fans are on the edge of their seats, suspecting that the menacing John Sugden (portrayed by Oliver Farnworth) is gearing up for another dark deed. Devotees of the drama will remember that John's ex-fiance, Aidan Moore , has been languishing in a coma at Hotten General for the past few days. Victoria Sugden (played by Isabel Hodgins) stumbled upon John's dog tags inscribed with the name Aidan, which threw her into confusion over her half-brother's true identity.

John spun a tale, asserting that Aidan was a fallen comrade from his time serving in Afghanistan. The stark truth is that Aidan lies in a hospital bed in a vegetative state, with his mother, Cathleen (acted by Julia Watson), as a constant visitor.

During a visit to see Victoria's son Harry in the hospital on Tuesday (May 20), John had an unexpected encounter with Cathleen, who revealed she'd been hastily called in by her son's doctors.

The episode climaxed with Aidan miraculously opening his eyes, leaving Cathleen ecstatic, reports . Yet, the following day (May 21), John's demeanour was suspicious as he stood by his former flame's bedside.

A medical professional cautioned Cathleen against pushing her son too hard to communicate. John comforted Cathleen, assuring her of her good intentions towards her son, while also slipping in the possibility that Aidan might not regain his memories. He further confided his weariness, hinting at an end to his visits to Aidan with the words: "didn't know how long he could do this for".

enthusiasts are now utterly persuaded that John is plotting to murder Aidan as a desperate measure to conceal the true circumstances behind Aidan's coma. Having already ended Nate Robinson's life and concealed Anthony Fox's deceased body, his capability for darkness is clear.

After watching the dramatic scenes play out on the airwaves, viewers flooded to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their suspicions that Aidan could be his next victim. One viewer remarked: "John is there to finish the job #Emmerdale."

Another observed with concern: "John really looked as if he was freaking out just now! I just hope he doesn't try and kill Aidan.. #Emmerdale." A third echoed: "John looking for ways to finish Aiden off before he can talk #Emmerdale.

A fourth chimed in with: "Surprised that John hasn't tried killing him #Emmerdale."

Emmerdale airs on ITV and ITVX at 7:30pm on weekdays.