The walls are closing in on John Sugden, the man who has convinced almost the entire Emmerdale village that he’s a hero. Behind the awards and the praise lies a dark truth: John has killed before, and he has no intention of letting anyone expose him.

After accidentally killing Nate Robinson during a barn fire rescue gone wrong, John quickly covered it up — just as he once did with Anthony Fox after Ruby Miligan struck the fatal blow. His obsession with being seen as a savior has driven him to put others in danger, including Chas Dingle and Liam Cavanagh, only so he can swoop in and “save” them.

But the cracks are showing. Mackenzie Boyd already uncovered John’s secrets and paid with his life after a brutal chase through the woods ended with John’s crossbow aimed at his chest. Now, Aaron Dingle could be next.

Aaron Leaves the Village With John

Aaron, played by Danny Miller, is caught at a crossroads. Haunted by lingering feelings for Robert Sugden, he sees John’s suggestion of leaving the village as a chance to escape guilt and heartbreak. To Aaron, starting fresh feels like the only way forward.

“John’s suggesting it for his own reasons and it marries up to what Aaron would like to do,” Danny explained. “He ups sticks and goes with John’s idea.”

But while Aaron sees a fresh start, John sees an escape plan. As they leave the village together, Aaron begins noticing that something about his husband’s behavior doesn’t add up.

Aaron Grows Suspicious

John becomes increasingly erratic, disappearing for long runs and avoiding home life. His strange behavior plants seeds of doubt in Aaron’s mind. Where they’ve moved to doesn’t feel so random anymore.

Aaron starts to wonder if Mackenzie and Robert were right all along — and that realization makes him dangerous to John’s carefully spun lies.

The Chilling Set-Up

Aaron’s suspicions quickly put him on a collision course with the truth. John’s solution? Drug his own husband.

In scenes that leave viewers breathless, John offers Aaron a glass of whisky — a ritual John shared with his late mother. Wanting to show love and solidarity, Aaron accepts without realizing John isn’t drinking. In his devotion, Aaron misses the signs that something is wrong.

Things only worsen when Aaron pours himself a second drink, unknowingly putting himself further at risk. The betrayal cuts deep — John is willing to sacrifice the man who adores him just to keep his deadly secrets buried.

Fans Ask: How Can Aaron Not See It?

Danny Miller admits fans have been vocal. Many stop him in the street and ask why Aaron can’t spot John’s manipulations. But the truth lies in Aaron’s heart. He’s blinded by love, desperate for connection, and eager to believe he can build something good out of the wreckage of his past.

That trust could cost him everything.

What Happens Next?

As John continues to unravel, Aaron’s life hangs in the balance. Will he realize in time just how dangerous his husband really is? Or will John claim his most shocking victim yet?

Emmerdale fans should brace themselves. With John’s mask slipping and Aaron edging closer to the truth, the next episodes promise explosive revelations, heartbreak, and the possibility of yet another tragic loss in the Dingle family.