After the revelation that Nate is the body in the lake, Emmerdale fans are convinced they have worked out the ‘truth’ about the flash-forwards – and who John will target next.

As soon as Nate left the village viewers theorised there was more to his departure than we saw. And now, five months later, it’s confirmed he was murd3red – and his body is still sinking in the lake.

It didn’t take long for theories to start. And everyone remembered how John Sugden was acting after his exit and believe he k!lled him. Alongside that, fans think they have worked out the true order of the New Year flash-forwards – and someone should be scared.
Was Mack running from John? (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale John to target Mack?

At the beginning of 2025, Emmerdale aired five flash-forwards. Nothing was ever said about when these would air. But we know it will be throughout the year.

The last flash-forward we got was the hand in the ice. But that was the first one we saw in the timeline. And judging by the current storylines, a new theory suggests they are in reverse chronological order. Meaning Mack should be running scared.

Fans took to a Reddit thread to discuss the theory, and found more reasons why John is the one behind Nate’s d3ath. And will be the one going after Mack.

One fan wrote: “I am starting to believe that the flash-forwards we saw on New Year’s were a reversed order of when we are going to see them.

“We saw the ice one this week. And that was the last shown. So if this theory is correct, we will see the body being pushed off the bridge next. Then Cain at the grave, Caleb flatlining and then Mack running through the forest.”

Another fan agreed, admitting it strengthens the theory that John is responsible.

They penned: “This just further emphasises that John is the k!ller to me. It will be him chasing Mack through the woods, mark my words.

“We know they have history. And Mack was close friends with Nate. If he begins to suspect John then John will go after him. I don’t see this ending well for Mack.”
John has been suspicious since he arrived (Credit: ITV)

Is John a serial k!ller?

When Nate left the village, Tracy asked John if he had seen him. Conveniently John informed her that he had already gone, while closing his van boot very quickly.

He apologised to Tracy but she said: “It’s not your fault.” However, it’s looking more and more likely that it is his fault.

Then when Aaron went to John about Anthony’s d3ath, the new Sugden knew very well how to get rid of the body – practise makes perfect!

And if Matty tells Mack about Amy’s last words, maybe he begins to work out that Nate is d3ad. And it won’t take long before he becomes the next target.

But why would John be k!lling people in the village? Is he really John Sugden? Did he k!ll Aidan Moore? Does he have a connection with Robert? We can’t wait to find out.