As Emmerdale edges closer to one of its most explosive storylines yet, a dark cloud looms over John Sugden — and fans are convinced that he’s heading for a shocking downfall. With Nate Robinson’s body about to be unearthed and suspicions mounting, speculation is running wild that John may not only face justice for that crime, but also take the blame for another — the murder of Anthony Fox.

John’s world is currently hanging by a thread. While he puts on a brave face ahead of his much-anticipated wedding to Aaron Dingle, panic is beginning to bubble beneath the surface. The once-confident schemer knows that the lake — the very one contaminated by the slurry leak he orchestrated — could soon give up its grisly secret. Nate’s body, long hidden beneath the surface, could be discovered at any moment now that environmental authorities are preparing to dredge the area in response to the contamination. And if that happens, John’s entire life could implode.

Adding fuel to the fire, Belle Dingle is growing increasingly suspicious of Nate’s sudden disappearance. She’s taken it upon herself to head to Shetland in an effort to track him down, convinced that something is seriously wrong. Her persistence could be the final thread that unravels John’s carefully spun web of lies.

But the latest theory from fans suggests that Nate’s death won’t be the only one to resurface in the coming days. Reddit and other fan forums have exploded with speculation that the body of Anthony Fox, another character who died under mysterious circumstances, may also be uncovered around the same time. While John hasn’t directly admitted involvement in Anthony’s death, many viewers suspect he played a significant role in the cover-up — and possibly more.

So what’s the theory? Fans believe that, with pressure mounting and police scrutiny closing in, John may decide to take the blame for Anthony’s murder as well — an act of self-sacrifice in a twisted bid to redeem himself in Aaron’s eyes. If he’s already going down for Nate’s death, some argue, he might see no point in letting Aaron and others suffer the consequences of the larger cover-up involving Anthony.

The motive for this potential confession? A complicated blend of guilt, desperation, and love. Despite John’s long history of manipulation, sabotage, and recklessness, there’s a growing sense that he genuinely cares for Aaron — enough, perhaps, to try and protect him from prison, even if it means sacrificing his own future.

One fan’s comment sums up the theory perfectly: “John’s got this hero complex, right? He wants to be seen as the one who fixes everything, even if he’s the one who caused it all in the first place. I think he’ll let everyone believe he killed Anthony to protect Aaron and the others. It’s twisted, but maybe it’s his way of trying to do one last ‘noble’ thing.”

It’s a chilling but compelling idea, especially when you consider how much John has already risked — and ruined — in his attempts to control outcomes. His interference in the lives of others has caused physical harm (as with Moira’s injury), emotional devastation (with Aaron and Mackenzie), and now potentially the downfall of multiple villagers connected to Anthony’s death, including Ruby, Caleb, Steph, and Cain.

But is John truly capable of such an act of selflessness, or would this be yet another layer of manipulation in his ongoing performance? Taking the blame could be another way for him to seize control of the narrative and come off as a martyr. It’s not out of character — he’s shown time and time again that he’s willing to twist any situation to fit his needs or justify his actions. Claiming responsibility could win him sympathy, even admiration, especially from Aaron.

Still, this decision wouldn’t just affect him. If John confesses — falsely or not — the ripple effects would be massive. Aaron might be heartbroken or grateful. Ruby, Caleb, Steph, and Cain could be spared from legal consequences. But most importantly, the truth would still be buried beneath another lie. Justice wouldn’t truly be served, and viewers know all too well that secrets never stay hidden for long in Emmerdale.

Then again, perhaps this is part of the show’s long-game storytelling. John may be setting himself up for what he thinks is a redemptive end, only to have that plan unravel spectacularly later on. If the truth about Anthony’s murder or Nate’s actual killer eventually emerges, John’s supposed “heroic” act could be exposed for the sham it really is — taking everyone he tried to protect down with him.

As Emmerdale marches toward what promises to be a dramatic wedding and even more shocking reveals, one thing is clear: John Sugden is caught in a tightening web of his own making. Whether he confesses out of guilt, strategy, or love, the outcome will be explosive — and potentially deadly for more than just him.

Tune in as the secrets, lies, and long-buried bodies begin to surface, and keep your eyes on John. The hero, the villain, or perhaps both — he may be about to change everything with a single decision.