Emmerdale airs John Sugden’s dark plot to frame another in ITVX release

Killer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) carries out his latest scheme to cover his tracks in Friday’s (18th July 2025) edition of Emmerdale.

Reading a eulogy for his own victim, Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter), John struggled with his guilt – but not enough to confess!

He previously framed Nate’s widow Tracy (Amy Walsh) by planting Nate’s phone in her house, while Tracy was adamant that Nate’s dad Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) had murdered Nate.

Tensions came to a head at the funeral, where John appealed for a truce.

But it wasn’t until Cain and Tracy united as Nate’s graveside, with Cain’s demeanour mirroring a flashforward from the start of 2025, that the pair finally reached an understanding and admitted they knew each other was innocent.

Robert looking suspiciously at John at the bar in Emmerdale
Robert doesn’t buy the news about Owen. ITV
 

From there, Tracy and Cain became determined to find Nate’s killer, unaware that he’s right under their noses.

When John’s offer to help them is rejected, John heads off to work at the surgery with Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).

Discussion soon turns to a particular patient, Owen (Simon Haines), who just so happens to be the man who spiked Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), and who John also kicked out of the surgery recently.

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John pays a visit to Owen’s home, and official spoilers have already confirmed that he will use this to his advantage.

With Owen dead, the plot thickens when John writes a suicide note confessing to Nate’s murder.

You can watch this play out in full now on ITVX, or at 7.30pm on ITV1.

But in the aftermath of his dark deed, John feigns shock when Liam discovers a deceased Owen and the police later reveal the letter.

Although John’s plan works perfectly, Cain goes off the rails and after some insight on the loss of a child, John feels guilty that with scapegoat Owen dead, there will be no justice for Nate.

While John reaches out to another helpline and we’re left wondering if volunteer Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) will uncover his crimes, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) grows suspicious over Owen’s ‘confession’.

After meeting Owen’s brother Steve, who explains that Owen had a solid alibi for Nate’s death, Robert speaks to the police.

Will the trail lead back to John?

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