Robert’s dark secret exposed by John – what happens next in Emmerdale

John scores a point in his war with Robert.
Jade Brown

In Emmerdale tonight, John Sugden discovered that Robert has been keeping a secret, but what will he do with that information?

Since Robert’s return to the village, he and John have been desperate to get one over on the other, while pretending to bury the hatchet.

Robert has been getting dangerously close to John’s killer secret recently, but tonight John scored a point of his own when he discovered Robert had been the one to steal and sell the weed.

Robert Sugden in Emmerdale

Robert didn’t know John was listening in (Credit: ITV)

John listened in as Robert shared his secret in Emmerdale

Tonight, John and Victoria spoke about Robert Sugden and expressed concern for his mental health. John said he’d ask Doctor Liam to pay Robert a visit.

Before that visit took place, John plugged in a listening device in Robert’s living room. As Robert spoke to Liam about what he endured in prison – “some thug waiting around every corner” – John listened in.

Not wanting to think about his time inside too much, Robert switched the subject to John, asking Liam how he found working with him.

Robert told Liam: “I think my brother’s a little bit too good to be true. I think there’s something not quite right about him. Like he’s hiding something. And I’m gonna find out what.”

But it ended up being John who discovered a secret. Later on, after Liam’s departure, John spotted Ray knocking at Robert’s door. He then resumed listening duties and found out what his half-brother has been up to.

Ray revealed he’d been the one to send the two lads to break into Moira’s farm in order to discover if more weed was being grown. Robert insisted it was a one off and told Ray to back off.

Robert then left no doubt over what he had done by saying Ross and Mack do not know he stole their stash of weed. “If they find out I screwed them over, I’m finished,” he told Ray.

John Sugden in Emmerdale

What will John do with the information? (Credit: ITV)

John bides him time in Emmerdale

Spoilers for next week reveal John continues to act like he has Robert’s best interests at heart and he persuades a skeptical Aaron to go easy on Robert.

Later, an uncomfortable encounter at the shop leads to John leaving, while Robert attempts to clear the air with Aaron over coffee.

When Robert hints at leaving, Aaron reassures him he’s valued, giving Robert hope that they can get back on the right path.

Later, Moira questions Robert about the farm land but she makes a swift exit when Victoria arrives. How will a suspicious Vic react when Robert suggests they farm Annie’s field together? And will John reveal Robert’s secret and put a spanner in the works? 

What else happened in Emmerdale tonight? Wednesday July 30

While John invaded Robert's privacy, there was also plenty of drama to be had elsewhere in Emmerdale tonight, with Moira receiving devastating news.

Cain threatened Sam

Joe Tate popped into see Sam and Lydia to check they were okay after they got caught in the middle of his altercation with Cain and Moira. Cain arrived soon after and was not amused to see Joe sitting in his dad's chair.

After Joe left, Cain told Sam he has to make a choice: "Us or them?" Sam insisted he would not be quitting his job, causing Cain to lunge at Sam. Belle managed to pull him back before he hit Sam and she called him a bully. 

Moira received more bad news in Emmerdale tonight

Moira encouraged Cain to calm down and be grateful that Joe Tate hadn't escalated the incident. But she wasn't aware of what was to come. She later received a phone call, which she soon shared with Cain – their biggest customer has given notice.

Moira said they didn't give a reason but she's sure it has Joe’s fingerprints all over it. She said they won't survive without that contract, saying: "That’s it. He’s won. And Kim Tate gets her land." But Cain insisted it wasn't over yet. What will he do? 

April was stood up by Dylan

April and Dylan had a brief chat in the village and arranged to meet for lunch. After she had gone, Dylan lifted his jeans to reveal a nasty injury and lots of blood after he was stabbed with a pitchfork.

Later Dylan hid in the bushes as he watched Ray (who hired him to break into Butler's Farm) talking to Moira. Meanwhile, April sat alone with a picnic as Dylan failed to show up.

 

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns