John Sugden’s (played by Oliver Farnworth) reign of terror over the Yorkshire Dales appears to be over after Caleb Milligan (Will Ash) helped the killer flee the country to start a new life. For now, it seems Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) are safe after being tormented and abused by the psychopath, but rumours are swirling that he may return later down the line.

Ahead of his exit, Oliver paid an emotional tribute to his Emmerdale co-stars Lawrence and Danny following some intense months of filming. Fans will recall that Danny’s character was thrown off a cliff in dramatic scenes and drugged by evil John. Meanwhile, Mack had been shot in the back by John and tied up in a bunker as the killer was trying to avoid being caught by the police.

The two men have come out of the ordeals alive, but the mental and physical scars will have a lasting impact on their lives.

Oliver exclusively opened up to Express.co.uk at the National Television Awards about playing such a dark character and praised his co-stars as he reflected on the dramatic scenes they filmed together.

He explained: “I’ve actually had a couple of weeks in Spain. When [I’m working], they are really long days—but that’s what you sign up for. It’s the challenge you sign up for.”

The star added: “When you’re gifted with these kinds of scripts and the storyline that we’ve been gifted with, all you want to do is do them justice.

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“That’s kind of what I found with Danny and Lawrence, because I’ve shared most of that with this storyline with those guys.”

He revealed the other two actors feel “exactly the same” and the filming has “been a lot for them too”.

As it stands, Emmerdale fans are desperate to know if John will pay for his crimes, which include killing Cain Dingle’s (Jeff Hordley) son, Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter).

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.