Emmerdale fans believe they have discovered John Sugden’s true identity in a significant crossover for the ITV soap.
Oliver Farnworth first appeared in the Dales as John in August 2024, and has since caused considerable harm to the villagers.
Viewers of the soap will recall that the villain was responsible for the death of Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) following the barn fire last year.
John administered an unknown substance to Nate, intending to “save” him, but the medication had a fatal effect, and Nate tragically died.
In a flashback, John was seen moving Nate’s body to the bridge and pushing the concealed corpse into the lake where the limousine crash occurred, reports Belfast Live.
Additionally, John spiked Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) to frame Ella Forster (Paula Lane), triggered an allergic reaction in Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), and got Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) extremely intoxicated before rushing to “save” him.
John has also targeted his brother, Robert (Ryan Hawley), who recently returned to the village after a six-year absence.
Last month, Robert disrupted John’s wedding to his ex-husband, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), in an attempt to win him back.
Despite sharing a kiss with his former lover, Aaron chose to marry John, completely unaware of his villainous actions.
However, Robert has openly shared his suspicions with his brother, saying: “What’s your big secret, Johnny boy? Let me guess, you weasel around stealing other people’s lives.
“I was willing to let Aaron go and move on, but the more I know you, the more I don’t want you anywhere near him… I’m coming back and I’m gonna make sure Aaron sees what a messed up freak you really are.”
Now, several Emmerdale fans are convinced that John isn’t a Sugden, but could be a familiar face to the world of soap.
Oliver notably appeared in Coronation Street as Andy Carver back in 2014. Andy was a friend of Michael Rodwell’s (Les Dennis) estranged son Gavin. But when the pair had a falling out, Andy decided to pose as his friend in a bid to fool Michael.
It wasn’t long before the real Gavin began blackmailing Andy, but just days later he died in a car accident.
Andy soon crossed paths with villain Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre), who notably left Michael to die after he suffered a heart attack.
After being threatened by Andy, Pat took him hostage in a derelict house, before killing him with a single gunshot. Andy’s body was then thrown into a pond, with Gary Windass (Mikey North) and Seb Franklin (Harry Visinoni) finding the corpse a year later.
Despite his death, many soap fans are convinced that Andy might have secretly survived and is posing as John in the Dales, ahead of the ITV soap crossover next year.
“Emmerdale have been absolutely genius with casting Oliver Farnworth. On Corrie, he portrayed a character with a false identity and claimed to be Gavin, the son of Michael Rodwell played by Les Dennis, later to be known as Andy Carver,” one person wrote on a Facebook fan page.
“I think Emmerdale are still keeping the false ID storyline with the character, but instead of being the victim, he is obviously the murderer. A lot will be uncovered about John’s background soon! I don’t think John is who he says he is and it’ll get very dark.”
Another added: “Maybe Andy didn’t die and he’s actually come to the Dales as John instead,” while a third said: “Emmerdale and Corrie are to merge for a storyline. First time ever. Could this be where it happens?”