Devoted fans of ITV's long-running soap Emmerdale are buzzing with a surprising new theory: a potential romance could be brewing between captive Kev Townsend and his kidnapper, the villainous John Sugden. This speculation comes as a horrifying kidnap and murder plot grips the Yorkshire village, with John holding Kev hostage in an abandoned house.
A Sinister Hostage Situation
John Sugden, played by Oliver Farnworth, made a dramatic return to the village recently and immediately set his sights on terror. He is currently holding Kev Townsend captive, having tied him up. The twisted connection between the two men is through John's brother, Robert, whom Kev met and married in prison. Robert is now trying to move on with Aaron Dingle, leaving Kev in his past.
John's reign of terror has been extensive. He has already killed Nate Robinson, nearly killed himself and his then-husband Aaron, and harassed Chas Dingle in a campaign that included drugging her and framing Ella Forster. Now, his focus has shifted to a new, deadly scheme.
A Deadly Plot Unfolds
In scenes that aired on Monday 29 December 2025, the plot took a darker turn. John revealed to Kev that he had researched his criminal past and discovered a history with explosives. Using Kev's own phone, John looked up how to create an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
John's plan is to frame Kev for the murder of his own brother, Robert. He chillingly told Kev: "It's for the police to find, silly! Along with your lifeless body and confession. Right after I start off the New Year with a spectacular BANG!" This confirms his intention to kill again and pin the crime on his hostage.
Fans Predict a Shock Twist
While viewers reacted with shock to the eerie bomb plot, a section of the fanbase on platforms like X and Reddit began predicting a completely different outcome: a surprise romance. One fan wrote on Reddit: "I was just wondering at the start of this month if they'd make Kev and John a couple... That would be something to see."
Another speculated: "Maybe they will share a cell together, fall in love and live happily confined together." The theory, dubbed "Jev" by supporters, suggests that the intense, confined situation could spark an unexpected connection between the two characters, both of whom have complex pasts.
The actor behind John Sugden, Oliver Farnworth, has hinted at more chaos to come. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror about his return, he warned that John is more "unhinged" than ever. "He feels like he has got far less to lose this time," Farnworth shared, suggesting love and jealousy are his motivations.
The storyline is set to explode further as part of the upcoming Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover, 'Corriedale'. Bosses have confirmed John will have a key role, with filming having begun as far back as August or September 2024. Ryan Hawley, who plays Robert Sugden, teased: "The events of it afterwards are going to change both shows forever. It’s high stakes."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
