Emmerdale fans believe they’ve uncovered John Sugden’s next murder victim, and it’s not Mackenzie Boyd or Aaron Dingle.

Recent episodes of the ITV soap saw John (Oliver Farnworth) attack Mack (Lawrence Robb) after he discovered the truth about Nate Robinson’s (Jurell Carter) murder.

The antagonist notably killed Nate following last year’s barn fire, before framing Owen Michaels (Simon Haines) for the crime.

Mack was presumed to be John’s next victim after being shot in the chest, with John ominously brandishing a large rock over him.

However, it was soon revealed that John had been holding Mack captive in an underground bunker on his childhood home’s property, where he currently resides with his husband, Aaron (Danny Miller), reports the Daily Star.

The plot took an even darker turn when John discovered that Aaron had previously slept with his brother, Robert (Ryan Hawley), who is also Aaron’s ex-husband.

In retaliation, John secretly spiked a bottle of whiskey and urged Aaron to have a drink.

As John attempted to prevent Mack from escaping the bunker, Aaron consumed more of the tainted alcohol, resulting in him having a seizure in the woods

Elsewhere, John contacted Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) via the mental health helpline, and following a concerning conversation, Paddy pieced together the puzzle and quickly identified who he was speaking to.

Paddy Kirk has been in contact with John on a mental health helpline (Image: ITV)

During Friday’s episode (5th September), John continued to assert his control over a bedridden Aaron.

Back in the village, Paddy confided in Robert, expressing: “This is incredibly sensitive and you have to understand, I’m in a difficult position.”

He further stated: “I’m concerned that [John] might harm himself. He found out you and Aaron slept together and it’s hardly surprising is it? Can you get Victoria to ring him and don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”

Robert subsequently approached his sister, Victoria (Isabel Hodgins), who declined to provide him with the cottage’s address, suspecting he was interfering in John and Aaron’s relationship.

Later on, as John was showering, Aaron unexpectedly discovered Mack’s phone in his bedroom. Will he manage to locate Mack?

Now, numerous Emmerdale viewers are anxious for Paddy’s wellbeing, with many speculating that he could be John’s next target.

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“OMG!! If Emmerdale do a Paddy redemption arc in this SL and actually have him on team #Robron, it might officially be too much joy for me to handle!” one individual posted on X (previously known as Twitter).

Another commented: “I hope John doesn’t hurt Paddy now he knows he was talking to him,” while a third remarked: “Paddy going to Robert for help about John was NOT on my bingo card. They better not hurt him.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX