Emmerdale fans ‘work out’ who killer John’s next victim is – and it’s not who you’d expect.
Emmerdale has never shied away from dark and shocking storylines, but the saga of John Sugden continues to push the boundaries of suspense. With his sinister behavior now impossible to ignore, fans are convinced they’ve pieced together his next chilling move—and it’s one that nobody saw coming. According to viewer theories and spoilers hinting at what lies ahead, John’s next victim may be someone surprisingly close, making the impending twist even more disturbing.
Over recent weeks, John’s presence in the village has grown more threatening. His sharp temper, secretive movements, and unsettling ability to manipulate those around him have left a trail of unease. While some characters still try to give him the benefit of the doubt, others sense that something darker is brewing beneath the surface. That suspicion intensifies after a series of cryptic conversations and unexplained disappearances suggest that John is plotting again.
Naturally, speculation about who might be in danger has taken over the fandom. Initially, many assumed Cain, Charity, or even Chas could be next in the firing line, given their ongoing clashes with John. After all, Cain has been openly hostile, and Charity has threatened to expose him more than once. These confrontations have made them obvious targets. But fans now believe the story is heading in a much more surprising direction.
According to buzzing theories, John’s next victim won’t be one of his clear enemies but someone far more unexpected. Spoilers hint at scenes where John strikes up seemingly innocent interactions with characters who appear to be outside the immediate conflict. The tension comes from the realization that John may be deliberately luring in someone the village least expects, using charm and deceit as his weapons before revealing his darker side.
One popular fan theory is that John could turn on someone vulnerable—perhaps a villager who trusts him or sees the good in him despite his reputation. This would make his betrayal all the more chilling. Others suggest the victim might be a member of his own family, a shocking move that would underscore just how far he’s willing to go to protect his secrets or assert control. The idea of him striking against someone who loves him has left viewers horrified, but also glued to the screen.
The tension surrounding John’s next move is amplified by subtle hints woven into the storyline. Characters have made offhand comments about feeling watched, or noticing John in places he shouldn’t be. These breadcrumbs are fueling speculation that he is carefully planning his next strike, waiting for the perfect opportunity to catch his victim off guard. It’s this psychological buildup that has fans debating fiercely online about who the unlucky target could be.
Adding to the suspense is the fact that John is a master manipulator. Even when he lashes out, he knows how to cover his tracks and spin the narrative in his favor. That means his next crime may not only devastate the victim’s loved ones but also plunge the entire village into confusion about who can be trusted. This ability to weaponize doubt has made him one of the most chilling figures Emmerdale has introduced in years.
The possibility that the victim might be someone “innocent” has left fans particularly shaken. If John targets someone without ties to the ongoing feud, it would represent a frightening escalation—proof that he’s no longer just retaliating against enemies but spiraling into uncontrollable violence. Such a twist would also raise the emotional stakes, as villagers who never considered themselves part of John’s battle suddenly find their lives at risk.
For Cain and Charity, the threat of John’s unpredictability sparks further paranoia. They know he’s capable of terrible things, but if he chooses a victim no one anticipated, it makes him even harder to stop. Spoilers hint at heated arguments between the Dingles over how to handle John, with some demanding immediate action and others urging caution. The fractured response only gives John more power to keep striking from the shadows.
What makes this storyline so gripping is the sense that the audience is being kept deliberately off balance. Every time fans think they’ve figured out John’s next move, the writers shift the focus, planting new clues that suggest otherwise. This back-and-forth keeps the suspense alive and ensures that when the truth finally emerges, it will be both shocking and inevitable.
Ultimately, the chilling question remains: who will John target next? While fans believe they’ve “worked it out,” spoilers promise that the reveal will defy expectations. Whoever becomes his next victim, the fallout will send shockwaves through the village, leaving relationships shattered and loyalties tested. And for John himself, the act may mark a point of no return, cementing his place as one of Emmerdale’s darkest and most dangerous characters.
For now, all viewers can do is wait in dread as the story builds toward its next jaw-dropping twist. One thing is certain—when John strikes again, it won’t just change the life of his victim, but the entire fabric of the Dales.
