Emmerdale fans have whole new John Sugden theory after he 'appeared' in Coronation Street this week

Stranger things have happened...

Emmerdale fans are going wild over a new theory that John Sugden could actually be Coronation Street’s Andy Carver.

While it might sound a little bonkers, Coronation Street sparked all the speculation in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene last week.

In an episode airing on Wednesdays, September 24,  killer John appeared on a wanted poster hanging up at Weatherfield police station.

Emmerdale's John Sugden appears on a poster in Coronation Street

It’s John Sugden! (Credit: ITV)

It’s no secret that there is a much hyped crossover episode, named Corriedale, coming at the start of 2026.

And this latest twist strongly suggests that John’s story will play a major part in it.

Emmerdale fans have new John Sugden theory

However, some fans are now wondering if John could actually be the late Andy Carver.

Yes, we know the Corrie character was killed off eight years ago. But Oliver Farnworth played Andy Carver in Coronation Street from 2014-2017, prior to joining Emmerdale as evil John.

The character was eventually shot dead by villain Pat Phelan, in a grisly twist that left fans devastated. And fans reckon he could still be alive.

It would certainly be a stretch but stranger things have happened in Soapland.

Discussing the possibility on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “When it turns out he’s not even John Sugden – it’s just Andy from Corrie 2015 carrying on his false identity trademark!”

Another added: “Have you noticed the similarities of John’s murders to Pat Phelan in Coronation Street? The actor who plays John was one of Phelan’s victims.”

A third penned: “Phelan shot him and chucked his body in a pond. He must have come back to life like Becky did.”

“Nah but since John showed up I;ve always jokingly said that obviously Andy secretly survived and Phelan turned him into a killer, then set him free on the Dales, where he went by the alias of John Sugden. I’m just gonna take this as head canon accepted,” said a fourth.

John escaped justice for his crimes, when he used his knowledge of Anthony Fox’s murder to blackmail Caleb into helping him escape the country.

John Sugden hides in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
We can see you, John (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale and Coronation Street crossover

Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses have confirmed further details on the highly-anticipated crossover episode, called Corriedale.

The soap special is going to bring together the residents of Weatherfield and the Dales for the first time ever in an action-packed hour of drama. Exciting!

The combined production teams have embarked on an ambitious stunt for the episode. And we have been told that it will have “everlasting consequences” for everyone involved.