Season 16

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.

Dolly is torn on what to do about Graham.

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?

Matt has had enough. He wants Graham out of his house - and soon.

Nick is far from happy, when Caroline finds out why Alan is in for a shock.

Dolly tries to clear the air with Matt and Graham's future seems finally decided...or is it?

Matt and Dolly are taking Graham back to the army, but Graham decides the army will have to wait.

There's a woman in Amos's life. The trouble is, he's got no idea who she is.

The police are asking questions about Graham and Matt and Dolly find themselves at odds with the law.

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.

Amos is ready to tell his life story on local radio - but is local radio ready for Amos?

Kathy can't keep her secret any longer. Can Dolly get to Graham before the police do?

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.

Alan believes there's conspiracy in the air, and that Joe is at the bottom of it.

Phil and Joe make a startling discovery at The Mill, and it looks like their dreams of success are about to turn sour.

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.

Jackie is missing on the high fells in terrible weather. He must be found, but time is running out.

Alan is worried about his future at NY Estates, but what Joe tells him gives Alan more to worry about than his career.

Alan's secret knowledge is beginning to weigh heavily.

A visit from the Bishop of Skipdale brings a challenge for Reverend Hinton: has the time come for him to move on from Beckindale?

Amos plans to make Robert's first birthday a magical occasion - if all goes well!

Joe tries to stop the row between Sandie and Eric, but it looks like there's no way of avoiding confrontation at the market.

Sandie suspects crooked dealings at the antique sales. A surprising discovery does nothing to calm her fears.

As Reverend Hinton faces a decision about his future in Beckindale, news breaks which questions the whole future of the village.

News of a nuclear waste dump in Beckindale has left the village shocked and stunned. But after that, comes the anger!

A bitter confrontation between Jack and Joe can't be postponed any longer.

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.

Eric's career hangs in the balance and Sandie has to face up to saying something that may cost him his job.

Henry walks from the shop down the side of The Woolpack and sees a huge "No Nukes Here" sign sprayed onto the wall.

Jackie Merrick comes across a dead sheep in one of the fields at Emmerdale Farm.

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 and Jack who speak up against it.

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 left unlocked at The Mill and climbs in through the window. He snoops round and reads Sandie's letter from her father Tom. As he is doing so, Joe drives into the front yard, gets out and knocks on the door. Eric flinches. Joe then leaves and Eric breathes a huge sigh of relief.

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 slightly unnerved by this.

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 Cottage and terrorises Sandie for getting him sacked. He threatens her with a poker. He then pours his heart out to her saying at 42 years old he has hardly achieved anything in life. Sandie takes pity on Eric and takes him home. The future of NY Estates Yorkshire branch is uncertain.

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 waste dump near Beckindale take an unexpected step forwards, Jackie finds himself at the centre of a violent confrontation. Henry is told that he is a grandfather. But he wonders why Marian has waited until after the birth of Nicolo to tell Henry.

Archie has been forced to leave home. After a night of chaos in The Woolpack, Amos is beginning to understand why!

Jackie has spent the night in the police cells but has been released on bail. He is facing an assault charge.

Jack is afraid that the rest of the family have given up the struggle.

Phil has every reason to feel optimistic but Sandie cannot share his enthusiasm.

Amos has a surprise for the village but his well-intentioned plan could land him in serious trouble.

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 newspaper. Alan and Amos argue over it.

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 here today. The villagers think they have won but MacArthur says to Henry that they will be back another time.

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 rural folk are called "yokels". Stirred by memories of the past, Jack is more than curious to see what has become of Marian.

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 makes a friend in Francesca.

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 husband's charm, and Jack is in no mood for polite conversation. Paolo does not like Jack keep smiling at his wife Marian just because he once dated her. Jack thinks Paolo is a snob and says he feels sorry for him.

