Emmerdale viewers ‘work out’ what John did with Anthony’s body as they notice flashforward detail

The flashforward hasn't happened yet
Rebecca Sayers

The real mystery of who in Emmerdale killed Anthony as his death was finally solved last night (Thursday January 30).

After Aaron spent a few days thinking he was responsible for Anthony’s death, in a not-so-surprising twist, he wasn’t.

Viewers were given yet another flashback to the day of the death. We saw that it was actually Ruby who killed her father – a very fitting end. But when she, Aaron, John and Caleb got together to discuss the next steps, fans couldn’t help but wonder about the body.

Anthony looks scared in Emmerdale
Ruby was the real cause of the Emmerdale Anthony death (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale flashforward

At the beginning of the year, Emmerdale gave us flash-forwards of certain characters. But we had no idea on how they ended up in that state.

And in one of them, there was a wrapped up body being thrown off a bridge. So when Anthony died and John wrapped his body up, that’s what we assumed would happen. But we never actually saw that.

Which brings up a few questions. Where did John put Anthony’s body? And if that wasn’t the death in the flash-forward, is there another murder looming? Fans have thought John may be the next serial killer…

But now, some think that John’s choice of words have shown them exactly where the body may be.

Taking to a reddit thread, viewers debated whether Anthony was buried – or fed to the pigs.

Emmerdale John looks calm
What did John do with the body? (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale Anthony death – where is his body?

One wrote: “What has John actually done with Anthony’s body? All I have heard him say is that they don’t need to worry about it?”

A user responded: “Isn’t he meant to be the one pushed in the river?” which someone answered: “We didn’t see that actually happen though.”

Another wrote: “I think the boring answer is he probably buried him in the woods.”

However, others think John had a more sinister plan for Anthony’s body. One that will be much harder to trace back.

“He told Aaron there was nothing left of him to be found. Then said there was no chance of them finding the body. Maybe he put him through Moira’s mincer.”

Another backed this up, adding: “If he was smart, he would have either cut him up to give it to the pigs. Or disintegrate it.”

And John has given the impression that he knows how to cover up a murder. So perhaps there really isn’t a trace of Anthony’s body.

Either way, knowing what actually happened to the vile man, surely he will have to tell someone how he got rid of it?

And who was in the body bag in the flashback?

Emmerdale Flash-forwards

January kicked off with Emmerdale flash-forwards of some of our favourite characters look set for a bumpy year. But as we haven't actually seen any of them take place on screen yet, we wonder when we actually will. So, here's a reminder of all the Emmerdale flash-forwards from the start of 2025.

Body thrown into the lake

This is what we all thought would be Anthony. But as we have failed to see John throw his body into the lake, are we actually set for another murder? Or will John tell someone where he buried Anthony and they realise they need a better hiding spot? We really don't know. But what we do know is we couldn't make out who was throwing the body over. So it really could be anyone.

Cain mourning in Emmerdale flash-forwards

One of the scenes showed Cain looking extremely upset as he cries over a fresh grave. The plot is covered in flowers, and white roses. And he looks like he has just left the funeral of someone. While we don't know who is in the grave, there are a number of possibilities. With Moira's ongoing brain tumour storyline, could something go tragically wrong causing her to lose her life? Or could it be Caleb - one of the flash-forwards looked a bit worrying for him. Or perhaps the long-standing theory that Nate is dead actually is true, and Cain is mourning his son.

Caleb flatlines in Emmerdale flash-forwards

The biggest clue that Cain is mourning his brother, is because of a different flash-forward. We seen Caleb lying in the hospital attached to tubes. But in the very short clip, his heart stops. With no idea how he got in this position, or if they manage to get him breathing again, we have to wonder is this the end of Caleb? We hope not!

The hand under the ice

One of the most sinister flash-forwards showed a hand, trapped under ice, banging to get help. This will be linked to the huge upcoming stunt which sees a vehicle plummet into the ice, with some of our favourite villagers lives hanging in the balance. And reports suggest not all will make it out alive. With numerous cast members rumoured to be leaving the show, we aren't sure exactly who will be involved in the huge stunt. But many reports suggest this is how Leyla will be departing the soap.

Mackenzie runs from something

The most random and confusing flash-forward was Mackenzie's. All we saw was him looking absolutely terrified while running through the woods. Maybe he was running from someone? Or an animal? Or had he done something bad and was running away from it? We will just have to wait and see. Whether all of the flash-forwards merge together or are separate incidents throughout the year is another question that we don't know.

Read more: Why Emmerdale will air at a different time tonight and when you can watch it

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLANbaQVxes?si=RE8-2qD3dLDoUWUL]

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX. 

Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm. 

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