In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, ITV's Emmerdale finally unveiled the shocking truth behind John Sugden's death, confirming his sister Victoria Sugden as his killer.
The Fatal Confrontation Revealed
The episode used flashbacks to detail the tragic sequence of events that occurred during the soap's crossover with Coronation Street, dubbed Corriedale. Victoria had tracked the group to the woods where the crash site was located. Fearing her other brother, Robert Sugden, had been shot by John, she attempted to leave. However, John discovered her and a physical struggle ensued.
As John grabbed her, a terrified Victoria screamed for help and scrambled to defend herself. Reaching into his pocket, she found a filled syringe. In a desperate bid to free herself, she stabbed him with it, unaware of its lethal contents. The injection killed John instantly, leaving a horrified Victoria to clean the needle and place it in his hand before fleeing the scene.
A Secret Pact and a Hidden Witness
Later, at the hospital, Victoria confessed everything to Robert and Aaron Dingle. The pair agreed to help her cover up the killing. However, their plan was built on a dangerous falsehood: they believed no one else had seen what happened.
In a major twist, it was revealed that Joe Tate was present in the woods. Crucially, he did not intervene to help Victoria during her struggle. Instead, despite having suffered a head injury, he stood by and recorded video evidence of Victoria tampering with the scene after John's death.
Exit Plots Loom for Village Residents
This explosive secret is now poised to trigger significant consequences in the village. Joe's cruel decision to withhold help and gather evidence suggests he will use it to taunt Victoria or Robert, referencing a previous debt.
This storyline is also set to facilitate at least one, possibly two, character exits. Actress Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria, is expecting her first child and will soon begin maternity leave. This plot appears to be her departure storyline.
Victoria's exit could also mean her on-screen son, Harry, leaves the show. Depending on how Victoria's story concludes—whether she flees, is caught, or goes on the run—Harry may either leave with her or remain in the village under the care of his uncles, Robert and Aaron.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