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 on acting oddly, and purposely smashes a glass onto the floor of The Woolpack. Paolo gets talking with Eric about antiques and books. Paolo says he will do business but only if the books are worthy, as he does not like his time wasted. Paolo then introduces Eric to Marian.

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.

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.

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.

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 shooting of Paolo, seeing as he did a deal with him recently. Eric denies he knows anything and is free to go for now. There is uncertainty at Home Farm when Howard calls to see Alan and Joe.

There is panic at The Woolpack when Francesca goes missing.

Annie tries to bridge the gulf between father and daughter as the Rossetti family prepares to leave for Italy.

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 Italy, whilst Archie has company watching over Pencross Fell.

Getting closer to Ruth is just what Joe wants - but not courtesy of an angry bull!

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 suspects that Eric may have something to do with the robbery at Paolo Rosetti's house. Success for Jack at the NY sale is marred by an angry row with Joe. Seth and Archie find getting drunk with Albert a truly moving experience. Albert hooks Archie's van onto his vehicle and drives off, with Seth and Archie inside.

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, after he and Seth find themselves stranded in Leeds. Meanwhile, Annie wonders just why Joe wanted the milk quotas, and whether Demdyke is safe as a result. The stage catches fire at the end of the play.

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 daughter.

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 the trout river at Home Farm and Alan wants Seth and Bill to clear it up. Bill and Seth reluctantly do so, but Bill says he is a cowman not a labourer. Annie makes a decision to have her knee replacement surgery, Phil attempts to take Sandie's mind off her upcoming exams, and Henry invites Amos to go with him to Italy.

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 poach trout down at the river. They say they are not poaching, but looking for a missing watch. Jock finds the letter ordering redundancies. He is seen by Caroline who says he cannot just read personal documents on Alan's desk. Jock is livid, and wants to speak to Alan about the redundancies. Henry and Amos struggle to find someone to cover at The Woolpack whilst they are away.

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 Joe finds himself as public enemy number one when news of the redundancies gets out, despite his reassurances that nobody is going to be without a job. Bill confronts Joe in The Woolpack about assuring there are no redundancies when there may be. He accuses Joe of being selfish and a liar. Bill almost attacks Joe but is restrained by Jock and Seth.

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, Phil comes in and is totally worn out. He falls asleep in his chair at the dinner table.

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.

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 arrival, Joe says Denise could not make it do he has Tony. Alan thinks it is a woman called Toni, but he is then peeved to be met by Tony Marchant, a man. Tony is the nephew of NY Estates director Christopher Meadows, although initially he does not tell Alan. Alan sulks at having a male secretary and makes life hell for Tony.

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 male temporary secretary Tony Marchant.

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.

Jackie and Kathy's night in a caravan isn't quite as romantic as they hoped - especially when unexpected guests arrive in the morning.

A dilemma for Sgt MacArthur and Hotten Police.

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 tells Tony that she does not fancy him. Jackie smiles.

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 about the state of some of the cattle at Hotten Market. Elsewhere, Amos and Henry settle back into things at The Woolpack after their trip to Italy, whilst Mrs Bates is put out with Alan's behaviour upon her return to Home Farm. Ruth sees Mr Bracknell at Hotten Market and finds he is rather an unpleasant man. She tells him about the state of his animals. He tells her to worry more about budgies. He gets into his car and drives off.

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. Meanwhile, Joe attempts to placate Ruth with words after she has a disagreement with one of the suppliers to the market, and Jack ponders what to do up at Pencross Fell.

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 awakening from his drunken night, Phil attempts to put his foot down with Joe in regards to the money he is owed, and Jackie encourages Jack to defy the law.

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 opportunity to get one back at him after his outburst the previous week. Ruth and Sandie put one of the sellers at the market in his place, before Ruth eventually gives in to the tension between her and Joe, whilst Kathy begins her first shift as barmaid at The Woolpack.

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 young Robert in the campaign against the nuclear dump doesn't get off the ground when Turner makes it clear to the press that the committee is at loggerheads, which sends disapproval amongst the other villagers.

