Emmerdale fans will know that the Sugden family have been in the village for decades, but how is newcomer John Sugden related to the iconic family, and how is he linked to Victoria?

Emmerdale introduced a fresh face on Wednesday night, John Sugden, played by actor Oliver Farnworth, 42. His character was unveiled as Aaron Dingle’s new romantic interest during his debut on the popular ITV soap.

The pair had arranged to meet for a date, but instead, Aaron encountered John at the roadside, where his car required repairs.

After Aaron fixed the vehicle, the two shared a passionate kiss that quickly turned into a roadside tryst. However, John hastily departed the scene, taking with him Aaron’s possessions and Eric Pollard’s car keys.

In Thursday night’s episode, Eric’s car failed, preventing him from attending an old friend’s funeral. Victoria Sugden kindly offered to drive him there when he was left stranded.

But once they arrived at the church, Victoria inadvertently offended the grieving son at his mother’s funeral. She was further shocked to discover his name is John Sugden, reports the Mirror.

Later, Eric awkwardly revealed that John could potentially be her half-brother and the son of her late father, Jack Sugden.

In an unexpected turn of events, Mackenzie Boyd received a call about a nearby breakdown back in the village, and it turned out to be John. Eric and Victoria were taken aback to find John in the village, and his arrival soon stirred up some drama.

How is John Sugden related to Victoria in Emmerdale?

Victoria Sugden was stunned to learn she may have a half-sibling (Image: ITV)

On Thursday, actor Oliver made his debut on Emmerdale as John, and the complex Sugden family tree was laid bare.

Jack Sugden, who passed away in 2009, fathered four children: Jackie Merrick, Robert Sugden, Victoria Sugden, and adopted son Andy Sugden.

The latest addition to the family is John, whose mother Barbara had a past relationship with Jack. Currently, only Victoria remains in the village, but with John’s arrival, could more Sugdens be on their way?