Emmerdale fans are convinced they have worked out Nate Robinson’s fate after the beloved character made a shock off-screen exit from the ITV soap last week

Emmerdale viewers believe they’ve pieced together the mystery surrounding Nate Robinson’s (Jurell Carter) sudden departure from the ITV soap.

In last week’s episodes, fans became suspicious of newcomer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), who acted evasively when Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) questioned him about Nate’s location.

After a barn fire nearly claimed the lives of Ruby Milligan (Beth Cordingly) and Moira Barton (Natalie J Robb), John’s nervous response to questions about Nate’s whereabouts, along with his quick exit in his van, raised suspicions.

When quizzed about Nate’s location, John confirmed that he had already left the village. He told Tracy: “He wasn’t there, he left before it happened, he mentioned Shetland.”

A surprised Tracy replied: “Yeah, I knew he was going there, I just thought I might have seen him before he took off,” reports Leeds Live.

Nate Robinson has left the village (Image: ITV)

“I am sorry,” John concluded, to which Tracy responded: “It’s not your fault, is it.”

This has led fans to speculate that John may be involved in Nate’s disappearance – but can he be trusted?

Fans have taken to social media to share their theories about Nate’s real location. While some suspect John has either kidnapped or killed him, others believe the newcomer has assumed his identity. Some viewers also speculate that Tracy could be carrying his child.

“Is that John texting Tracey #emmerdale,” one viewer queried.

Fans are abuzz with theories after Nate’s mysterious Emmerdale departure, with one viewer speculating: “Either Nate really is in Shetland or he’s kidnapped hence going to voicemail. Has Jurell done a goodbye message? #Emmerdale.”

Another disgruntled fan expressed their dissatisfaction, saying: “Bar his affair with Moira, Nate’s character wasn’t the most impactful but what a s*** exit! I’m hoping Tom or John’s killed him and texting Tracey. Duller characters have been given better exits. What an insult to Jurell. #Emmerdale.”

Speculation continues as another fan posited: “Nate’s dead and Tracy’s pregnant with his kid.”

Echoing the sentiment, someone else added: “Fully thinking Nate is going to die now he’s back with Tracy and she’ll end up pregnant again.”

A different take was offered by another viewer: “Obviously Nate’s not just gone and I’ll be so disappointed if it turns out he’s been killed by John. It’ll put an expiry date on the character straight away.”

Fans think John has something to do with Nate’s disappearance (Image: (Image: ITV))

In the wake of his off-screen exit, actor Jurell Carter took to Instagram to say his goodbyes, posting alongside a photo with co-stars Jeff Hordley and Natalie J Robb: “So after 5 years, my time at Emmerdale has come to an end. I always say I don’t know where the time has gone but I genuinely don’t have a clue.”

He continued his heartfelt message: “I want to thank every single person who has supported me, rooted for me, watched me develop and grow over these past 5 years, I truly appreciate you. It’s been a massive chapter of my life and will always hold a special place in my heart.

“Emmerdale is a big family, from the minute I walked in the building on my first day I was made to feel welcome and wanted and I’ve been truly blessed to be a part of it. Making the choice to leave a place that felt like home, a place I was constantly learning, excited to be and where I was working alongside some beautiful and very talented people was never going to be easy.”

He concluded: “Being a part of a show that’s always been a family favourite, my mum’s, my late grandmother’s (Mamma’s), a show that became my dad’s favourite and making them all so proud, will honestly forever mean everything to me. So from the bottom of my heart, I’m forever grateful and I thank you all. God bless.”

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV.