ITV Share By Carena Crawford Jan 7 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 7 2026 Emmerdale needlessly covers up John Sugden's murder and these 7 angry responses say it all Victoria killed John in self-defence Isabel Hodgins John Sugden Victoria Sugden Share By Carena Crawford Jan 7 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 7 2026 John Sugden is no more in Emmerdale after sister Victoria killed him and tried to cover up the murder. She is still hoping to keep it between her Robert and Aaron, but Joe Tate has other ideas. As she told the story of exactly how her half-brother died, it became clear once again that it wasn’t cold-blooded murder, but self-defence. So why on earth would she cover it up? It’s not the first time in Soapland this has happened. In fact, there have been multiple occasions where similar has happened – most recently April killing Callum when he tried to rape her (although he’s actually not dead, but she thinks he is and thinks it was covered up). Why don’t peope just tell the truth in Soaps?! John was killed by Victoria (Credit: ITV) Victoria confessed to John Sugden’s murder and cover-up As the police started asking questions last night (Tuesday January 6) it was revealed John’s body had been found. Although that now means nothing in Soapland (just ask Graham Foster) at this point we are as certain as we can be that John is dead. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Robert Sugden is in the firing line. But Robert had taken Cain to get treated after John shot him. The police still seem to be suspicious of Robert and that’s when Victoria confessed to Aaron and Rob that she knew her brother was innocent because she killed John. She then recounted what had happened. John had drugged her and when she woke up and found out about the crash she raced to check whether Aaron and Robert were okay. She later heard the gunshot and was about to run away, but then John was behind her. He promised he would never hurt her and asked her to let him run away. She told him he wasn’t her brother. John then tackled her to the floor, his hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. In fear for her life she grabbed a syringe from John and stabbed it in his neck. Vic then wiped the syringe and put it in his hand to make it look like suicide. “John was a monster and he was going to hurt you, you just did what you had to do,” Aaron told her. So, er, why don’t they tell the police that? Victoria is now covering up John’s murder (Credit: ITV) Fans react That’s exactly what has got fans’ goat. These seven responses prove we’re all just so over drama for drama’s sake. 1. I WAS SELF DEFENCE!!#Emmerdale — Jade 💜🖤⭐️ (@KittyKat3801) January 6, 2026 Well, quite. 2. Vic killed Pyscho John in self-defence. So we’re back to another long-winded OTT segue…these bloody writers just can’t help themselves…#emmerdale — Lynne Currie (@vlcurrie) January 6, 2026 Seems like a very long-winded plot to us too. 3. Why didn’t she just tell the police it was self defence, but no let’s drag it out with Joe blackmailing her for the land she owns.#Emmerdale — Tony Coffey (@TonyCoffey15) January 6, 2026 Let’s force in a blackmail plot on top of this dramatic murder! 4. Surely it wd be alright if Victoria explained to the police exactly what happened & obviously if she tells them what John did? I don’t see why they have to keep it hidden! #Emmerdale — Simon Ramsay (@SARamsay1) January 6, 2026 We don’t see why either. 5. Poor vic she killed John in self defence he’d attacked her hope she isn’t sent down they need to protect her at all costs #Emmerdale — dan the chatterbox 🎄❄️☃️ (@chattymandan) January 6, 2026 Protect Victoria – she did everyone a favour! 6. The isse w/Joe using the video to blackmail is unless he didn’t record John on top of Vic it’s evidence of self defense. I know it’s a soap but I don’t know if suspension of disbelief can extend this far. Plus it makes him look like a d!ck for not helping. #Robron #emmerdale — tech-dinosaur (@Tech_Dino_45) January 6, 2026 Scumbag Joe, par for the course. 7. The isse w/Joe using the video to blackmail is unless he didn’t record John on top of Vic it’s evidence of self defense. I know it’s a soap but I don’t know if suspension of disbelief can extend this far. Plus it makes him look like a d!ck for not helping. #Robron #emmerdale — tech-dinosaur (@Tech_Dino_45) January 6, 2026 As if we don’t have to suspend belief enough already. Joe Tate knows and wants something in return for his silence (Credit: ITV) What happens next after John’s murder? The slight problem with the whole cover-up situation is that Joe Tate saw and filmed everything. Now he is blackmailing Victoria and Robert to keep quiet. Show boss Laura Shaw has revealed the truth will come out. “The truth about John’s death will be revealed, as Victoria’s clever deception, making John’s death look like suicide, will unravel,” she explained. “Evil Joe Tate knows the truth and has damning video evidence which he plans to use to get what he wants from the Sugdens, potentially taking control of Butler’s Farm. Robert is also in the thick of it, trying to save Victoria by planting evidence.” Something tells us this whole thing will now lead to Victoria’s exit as Isabel Hodgins goes off on maternity leave. But will it be a prison exit or will she go on the run? Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jan 7 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 7 2026 Previous Story Next Story
