Emmerdale delays John’s comeuppance after police twist

Emmerdale spoilers follow from Friday’s episode (25 July), which is available to watch now on ITVX and YouTube but hasn’t yet aired on ITV1.

Emmerdale has revealed that John Sugden won’t be arrested anytime soon.

While John’s brother Robert has figured out that he may have been responsible for Nate Robinson’s d.e.a.t.h, it seems that his theories aren’t shared by the local police force.

Tonight’s episode, which is available to watch early on streaming, sees Robert go to the police with the various discoveries he’s made this week.

Robert explains that d.e.a.d man Owen Michaels – who has been framed by John – had an alibi for the day that Nate was k.i.l.l.e.d.

ITV

Owen’s brother Steve has mentioned that they were both carrying out a criminal job in Hull when the tragedy happened. However, getting Steve to share this incriminating information with the authorities is another matter altogether.

Robert’s left disappointed in Friday’s episode when Steve fails to back up his story, prioritising keeping himself out of trouble.

DC Cole then steps in to warn Robert that his amateur detective work needs to stop.

Cole explains: “Steve Michaels not only recently realised that his brother k.i.l.l.e.d himself, but also that he’d m.u.r.d.e.r.e.d someone. He’s got a lot going on and he neither understands or appreciates your involvement in any of this.

ITV

“I advised him of his right to make a formal complaint of harassment against you. He was hoping that a warning from me might motivate you to back off. Consider this that warning.”

Later, Steve ups the ante by turning up in the village and attacking Robert, ordering him to stop prying – or else.

The setback all but guarantees John’s freedom for the time being – while also setting the stage for bigger episodes to come, as Robert continues the fight against his brother on his own.

Ryan Hawley, who plays Robert, recently told ITV’s Lorraine show: “It’s such a good year going forward. I’m honestly so excited [over] where the show’s going. It just feels like a great time to be involved in it.”

On the possibility of Robert exposing John’s deception, Ryan added: “Well, we hope that’s going to happen. But will it? I can’t really give anything away in that sense, but there’s a lot of obstacles that Robert has to overcome before that’s going to happen.”