Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale left fans questioning everything after killer John Sugden appeared to bury a body in the woods. But is it really Mackenzie Boyd—or someone else entirely?

John’s Brutal Attack

Thursday night delivered another chilling sequence as John Sugden carried out a shocking attack. He shot Mack with a bow and arrow and then violently crushed his head with a rock. The soap didn’t show Mack’s body directly, but viewers saw a blanket-covered figure in the back of John’s van.

Despite the gruesome scene, many fans weren’t convinced it was Mack under the blanket. The ambiguity has sparked heated discussions online, with theories pointing toward a clever twist in the storyline.

Burying the Truth—or Someone Else?

In the latest episode, John was seen burying a body in the woods, covering it with leaves. Some fans immediately suspected a bigger deception was at play. Could it be that John wasn’t burying Mack at all?

“Long shot, but what if the body in the woods is Anthony and not Mack? Killing off Mack would be mental even for these writers,” one fan wrote. Others chimed in with similar theories: “We haven’t seen a body. Just saying,” and “Maybe it’s Anthony’s.”

The speculation stems from previous plotlines. Anthony was killed by his daughter, Ruby Milligan, and John had a hand in disposing of that body. Could John be covering up Anthony’s death while faking Mack’s murder?

Fans Spot Clues

Viewers quickly noticed several details that didn’t add up. Some pointed out inconsistencies with Mack’s supposed burial: how the leaves could have blown away, leaving traces, or how Mack’s blood appeared in John’s van. Others questioned the lack of any official goodbye from the Emmerdale social media accounts.

“Maybe Mack is lying unconscious in John’s van and will be kept hostage for a few weeks until we see him again,” one fan speculated. Others suggested that a “fake out” twist was coming and that Mack wasn’t actually dead.

Charity Receives a Message

Adding to the tension, Charity Dingle, Mack’s pregnant wife, received a devastating message from “Mack” after the supposed murder. The letter claimed he had fled the village and ended their marriage.

Of course, viewers know the message was sent by John, further demonstrating his manipulative and cunning nature. His actions have left Charity heartbroken, and the villagers none the wiser about the truth.

What Could Happen Next?

With so many unanswered questions, fans are eagerly anticipating the next episodes. If Mack is alive, how long will John be able to keep him hidden? And if John is caught in his lies, will the villagers finally see his full list of crimes?

The ambiguity surrounding Mack’s fate has created suspense across social media and fan forums. Every scene is now scrutinized for hints that may reveal the truth. Fans are debating every possible outcome, making the next chapter in John’s storyline one of the most anticipated of the year.

Theories and Speculation

Theories continue to pour in online:

• Some suggest John staged Mack’s death to cover up Anthony’s body.

• Others believe Mack is being held hostage in John’s van.

• A few fans even speculate a “fake death” scenario, where Mack will return dramatically later in the series.

Whatever unfolds, one thing is clear: John Sugden’s web of lies is far from over. His cunning strategies and willingness to manipulate those around him make him one of Emmerdale’s most dangerous villains.