Fans of Emmerdale are swirling with theories since the mysterious arrival of John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) in the village, with many questioning his 'true' identity and connections to the village.

Speculations are rife amongst viewers that John is not who he claims to be and may not have any legitimate ties to Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins).

On social media, one eagle-eyed fan suggested: "I think I have figured out what's going on with John, I reckon he's connected with Robert but not in the way he's saying.. I think he was in prison with him and either loved him or hated him, and he's come to Emmerdale to get with Aaron because of whatever went on inside..

"Robert is being mentioned too often for there not to be an upcoming storyline about it.. I think Robert gets released and when he arrives back he sees John and it all comes out... Just my theory."

This theory sparked further debate, with another follower suggesting a stolen identity angle: "I think it's stolen identity and the real brother is dead, I wish Robert would come back but I have read there's no plans for him to yet."

"Eric Pollard knows he is John Sugden," said another, reports .

Discussion about Robert Sugden's potential return to Emmerdale also heated up: "Well Robert is coming back apparently," claimed one fan, while another expressed a desire for his comeback: "Would love Robert back."

Robert Sugden was a prominent figure in Emmerdale, having last been portrayed by Ryan Hawley.

The character exited the scene in 2019 after being incarcerated for Lee Posners (Kris Mochrie) death, despite a dramatic return back in October 2014.

In a twist of fate on ITV's Emmerdale, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) was gobsmacked to learn Rebecca White (Emily Head) had died, thus leaving little Seb without a mother and in the care of Rebecca's aunt.

Fans were reminded that Robert, Aaron's old flame and Seb's father, is in prison. The earth-shattering news about Rebecca was nonchalantly delivered by her ex Ross Barton, actor Michael Parr.

The bombshell left Aaron in turmoil, contemplating why he or Victoria, Robert's sister, weren't chosen to look after Seb. During a tender conversation, Victoria assured Aaron that Robert always considered him as a beloved "second dad" to Seb, even though Seb required the stable home of Rebecca's relative.

Adding to the drama, this moving exchange between Victoria and Aaron was overheard unintentionally by John, Aaron's current romantic interest, who, in an unforeseen revelation, happens to be Robert and Victoria's long-lost half-brother.

John attempted to delve into the saga with Victoria, but she directed him to Aaron for answers. In a recent episode, Aaron reluctantly opened up to John about Robert, but when John pressed further about Aaron's feelings, overcome with emotion, Aaron made a run for it.

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm.