EI comp: Robert / John Sugden

Could John Sugden in Emmerdale actually be playing Aaron? A very convincing fan theory thinks so.

When John arrived in the village earlier this year, it felt there was more to meet the eye. But nothing has really happened… yet.

Last night’s episode saw John once again look at the dog tag he keeps with him; with the name Aidan Moore. And that’s exactly why a lot of Emmerdale fans think he is hiding something more sinister.

A new theory on social media predicts that John’s character is all a sham, and he is actually there to get revenge on someone else; Robert Sugden.

Is Emmerdale John hiding something? (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale John is out for revenge, predicts fans.

After last night’s episode which saw John take Aaron on an unwanted camping trip, fans can’t help but feel there’s more to come.

One fan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Until now I genuinely thought it was just poor casting. But for the first time I’m convinced John is up to something. Some revenge plot against Robert, because he is so cold to Aaron.”

For a while fans have complained about the lack of chemistry between Aaron and John, and while it may have been down to everyone comparing them to the loved Robron, maybe it was actually supposed to be that way.

Robert is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence for the murder of Lee Posner. But fans have been desperate for him to return.

With this new theory, could Robert have had a history with John himself? Or did he have one with the mysterious Aidan Moore? And John is out for revenge over whatever happened.

If John does know Robert, it makes sense that he inserted himself into the village as a Sugden. He may have heard all about their family from Rob, so he knew exactly who to talk to and what to say when he arrived.

John Sugden Emmerdale
Fans think Emmerdale John Sugden is out for revenge. (Credit: ITV)

Everyone notices the similarities in both relationships

One thing that has not escaped fans’ attention is the way it seems Emmerdale are trying to recreate Robert and Aaron’s relationship.

The pair had their first kiss beside a broken down car on a lay-by, exactly like Robert and Aaron, and now they’re confessing their feelings for each other in the woods. Just like Robert and Aaron.

So, if the revenge theory is true, could John maybe know Robert from prison? Perhaps he spent some time inside with him, they got close, and Rob told him all about his relationship with Aaron.

If so, then Aaron could be set for a bigger and more dangerous storyline next year than anyone is ready for. And just maybe, this is what we need to get Rob back on our screens.

Do you think there is more to John than meets the eye?

Read more: Christmas Spoilers for Emmerdale: Terror at Home Farm!

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX. 

Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3. 

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