With John Sugden’s arrival, the Sugden family is due to expand in Emmerdale. However, fans have sensed something sinister as Robert Sugden’s return seems to loom.
Emmerdale viewers are convinced that Robert Sugden is due to return to the Dales and John Sugden may be the key to his comeback – but their connection may be more sinister than expected.
The newcomer portrayed by Oliver Farnworth made an explosive arrival to the ITV village this week, romping on the side of a road with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) before taking off in his van with his belongings.
But with John set to cause a stir in the eponymous Dales, viewers of the Yorkshire-based programme are trying to figure out what the enigmatic hunk could be hiding as he keeps his life (and even his name) shrouded in mystery. One thing is however certain for viewers – “John” will be the trigger for Robert’s return.
“What do you think of John Sugden? I quite like him but I’m curious to see how Aaron will react when he discovers that his date is actually Victoria’s brother John Sugden. Remember Robert was also a Sugden. #Emmerdale”, one viewer penned on X, otherwise known as Twitter.
Emmerdale fans are convinced Robert Sugden’s return looms as John Sugden is set to cause a stir in the village (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Another echoed: “Omg so messy !! This better be leading up to Robert’s return or you better count your days”, just as another exclaimed: “When John said ‘wondering when you would shut up’ it sounded like Robert!!!!!”
While they have been one of the original families in Emmerdale, the Sugdens have been dwindling down in numbers, with Victoria and Sarah Sugden being the last remaining members of the clan in the Dales.
However, as the Sugden family finally expands, allowing both Victoria and Sarah to meet one of their long-lost relatives, John’s penchant for secrecy could be ominous.
One theory suggests that John Sugden may not be who he says he is and may not even have any connection to the Sugden family. Instead, “John” could be one of Robert’s former cell mates, hellbent on revenge after a betrayal behind bars, taking on his surname to get as close as possible to Robert’s loved ones in a revenge twist.
In another theory, “John” may also be his father Jack Sugden’s killer as the soap legend passed away from a supposed off-screen heart attack in 2009. But there again, only time will tell what John Sugden is really up to.
Emmerdale viewers have pleaded with soap bosses to bring Robert Sugden back as they spot a downcast Aaron desperately seeking love.
Robert, played at the time by Casualty star Ryan Hawley, attacked Lee Posner following Victoria’s rape and punched him, leaving him to die from his injuries days later in hospital.
Aaron and Robert, who had first feuded before becoming a fan-favourite couple, went on the run but the latter eventually decided to turn himself into the authorities, marking the end of their marriage. Robert pleaded guilty to Lee’s attack and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
This Thursday, John is due to return on our screens as Victoria comes face-to-face with her long-lost half-brother. But how will their first meeting play out?
