What is John Sugden hiding? From undercover police officer to harvesting organs, all the theories on who he really is

Since joining Emmerdale, John Sugden has been the subject of immense speculation among fans, all unsure of what his game is. As a long-lost member of the Sugden clan, he’s held his cards close to his chest, initially coming across as cold, aloof and… well, maybe a little bit creepy.

He’s opened up a bit since then, mostly in his relationship to Aaron Dingle. They’ve gone from strength to strength since Aaron attacked Anthony Fox – with John helping Aaron to cover up the m.u.r.d.e.r.

Aaron may not have been the one who actually delivered the k.i.l.l.i.n.g blow (that would be Ruby), but he’s been instrumental in hiding the crime – and Anthony’s body. However, his willingness and capability in covering up a m.u.r.d.e.r has some suspicious, and his treatment of Aaron lately has raised a few red flags too.

What’s John Sugden up to?

Is John Sudgen an Emmerdale serial k.i.l.l.e.r?

The prevailing theory is that John is a secret serial k.i.l.l.e.r. This month’s revelation that Nate Robinson is d.e.a.d and hiding at the bottom of a lake has all but confirmed the theory for some. Many think that John k.i.l.l.e.d Nate – and could k.i.l.l again.

“Is John going to be the latest serial k.i.l.l.e.r to grace the village? I can’t think of anyone else who’d k.i.l.l Nate,” wrote one fan on the social media site X.

“John is very defensive, I’m calling this Nate storyline the sub story for the year will gain traction through.. John isn’t who he says he is.. Aidan Moore .. serial k.i.l.l.e.r just what the village of the damned need,” said another.

“I think it’s John. He could be a serial k.i.l.l.e.r. He cleaned up Anthony body and got rid really well,” said a third.

Undercover police officer

Another – highly conflicting – idea is that John is actually an undercover cop, working to bring down the Dingles.

“I think John is lying and I wonder if he is an undercover police officer? Remember last year John told police about the illegal boxing,” suggested one viewer.

“Is GI John still a police informant?” asked another.

Is John Sudgen organ harvesting for Joe on Emmerdale?

Elsewhere in the village, sickly Joe Tate is fighting for survival. And, as he took a turn for the worse last night, it became clear that he’s got a big job to complete if he wants to survive. Some have wondered whether the two stories might be related.

Is John working for Joe to get the transplant he needs?

“The person Joe is in cohorts with is John- the reason he ‘took care’ of Anthony’s body is to harvest his organs. My tinfoil hat said so,” suggested one fan.

“Emmerdale prediction: John (who is actually Aiden Moore) is connected with Joe, and was involved in the drugging of Noah,” said another.

Fake Sugden

Whatever John’s up to, many can’t let go of the suspicion that John isn’t who he’s claiming to be. John seemed to clear up the confusion over the Aidan Moore dog tags by explaining to Aaron that Aidan had been a friend who d.i.e.d in Afghanistan, but viewers aren’t buying it.

“Is “John” really “John” or is he really Aiden Moore, the man he had the dog tags for? Has he stolen his identity for some reason?” asked one viewer.

While lots think that ‘John’ could secretly be Aidan Moore, others think that Aidan was one of John’s previous victims… furthering the serial k.i.l.l.e.r theory.

“THEORY – John k.i.l.l.e.d Aidan and Nate,” one fan wrote.

What’s John hiding?