But John was always one step ahead. When Mack bolted into the woods in desperation, John pulled out a bow and arrow. Within moments, Mack was struck in the chest and later bludgeoned with a boulder. The soap appeared to confirm his death in chilling fashion.

Yet fans simply aren’t buying it.

Viewers Cry Foul: “Mack Better Not Be Dead”

On social media, Emmerdale’s audience erupted in disbelief. Many insist that this cannot be the end of the much-loved character, played by Lawrence Robb.

One fan, Elizabeth Allen, declared: “I still don’t think he’s dead.” Another, Shirley Anne, shared the same hope: “Mack better not be dead.”

Even those in shock, like Lucinda Bundy, confessed: “Omg poor Mackenzie.”

The sentiment was echoed across X (formerly Twitter), with Mary Lewis writing: “I am a ‘Mack is still alive’ believer….You can’t give both Aaron and Moira more heartache…”

It’s clear that fans are clinging to hope — and they may have good reason to.

The Missing Exit Interview

Adding fuel to the theory fire is a crucial detail: Lawrence Robb has not appeared in Emmerdale’s traditional “exit interview” videos. Normally, when a character departs in such a dramatic way, the actor films a farewell segment for the show’s official social media channels.

The absence of such content has many wondering if Mack’s “death” is really just a setup for a bigger twist.

Theories Run Wild

Soap fans love to speculate, and Mack’s supposed demise has unleashed a flood of creative theories.

One viewer suggested: “I wonder if hero complex kicked in on John and what he did was try snap the arrow tip off and then take an unconscious Mack captive to be revealed later and be doing his medical care experiment on Mack, which Aaron will discover another day.”

The idea of John holding Mack hostage, perhaps for twisted experiments, has gained traction — especially given John’s medical background and his pattern of secretive, obsessive behavior.

John Covers His Tracks

While fans debate Mack’s fate, the storyline presses forward. In the latest episode, John and Aaron Dingle attempt to settle into a countryside holiday cottage.

On the surface, it looks like a romantic getaway. But John is clearly rattled, already trying to cover up what seems like another murder. The episode opens with him putting out a fire in the woods, though what exactly he burned remains a mystery.

Later, Aaron notices blood in John’s van. Quick on his feet, John spins another lie, insisting he struck a deer and couldn’t bear to confess. For now, Aaron buys the story — but how long before the cracks begin to show?

Is Mack Really Gone?

This is the question on everyone’s lips: is Mackenzie Boyd really dead, or is Emmerdale setting up another shocking reveal?

The lack of confirmation from Lawrence Robb, combined with the soap’s history of fake-outs and dramatic returns, gives fans plenty of reason to hold out hope. If Mack is alive, the fallout will be explosive, especially for Aaron and Moira, who could soon face the devastating truth about John’s true nature.

Until then, viewers will keep watching, speculating, and refusing to accept that Mackenzie’s story has ended in the woods.