Emmerdale fans 'work out' fan-favourite's next on John Sugden's 'death list'

Emmerdale fans have taken to social media with a theory as John Sugden (played by Oliver Farnworth) recovers in the hospital. As the villagers anxiously await Aaron Dingle's (Danny Miller) health update after he was put into a coma, the pair have seen a wave of concerned visitors while Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) was falsely arrested for John's crime. With everyone blinded by his manipulation, Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) spoke to John and apologised for contacting Robert and revealing the couple were on a village getaway.

Although he was right to be concerned, Paddy also shared that he knew it was John on the other end of the helpline and was worried he would hurt himself and therefore contacted his brother. However, ITV viewers pointed out that this was a massive mistake and suggested Paddy could be John's next victim. Taking to X, one wrote: "Paddy's for it now, next on the death list." As another penned: "I want John to be punished, but first he must finish, Vick, Chas and maybe Paddy for being a dipstick!" While a third anticipated: "Dim Paddy will be next on the kill list."

"Now, Paddy is thick as mince and snivelling. It's just annoying me now," said one.

As another fumed: "Paddy is doubling down on his utter gormlessness - and presenting himself as another potential victim of Pyscho John. And so it goes around again...and again...and again...and again."

"Paddy is f***ing dumba** Better get your apology ready, and I hope Robert tells you to shove it up your a***," raged a fan.

Among the comments, one viewer predicted: "John will be out of the hospital in a couple of days. He'll finish Mack off, target Pathetic Paddy, and switch Aarron off."

After John made his statement and falsely blamed Robert for pushing him and Aaron into the gorge, Paddy visited him and stated: "I owe you a massive apology."

He continued: "I'm the reason why Robert turned up. I put you and Aaron in danger. You could've died because I betrayed you're trust," which prompted John to ask: "What are you talking about?"

Paddy explained: "The helpline you've been messaging, it was me you were talking to," but after he denied it, Paddy added: "There's no need to be embarrassed. We all struggle; we've all not known where to turn.

"The way you were talking, I really thought you were going to hurt yourself, so I went to tell Victoria (Isabel Hodgins), but I couldn't find her, so I told Robert."

Taken aback by the revelation, John fumed: "Oh my God, it's supposed to be confidential, who else have you been talking to?" Paddy stuttered: "No one, I really couldn't feel any worse. I had no idea what Robert was going to do. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Pushing past his anger, John concealed his true nature and admitted: "You're right, it was me. I contacted the helpline because I was struggling, but I'd never hurt myself." He brutally added: "I think you read too much into it becasue of what happened to you."