John Sugden has caused quite a stir on Emmerdale until he disappeared into the night after his cliff top attack on both Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden

John Sugden is one of the best villains Emmerdale has ever seen. The evil character – played by Oliver Farnworth – has been confirmed to be making a shock return to the Dales as the soap crossover episode looms.

Bosses have confirmed evil John will have a key role in the Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover in a couple of weeks’ time – but exactly what happens has remained firmly under wraps.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Oliver said of his return: “The rumour is true, uh-oh! Corriedale has been such a huge set piece, it’s taken much longer to film than the normal double episodes. So the prep and the filming started way back in August or September time. So I knew that my character was going on the run and I knew what he was coming back to do.”

Addressing John’s decision to come back, Oliver warned that the villain would be more “unhinged” than ever. He shared: “I think love ultimately brings him back, and jealousy brings him back. He feels like he has got far less to lose this time, and so we might see a slightly more dishevelled and unhinged side to John. Not that he can get anymore unhinged, but he’s even more unhinged.”

John, of course, disappeared months ago when he absconded after being exposed for his crimes. His return will no doubt cause chaos for Robert and Aaron, who are also both in the Corriedale crossover.

Warning trouble ahead, Ryan Hawley – who plays Robert – said: “It starts off full throttle! The events of it afterwards are going to change both shows forever. It’s high stakes. It’s a big spectacle and very exciting.”

John has, of course, killed Nate Robinson and nearly killed himself and his husband Aaron Dingle. Aside from that, he also drugged Chas, emailed about cancelling her wedding, threw a brick through the window of her pub, and harassed her and framed Ella.

He also triggered an allergic reaction for Jacob on order to save his life when Jacob’s pen went missing. He saved Ruby and Moira’s lives during the barn fire, but delayed helping them when Moira fired the gun.

We also know he tried to kill Mackenzie Boyd and then it all culminated with John pulling him and Aaron off the side of a cliff in final revenge to Aaron’s ex Robert Sugden, but Aaron – and John – both survived.

With John confirmed to be coming back soon, what drama lies ahead in the Dales – and who is at risk?