Emmerdale fans have long speculated about John Sugden’s true identity, and the latest ITVX episode may have finally confirmed suspicions. John, played by Oliver Farnworth, first entered the Sugden family drama during his mother’s funeral, where he met Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) and revealed himself as a fellow Sugden—although not everyone has been convinced of his story.

Some fans theorized that John isn’t a Sugden at all. Names like Aidan Moore have been floated, while others believe John may have stolen the real John Sugden’s identity after his death. The latest developments on ITVX have dropped clues that could bring this theory closer to reality.

A Surprising Encounter in the Shop

In the episode, Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) encounters a man in the village shop who instantly triggers memories of past events. He had previously helped move Nate Robinson’s (Jurell Carter) belongings to Shetland. Unaware of the full details at the time, Tracy had assumed Nate was alive and choosing to stay distant from his family.

The man, Ben Flint, informs DC Cole that Owen Michaels (Simon Haines) had actually organised the removal. This revelation ties into the ongoing investigation into Nate’s murder and helps the police narrow down their suspects. Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) observes the conversation, adding to the tension as he prepares for a brief trip to London.

John’s Secret Moves

Meanwhile, John’s actions hint at a hidden agenda. He appears relieved by the police developments and makes a call to Ben Flint, arranging for him to mislead authorities. From John’s perspective, this signals that things are finally turning in his favour.

Later, John prepares for a temporary—and potentially permanent—departure from Emmerdale with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). While retrieving items from Butlers, Mack discovers something that could change everything: a scrapbook containing photos linking John to past military service and a close connection with Ben Flint, captioned “John and Ben, Brothers in Arms.”

Implications of the Scrapbook

The scrapbook provides a subtle yet powerful hint that John’s past may not align with the Sugden narrative everyone believes. The military photos and the explicit link to Ben suggest John’s identity and history could be far more complicated than previously revealed. Fans are already speculating about the possibility that John has been hiding crucial parts of his past, raising questions about loyalty, trust, and whether he is truly a Sugden by blood.

A Twist That Changes Everything

This revelation comes amidst other storylines, including Owen Michaels’ suspected role in Nate’s murder, the Dingle family dynamics, and Mack’s investigations. With the scrapbook evidence now in play, viewers are left wondering how much of John’s backstory is authentic and whether his ties to Ben could have dangerous consequences for the village.

The episode leaves fans with a tense cliffhanger: just how much is John hiding, and will his true identity finally come to light?