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 too late? Meanwhile, Dolly finds herself a little lost when Sam starts school, and Sandie puts her foot in it when she asks Ruth about her dinner date with Joe. Joe hears on the radio that the government have pulled out of turning Pencross Fell into a nuclear dump. They had made the decision a month ago, but it took time for the news to reach Beckindale. There is celebrations all round. Jack and Henry visit Pencross Fell, and it is now nice and quiet, no trucks, no people. Jack says it is like they were never here.

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 get some peace and quiet, just as Archie roars past on his scooter.

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 unit at Mill Cottage is being priced too high by Joe

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 Kathy and Nick.

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 animals seen to, but Ruth wants to see him right away.

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 made dinner to reveal that he's going to Sandie's.

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 a job of helping repair the roof. Jackie tells Tony to get stuffed.

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 calls her instead.

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 but Mr Metcalfe slams the door in his face.

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.

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, including Carol. He even considers Alison. After having a few drinks, Joe and Ruth discuss Liam and he thinks she should not marry him. Joe says that when Liam is away, that Ruth may have some hanky panky with a stable boy in the barn. She slaps him. They then kiss. The following morning, they all are sorry for what they said last night as they had a few drinks. Joe and Ruth drive back to Beckindale. A short time later, Joe is shocked when Liam turns up at The Woolpack.

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 clear off. Eric gets into his car, and Metcalfe fires a bullet into the air. At the vet's, Joe and Ruth discuss her relationship with Liam. Matt has done a deal with Alan but so has Jack. Sandie and Ruth enlist Tony's help in rebelling against the scheming Eric Pollard.

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 she wants to stay in Beckindale and establish herself as a vet.

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 coming up, on the 22nd. Archie says that is when his birthday is. Phil has some plans to make money. Alan later catches Seth in The Woolpack. He berates him for abandoning the scene where his bike let him down as a search party was sent out.

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 Matt doesn't want to intrude. Metcalfe does some work on his farm but exerts himself, even falling down when mending a fence. He starts to feel unwell, so goes for a lie down and says his late wife Mary's name, but then dies in his armchair.

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 the Home Farm staff records. But they do not mention his age. A doctor and Sgt. MacArthur attend the death scene of Mr Metcalfe and MacArthur wants to know if he had any family. Matt is unsure. The cause of death is suspected heart attack. A document states that Mr Metcalfe bought Crossgill Farm in 1942 for £500. MacArthur says the parish will probably bury him.

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 in for a surprise.

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 Emmerdale Farm to celebrate Jackie and Kathy's engagement. Joe has some news for Sandie. There are plans to turn Hotten Cattle Market into a hypermarket.

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 to Kathy. There has been a break in at Crossgill Farm. At Hotten Market, a man named Wilson causes a stir, saying sexist things to Sandie, and Jackie almost resorts to violence. Wilson says that Arthur Golding should not have sold the market to NY Estates. Wilson then leaves. Matt finds out he has inherited Crossgill Farm.

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 wife of Rabbi Lionel Weiss, a friend of his.

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 asks Dolly if she can eat the pork now, so she can cook something else for dinner tonight.

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 far and is more into Easter.

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 walking, befriends the animal.

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 things of him in the church when he marries Kathy. Malcolm is chatting with Caroline, and he is rude about Jackie behind his back, but then puts on a smile when Jackie and Kathy come in. Sgt MacArthur arrives at The Woolpack with 2 stray turkeys.

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 inspector will say if he finds out that Amos has two live turkeys in the cellar at the Woolpack.

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.

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 village. He tells Alan, but they both manage to get through the show nonetheless. During half time, Alan says that he feels he should announce the news about NY, but knows it is not the right time. The panto is a success, despite Ruth having to leave on vet business, and Seth, Jock and Bill managing to run to the Malt Shovel during intermission and get drunk.