John Sugden has been keeping a lot of secrets in Emmerdale so it’s little wonder he is struggling to hold it all together. And next week, things will get even more turbulent for him.

Tonight’s dramatic episode (Thursday April 10) finally revealed exactly what sort of person John is – and the things he’s been hiding, and it’s already clear the pressure is getting too much. So how will things spiral even further next week?

John Sugden reveals his secrets in Emmerdale

It’s been obvious since day one that John was not being entirely honest about his past. And now we know why: he has a hero complex. Desperate to be the one who saves everyone sometimes he causes life-threatening situations just to save the day.

This character development was explained through a series of flashbacks as well as what was happening in the present day.

John, still smarting from Liam’s official warning, was determined to prove he was a life-saver. After learning Jacob is allergic to nuts, John stole Jacob’s allergy pen and then swapped their coffees so Jake drunk the one with almond milk.

Jacob immediately reacted and John came rushing out to save his life. Hailed a hero and taken off his formal warning, John was celebrated in the pub, with no one realising he’d set the whole thing up.

John drugged Chas and set Ella up

And that wasn’t the only thing he had set up. As we had already feared, John was the one who swapped Chas‘ medication so she overdosed. He was then the one who ran in to save her life and was once again hailed a hero.

It also turned out (as we had also predicted) that Ella had not been tormenting Chas and Liam, John had set her up. He sent the email cancelling their wedding to Belle and he threw the brick through the Woolpack window. Poor Ella has been vindicated and isn’t even around to see it (although only viewers know that at the moment!)

Nate was killed by John Sugden in Emmerdale

Of course the big reveal was that John was responsible for Nate Robinson’s death – though not in the way we thought. Although it looked likely John was a serial killer, in fact he had been trying to save Nate’s life. But it went wrong and Nate ended up dying instead.

Desperate to cover up the accident, John disposed of the body in the lake and has been playing along with the belief Nate is still alive.

Emmerdale spoilers for next week

With all the secrets he’s keeping it’s little wonder John is struggling. Next week loved-up Aaron suggests they use Chas and Liam’s wedding booking for their own nuptials. John doesn’t exactly react with enthusiasm and is annoyed not to have been consulted. Aaron is confused when John storms out.

John apologises the next day and is reflective about his life, wanting to talk about his faults. Aaron is confused by his tempremental behaviour, but John tries to be honest about his control issues. He reassures John and the pair seemingly make up.

However then Aaron innocently asks who John wants to invite to the wedding. John freezes, and is awkward at the question. He tries to explain he doesn’t really have any family and friends to want there.

Victoria seizes the initiative and comes up with a plan to get some of John’s army friends to the stag do. But is this a wise idea? Will they reveal more of John’s secrets?

The walls are also closing in on John from the Miligans. They are worried Anthony is still alive and John lied about burying his body. It comes after spiralling Steph tries to dig up Anthony’s body. Realising the soil seems undisturbed the family wonder whether John was telling the truth about this…