Emmerdale fans were left reeling after Thursday’s episode, which appeared to show the brutal death of Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb). But many viewers aren’t convinced he’s really gone — and some believe the ITV soap is gearing up for a huge twist.

Mack Chased Down in the Woods

The episode saw Mackenzie pursued through the woodland by John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth). Their tense encounter followed Mack’s discovery of John’s dark connection to Nate Robinson’s (Jurell Carter) death.

As John closed in, Mack was shot with an arrow and collapsed against a tree stump. Desperate, he begged John to let him live. But John raised a boulder above his head and appeared to bring it crashing down.

Later, John returned to the village, calmly wiping blood from his van. He was seen preparing to leave with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), with what looked like a bloodied body hidden under a sheet in the back of the vehicle.

Charity Blames London Trip

While John carried on as if nothing had happened, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) explained Mack’s absence from a party by insisting he must have chosen to head to London for a stag do. Unbeknownst to her, Mack’s night had taken a deadly turn in the woods.

Still, soap fans were quick to question whether Mack’s fate is as final as it seems.

Fans Question the “Death”

Social media lit up with theories that Mack isn’t dead at all. Some believe the van scene was a red herring.

One fan wrote on X: “Wait? Is that Mack in the back of the van? Can’t wait for him to wake up and save Aaron tomorrow – there’ll be a crash.”

Another posted: “Mack’s not dead ‘til the body turns up. Fake out coming.”

A third added: “No goodbye video from the official Emmerdale account which makes me suspicious. Maybe Mack is unconscious and being held hostage.”

Did John Really Strike the Final Blow?

Others speculated that John may not have killed Mack with the rock at all.

One viewer guessed: “I reckon he used the rock to break the arrow tip, not to kill Mack.” Another said: “Just like Nate, Mack won’t be found for ages. Unless he turns up alive for John’s downfall.”

Theories range from Mack being secretly held captive in a barn to him staging a dramatic return during John’s eventual unmasking.

Not Everyone Is Convinced

While many fans are clinging to hope, some believe Mackenzie’s time in the Dales really has come to an end.

“OH. MY. GOD. What an intense episode,” one viewer posted. “Mack really IS dead after all! Actually shocked it was so soon.”

Lawrence Robb Teases a Bleak Future

Lawrence Robb, who has played Mack since 2020, recently hinted that his alter ego may be heading for tragedy. Speaking about John’s reign of terror, he admitted:

“There’s certainly a chance Mackenzie has the capability to bring John down. If he does – well, that remains to be seen. But there’s potentially a very bleak outcome on the horizon.”

He also praised his co-star Oliver Farnworth: “Playing a psycho like that is not easy. He’s doing a great job. He’s also one of the loveliest men I’ve worked with, which makes it surreal to do such dark scenes together.”

Trouble for Mack and Charity

Even before his woodland encounter, Mack’s romance with Charity was on shaky ground. Their fiery arguments have left fans questioning whether the couple could survive another betrayal or loss.

Robb teased: “It’s not looking good. Mackenzie’s got the argument with Charity on his plate, and a critical moment with John. Combine these two things and it doesn’t spell good things…”

What Happens Next?

Whether Mackenzie is truly dead or just being hidden away, fans are certain his storyline is far from over. With John plotting his escape abroad, Aaron caught in the crossfire, and Charity left in the dark, the stage is set for another explosive chapter.

One thing’s for sure: Emmerdale isn’t done shocking its viewers yet.