 9, 1987
Getting closer to Ruth is just what Joe wants - but not courtesy of an angry bull!
Episode 1166 (Tue 14th July 1987)
Jul 14, 1987
Eric's driving is erratic and Sgt. MacArthur and his colleague follow him in their police car. Eric runs a red light. He is stopped by MacArthur and fined £20. MacArthur also suspe
Episode 1167 (Thu 16th July 1987)
Jul 16, 1987
News for the fat man, news for the rabbit - is Beckindale ready for Archie's Teenage Rural Angst? But that's only if he makes it back in time for the premiere of Jack's new play, a
Episode 1168 (Tue 21st July 1987)
Jul 21, 1987
Annie needs her family to help her make a difficult decision, but is she willing to tell them just how much pain she is in. Meanwhile, Henry makes a decision in regards to his daug
Episode 1169 (Thu 23rd July 1987)
Jul 23, 1987
Joe's economy plans are going to cost Estate workers their jobs and Bill may be the first to go, but Joe is determined that he can get things sorted. Some junk has been dumped near
Episode 1170 (Tue 28th July 1987)
Jul 28, 1987
Annie puts on a brave face as she leaves Emmerdale Farm to go into hospital, but a conversation with Henry reveals her real fears. Meanwhile, Alan catches Archie and Nick trying to
Episode 1171 (Thu 30th July 1987)
Jul 30, 1987
Amos and Henry have still not found anyone to run The Woolpack in their absence. Alan thinks he's found a surprising answer. Meanwhile, the Sugdens begin life with Annie away, and
Episode 1172 (Tue 4th Aug 1987)
Aug 4, 1987
Shearing is in full swing at Emmerdale Farm, and Phil's enthusiasm for his new job is beginning to wain. Bill is worried about his future at NY Estates. After a day of shearing, Ph
Episode 1173 (Thu 6th Aug 1987)
Aug 6, 1987
Alan has made careful plans for Christopher Meadows visit, but the NY workforce decide it's time to show him how they really feel. And there are a few mishaps during Meadows visit.
Episode 1174 (Tue 11th Aug 1987)
Aug 11, 1987
As Caroline takes over The Woolpack, Alan eagerly awaits the arrival of her replacement - the lovely Denise. But Denise isn't quite the woman that he was hoping. As he awaits her a
Episode 1175 (Thu 13th Aug 1987)
Aug 13, 1987
Jackie is in no mood for a lecture from Dolly about Kathy Bates staying overnight. Jackie says it is nothing to do with her or anyone else. Alan continues to be difficult to his ma
Episode 1176 (Tue 18th Aug 1987)
Aug 18, 1987
Caroline may have taken over The Woolpack, but she can't escape from Alan. Meanwhile, Jackie and Kathy find a place where they can be alone together - perhaps.
Episode 1177 (Thu 20th Aug 1987)
Aug 20, 1987
Jackie and Kathy's night in a caravan isn't quite as romantic as they hoped - especially when unexpected guests arrive in the morning.
Episode 1178 (Tue 25th Aug 1987)
Aug 25, 1987
A dilemma for Sgt MacArthur and Hotten Police.
Episode 1179 (Thu 27th Aug 1987)
Aug 27, 1987
There's a victory to celebrate at Emmerdale Farm, but some of the guests are more in the mood for a fight than a party. Jackie has had enough of Tony trying to seduce Kathy. Kathy
Episode 1180 (Tue 1st Sept 1987)
Sep 1, 1987
Alan is horrified to discover he's on the wrong side of the law, as him and Matt are served with injunctions to avoid going near the fence at Pencross Fell. Meanwhile, Ruth worries
Episode 1181 (Thu 3rd Sept 1987)
Sep 3, 1987
Nick celebrates his eighteenth birthday with his girlfriend and has far too much drink after receiving his A-Level results - a day to remember turns into a day he'd rather forget.
Episode 1182 (Tue 8th Sept 1987)
Sep 8, 1987
Amos is determined to bring a touch of Italian culture to Beckindale - but there's nothing cultured about the bitter clash between Jack and Turner. Nick feels downtrodden after awa
Episode 1183 (Thu 10th Sept 1987)
Sep 10, 1987
Jack has defied the law - now he has to face the consequences. As the Sugdens rally round, Turner attempts to distance himself from Jack's actions, as he spies the perfect opportun
Episode 1184 (Tue 15th Sept 1987)
Sep 15, 1987
A candle-lit dinner with Ruth doesn't turn out as planned for Joe, especially when his day also features a punch to the face. Meanwhile, with Jack in prison, the plan to utilise yo
Episode 1185 (Thu 17th Sept 1987)
Sep 17, 1987
Jack is out of jail with a new plan to fight the nuclear dump - but some of the villagers are a little sceptical. And when men in trucks arrive at Pencross Fell, could it all be to
Episode 1186 (Tue 22nd Sept 1987)
Sep 22, 1987
The Sugdens are looking forward to Annie's return. Jack worries about telling her about his prison sentence. Amos is pleased that the campaign is finally over and they can finally
Episode 1187 (Thu 24th Sept 1987)
Sep 24, 1987
Ruth goes to Crossgill Farm, barging into the house and finding the place in a mess. Mr Metcalfe is horrified to find Ruth in his house and throws her out. Phil thinks the second u
Episode 1188 (Tue 29th Sept 1987)
Sep 29, 1987
Mr Metcalfe is surprised by Matt's kindness. Jackie still refuses to go to Malcolm's wedding. Caroline is feeling down on the day of Malcolm's wedding but puts on an act around Kat
Episode 1189 (Thu 1st Oct 1987)
Oct 1, 1987
Sam isn't feeling well so Dolly calls the school. Henry and Amos ask Archie when he will be leaving, but Archie is offended. Matt plans to talk to Mr Metcalfe about getting his ani
Episode 1190 (Tue 6th Oct 1987)
Oct 6, 1987
A man, Sykes, goes to collect Joe's dead horse and asks Seth for directions. Joe is feeling annoyed and sad and is cool with Sykes. Alan is annoyed when Tony waits until he has mad
Episode 1191 (Thu 8th Oct 1987)
Oct 8, 1987
Mr Metcalfe stares at a photo of Mary. Alan advises Tony to purchase a bike instead of getting the bus. Archie complains about capitalism, but Phil makes a joke when he offers him
Episode 1192 (Tue 13th Oct 1987)
Oct 13, 1987
Sandie worries the roof isn't safe to stand on, but Phil tells her to go back inside. He teases Archie when he arrives later than Phil. Kathy waits for Jackie to ring but Tony call
Episode 1193 (Thu 15th Oct 1987)
Oct 15, 1987
Henry is sour towards Eric. Henry finds funny that Amos counts the glasses that go outside, and that he's realised that Eric must have taken a glass. Eric arrives at Crossgill Farm
Episode 1194 (Tue 20th Oct 1987)
Oct 20, 1987
Joe discovers he's not the only one looking forward to a romantic weekend with Ruth. Liam is also there, and plans to woo Ruth. Joe meets Ruth's parents George and Louise.
