ITV Emmerdale star teases huge DNA twist and it’s bad news for Sugden family
Emmerdale's John Sugden has been at the centre of a number of dark storylines since he arrived in the village and it looks like there could be more twists ahead
Emmerdale has been serving up some serious drama recently with the shock return of Robert Sugden shaking things up in the village.
Ryan Hawley, who plays Robert, made a dramatic entrance last month after a six-year absence, crashing ex-husband Aaron Dingle’s wedding to his long-lost brother John Sugden.
Despite sharing a fleeting kiss with Robert, Aaron went ahead and married John, but Robert isn’t ready to back down just yet. He’s got his suspicions about John and is determined to protect his ex.
The plot thickens as viewers are well aware that John has a sinister past, having m.u.r.d.e.r.e.d Nate Robinson last year and concealed his body in the lake. He even tried to finish off his former flame, Aidan Moore, in the hospital when he awoke from a coma, only to have second thoughts too late as Aidan relapsed into unconsciousness.
John’s other misdeeds include terrorising Chas Dingle while pinning it on Ella Forster, and setting Mack Boyd up by orchestrating a slurry spill at the farm. In recent episodes, John went as far as planting evidence at Tracy Metcalfe’s house to implicate her for Nate’s m.u.r.d.e.r once the body was discovered, reports Leicestershire Live.
And it seems the drama is far from over, as Ryan, 39, teased to WhatToWatch about the future for his character Robert: “I’m not even sure he’s 100% sure he is his brother. Is he?”
“John has even said he’s an imposter, so it’s quite complicated. But as for their relationship, there is a lot to explore as the story goes on.”
Oliver Farnworth, who plays John, made his first appearance on the soap last year claiming to be the long-lost brother of Victoria and Robert. Fans remember Jack Sugden as the father of four children before he passed away in 2009.
His offspring included Jackie Merrick, who d.i.e.d in 1989, and Robert with his late wife Pat Sugden, who passed away in 1986. Alongside them, Jack had Victoria with his second spouse Sarah Sugden, who met a tragic end in 2000, and adopted Andy Sugden.
Now it’s been revealed that John’s alleged mother is Barbara, who reportedly once had a dalliance with Jack. But viewers are questioning whether John could be fibbing about this, like so many other secrets he’s keeping?
Such a discovery would surely be another heartbreaking twist for Aaron and Victoria who has a close relationship with John, unravelling yet more deceit.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw enthused over John’s introduction last year: “We are thrilled to have an actor with Oliver’s talent and presence join the Emmerdale family.”
She continued: “The Sugden’s have always been central to Emmerdale, and introducing a new member opens up exciting possibilities for future storylines. Mysterious John’s arrival will no doubt create a stir in the village for Victoria and the wider community.”
Adding his thoughts, actor Oliver shared: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. The show has such a rich history, and the Sugden family is integral to that. I’m looking forward to bringing my character to life and working with such a talented and dedicated team.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.