Emmerdale’s Boxing Day episode revealed John Sugden’s chilling plan for Kev Townsend

Emmerdale aired the explosive return of murderer John Sugden on Christmas Day’s episode (Image: ITV)

Emmerdale delivered a shocking twist on Christmas Day with the dramatic reappearance of killer John Sugden.

Viewers will remember that John is Aaron Dingle’s former husband who was believed to be fleeing after his wicked actions in the village came to light.

John was behind Nate Robinson’s murder and tormented numerous residents, including an attempt on Mackenzie Boyd’s life. Following the exposure of his crimes, he disappeared.

However, Thursday’s festive episode revealed John had returned to the village and was keeping Robert Sugden’s former spouse Kev Townsend captive.

In Boxing Day’s instalment, Kev tried to flee but quickly collapsed due to his cardiac condition. When John arrived home, he discovered Kev on the ground and intervened to save his life.

Has Kev’s future been confirmed or will he manage to stop John? (Image: ITV)

As the episode concluded, Kev was bewildered by John’s motives and questioned why he had bothered rescuing him, before Kev’s fate took a dark turn. Kev asked: “Why did you bother?”

John replied: “What can I say? It’s Christmas. I’m feeling all toasty inside. Oh no, wait. You are my new plan A.”

Outlining his scheme, he added: “Jealous ex with a history of violence, kills husband in a crime of passion. It’s got a certain ring to it.”

Oliver Farnworth plays John Sugden (Image: Getty)

Kev responded: “I take it you do the killing for me?” with John confirming: “You catch on fast!” He went on: “Then you’re found. Having turned the gun on yourself. A neat little note explaining what you did. Star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juliet. Then I swoop in and save Aaron.”

But Kev was swift to counter: “Unless, of course, I stop you…”

John then issued a stark warning: “Are we still doing this? You don’t have to play the big man with me. I’ve saved your life. So I figure you owe it back to me. I want you ready for action, eat..”

The episode concluded dramatically with John attempting to force-feed Kev a sandwich, only for him to spit it back defiantly in his captor’s face before breaking into a knowing smirk. Will Kev’s fate be sealed, or can he thwart John’s sinister plan?

Emmerdale continues on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITV X.