Episode 1195 (Thu 22nd Oct 1987)
Oct 22, 1987
Kathy gets a taste of high society, while Ruth's father, and her fiancée, try to put Joe in his place. Jackie is desperate for a date so phones up some of his old girlfriends, incl
Episode 1196 (Tue 27th Oct 1987)
Oct 27, 1987
Joe is warned off Ruth by Liam, in a nice way. Liam has stayed the night at Joe's house. Eric tries to con Mr Metcalfe again and Metcalfe comes at him with a gun, telling him to cl
Episode 1197 (Thu 29th Oct 1987)
Oct 29, 1987
Kathy gets a phonecall from her father Malcolm, telling her that she has a new baby brother, William Malcolm. Liam is trying to persuade Ruth to go back to Ireland with him, but sh
Episode 1198 (Tue 3rd Nov 1987)
Nov 3, 1987
When Seth's bicycle lets him down Alan is called to the rescue, but there's no sign of Seth. Seth hitches a lift. He later meets up with Archie. Seth mentions his birthday is comin
Episode 1199 (Thu 5th Nov 1987)
Nov 5, 1987
Archie is listening to loud music while operating machinery on Emmerdale Farm land. Jack is not happy as he sees it as a distraction. No-one has seen Metcalfe for over a week but M
Episode 1200 (Tue 10th Nov 1987)
Nov 10, 1987
Sam makes a tragic discovery and tells his father Matt. Metcalfe is laying dead in his armchair. Seth's birthday is coming up. Alan wants to know how old he will be so seeks out th
Episode 1201 (Thu 12th Nov 1987)
Nov 12, 1987
Mr Metcalfe is laid to rest. Matt and Dolly attend his funeral. The cake is baked, the guests invited, and all is set for celebration at The Woolpack - but Seth is not the only one
Episode 1202 (Tue 17th Nov 1987)
Nov 17, 1987
Jackie and Kathy surprise Beckindale with news of their engagement, but not everyone shares their delight. Sandie gets some exam results. She has passed. A gathering is held at Emm
Episode 1203 (Thu 19th Nov 1987)
Nov 19, 1987
Sandie has growing doubts about her future due to the news that Hotten Cattle Market is going to be turned into a supermarket. Tony is going back to Lincoln today, and says goodbye
Episode 1204 (Tue 24th Nov 1987)
Nov 24, 1987
Ruth discovers that she has to compete for Joe's affections with another woman - and a horse! A stray horse is running loose around the fells. Hinton attends the funeral of the wif
Episode 1205 (Thu 26th Nov 1987)
Nov 26, 1987
The stray horse is still running loose around Beckindale. Annie is cooking a pork dinner for guests at Emmerdale Farm, but is told that Hinton's friend Lionel is a rabbi. Annie ask
Episode 1206 (Tue 1st Dec 1987)
Dec 1, 1987
Phil gets divorce papers in the mail together with a Christmas card from his daughter. Kathy and Caroline discuss wedding dates. Caroline suggests summer, but Kathy thinks it's too
Episode 1207 (Thu 3rd Dec 1987)
Dec 3, 1987
Kathy is in a bad mood after her argument with Jackie the night before. Donald sees the runaway horse in the graveyard and calls Joe, but before he gets there Kathy, who is out wal
Episode 1208 (Tue 8th Dec 1987)
Dec 8, 1987
Malcolm wants Kathy to call off the wedding. Rabbi Lionel Weiss departs for Leeds. Jackie sees Hinton at the vicarage, and he says he is not religious but Hinton will ask some thin
Episode 1209 (Thu 10th Dec 1987)
Dec 10, 1987
Christmas is coming and preparations are under way at Emmerdale Farm. At Home Farm Alan is rehearsing for the pantomime to Caroline's amusement. Henry is worried what the health in
Episode 1210 (Tue 15th Dec 1987)
Dec 15, 1987
At Emmerdale Farm they're loading poultry into the van for the Christmas sale at Hotten Market. Alan gets a card from Terence, saying that he won't be coming for Christmas.
Episode 1211 (Thu 17th Dec 1987)
Dec 17, 1987
It's time for the Beckindale Christmas pantomime, but just before it's about to start Joe gets a call from Christopher Meadows with some bad news. NY Estates is pulling out of the