In a chilling Christmas Day twist, the residents of Emmerdale are facing a deadly threat as a sinister serial killer makes a shocking return. The early release episode on ITVX reveals that fan-favourite couple Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden, known to fans as 'Robron', are in grave danger.
A Murderous Medic Returns
The source of the terror is the murderous medic, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), who slips back into the village on December 25th. His twisted obsession with playing the hero sees him placing people in peril just to swoop in and save them. This time, his target is clear: to 'save' his ex-husband, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), from his happy relationship with Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) and eliminate his half-brother for good.
The episode opens with a panic as Robert goes missing. Viewers are left on a knife-edge with a glimpse of a mystery figure tied up in a dark room. The burning question is whether John has finally captured Robert, or if another villager is at the mercy of the sociopathic Sugden.
Double Trouble for the Beloved Couple
Robron's festive season is already far from merry. The couple have been tormented by a mystery stalker who has been setting fire to trees outside their flat and shooting at them with a rifle. Initially, suspicion falls on Robert's prison husband, the menacing Kev Townsend (Christopher Coghill), especially after a chilling Christmas card clue containing Kev's wedding ring and a bullet is posted through their door.
Kev, heartbroken and vengeful, has indeed returned to the village seeking revenge. However, he may have to join the queue, as the bigger, badder threat of John Sugden now looms large. The episode teases a potential deadly alliance, leaving viewers to wonder if Kev could become John's partner in crime or an unlikely saviour for the besieged couple.
Creeping Through the Village
The episode delivers several tense sequences as John stalks his prey. In a deeply unsettling scene, he breaks into Robert's flat, only to find it empty and filled with painful reminders of Aaron's life without him. Later, after eavesdropping on a tipsy Caleb and Ruby Miligan (William Ash and Beth Cordingly), John discovers where Aaron is sleeping.
He sneaks in to find Aaron passed out on a sofa, narrowly avoiding detection when Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) comes to check on him. In a moment of pure creepiness, John whispers promises to the sleeping Aaron that they will be together forever, signalling his dangerous and delusional intent.
With Robert missing, Aaron vulnerable, and a vengeful Kev on the loose, Emmerdale's Christmas Day delivers a potent cocktail of fear and suspense. The early ITVX release guarantees that fans will be left desperate to know who survives the holiday season when the deadly games reach their climax.
