ITV Emmerdale legend ‘killed off’ after 28 years and it’s bad news for the Dingles

Several Emmerdale fans are worried for one character’s safety as they spotted a dark clue

An Emmerdale legend could be killed off after 28 years and it’s bad news for the Dingles.

In recent episodes of the ITV soap, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) attacked Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) after he discovered the truth about Nate Robinson’s (Jurell Carter) murder.

John notably killed Nate following the barn fire last year, before pinning the crime on Owen Michaels (Simon Haines).

Mack was believed to be John’s next murder target after he was shot in the chest, with John ominously holding a large rock over him.

However, it was soon disclosed that John had been keeping Mack prisoner in an underground bunker on the grounds of his childhood home, where he’s currently residing with his husband, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), reports the Daily Star.

READ MORE: Emmerdale fans ‘uncover’ who takes down John Sugden after terrifying cliffhangerREAD MORE: Emmerdale icon responds to exit fears after landing new role away from ITV soap

The situation took a more sinister turn when John found out that Aaron had previously slept with his brother, Robert (Ryan Hawley), who also happens to be Aaron’s ex-husband.

To exact his revenge, John covertly spiked a bottle of whiskey and encouraged Aaron to have a drink.

While John went to prevent Mack from escaping the bunker, Aaron consumed more of the tainted alcohol, which resulted in him having a seizure in the woods.

Meanwhile, John spoke to Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) on the mental health helpline, and after a concerning conversation, Paddy pieced together the puzzle and quickly realised who he was talking to.

During Friday’s (September 5) episode, John continued to assert his control over a bedridden Aaron.

Back in the village, Paddy confided in Robert, stating: “This is incredibly sensitive and you have to understand, I’m in a difficult position.”

He continued: “I’m concerned that [John] might harm himself. He found out you and Aaron slept together and it’s hardly surprising is it? Can you get Victoria to ring him and don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”

Robert later sought help from his sister, Victoria (Isabel Hodgins), who declined to provide him with the cottage’s address, believing he was interfering in John and Aaron’s relationship.

Later on, as John was taking a shower, Aaron unexpectedly discovered Mack’s phone in his bedroom. Will he manage to locate Mack?

Now, numerous Emmerdale fans are expressing concern for Paddy’s safety, with many fearing that he could be John’s next target.

“OMG!! If Emmerdale do a Paddy redemption arc in this SL and actually have him on team #Robron, it might officially be too much joy for me to handle!” one individual posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Another commented: “I hope John doesn’t hurt Paddy now he knows he was talking to him,” while a third remarked: “Paddy going to Robert for help about John was NOT on my bingo card. They better not hurt him.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX