Emmerdale’s Oliver Farnworth Explains John Sugden’s “Soulmate” Obsession Amid Carnage
John Sugden’s Dark Side Comes to Light
Emmerdale viewers have been gripped by the recent chaos surrounding John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) as his actions have escalated from mysterious to dangerously obsessive. Since his debut last year, John’s quiet, enigmatic persona has gradually unraveled, revealing a man willing to go to extreme lengths for love—or at least what he perceives as love.
The turning point came with his whirlwind romance with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), which quickly became a focal point for drama. From helping Aaron cover up Anthony Fox’s death to hiding his accidental killing of Nate Robinson, John has repeatedly put himself and others at risk. His “hero complex,” combined with a desperate need to control those around him, has made him one of Emmerdale’s most unsettling characters in recent memory.
The Bunker, the Bluff, and the Cliff
John’s behaviour reached new heights of danger when he held Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) captive in an underground bunker after discovering his involvement in Nate’s death. Things escalated further when John drugged Aaron to make him dependent, confessing his crimes to his unsuspecting husband. The arrival of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) triggered a violent response, culminating in John pinning the blame on Robert to the police and throwing both himself and Aaron off a cliff.
The aftermath has been dramatic: Aaron remains in an induced coma, echoing a dark period in John’s past with his ex-fiancé Aidan Moore, while Robert was wrongfully arrested despite his protests. Viewers have been left questioning how far John will go to protect his secrets—and himself.
“Soulmate” Obsession
Speaking at the National Television Awards 2025, Oliver Farnworth opened up about the psychology behind John’s extreme actions. “I’d say, just when you think something’s gonna go one way, it can always go another,” he told RadioTimes, reflecting on the twists that have defined John’s storyline.
Oliver revealed that John is convinced Aaron is his soulmate—“1 million percent” in his mind. But, he explained, John’s lifelong shielding from love has left him ill-equipped to handle such a connection. “So he’s got Aaron, and he goes, ‘Well, I just love you so much, I just want you, I don’t want anyone else,’” Oliver said.
This intense possessiveness, Oliver continued, is what spirals into danger. “It just becomes quite possessive, quite dangerous, and I think that’s what’s led to all of this carnage,” he added.
Playing a Villain in a Safe Environment
Despite portraying such a dark character, Oliver emphasized the safe and supportive environment on set. He explained that scenes of violence and tension are carefully managed, ensuring the cast can perform intense storylines while staying grounded. “We always have professionals around, we’re able to talk about the storylines. It’s our job to bring this story to life,” he said, highlighting the camaraderie between himself, Danny Miller, and Lawrence Robb.
What’s Next for John, Aaron, and Robert?
With Aaron still in an induced coma and Robert facing police scrutiny, the tension is far from resolved. John’s belief that Aaron is his “soulmate” leaves fans wondering how far he’ll go to maintain control—and whether anyone can stop him before more lives are endangered.
As Emmerdale continues to deliver high-stakes drama, Oliver Farnworth’s insight provides a fascinating look at the mind of one of the soap’s most chilling yet compelling villains. For viewers, the twists, danger, and complex relationships make every episode a must-watch.