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EMMERDALE fans think they’ve cracked what’s to come for a beloved character - and they aren’t too pleased with the prospect.

It comes as the ITV soap has snapped up a veteran of the genre to play a potentially game-changing new character.

Emmerdale has cast Coronation Street alum Oliver Farnworth as a mysterious new character, John Sugden
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Emmerdale has cast Coronation Street alum Oliver Farnworth as a mysterious new character, John SugdenCredit: ITV
Oliver played Andy Carver in Corrie from 2014 to 2017
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Oliver played Andy Carver in Corrie from 2014 to 2017Credit: PA:Press Association
Fans have been speculating about how John is linked to the Sugden family
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Fans have been speculating about how John is linked to the Sugden familyCredit: ITV

Oliver Farnworth has joined the Emmerdale cast to play John Sugden, a previously unseen member of the show’s staple Sugden family.

Ahead of his first appearance in the village, viewers have been sharing theories on what could be in store for John.

As of now, the newcomer’s exact relation to the Sugdens isn’t known.

Although fans have been putting forward their best guesses in the build-up to the character's debut.

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one suggested John could be a long-lost brother to Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), who was last seen in 2019.

During his time in Emmerdale, Robert had an affair with - and later married - Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).

With this in mind, the fan penned: “There's a theory that they're going to try and replicate the Aaron and Robert relationship with Aaron and John, Roberts long lost brother.

“I think they should try and think up new storylines for Aaron and if they can't why write him back into the show?”

Another added: "I think Aaron’s a spent character now. There really was no need to bring him back, certainly not as soon as they did anyway."

While a third commented: "Why do they have to put Aaron with someone turns out to be his ex's brother. I just see John being in Robert's shadow tbh.

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"I thought Mack and Aaron had potential. Either they are going to try and make a lame attempt at recreating Rob and Aaron or Robert is going to return to find Aaron with his long-lost brother.

"Hence a new sibling rivalry for Robert to fill the void Andy left behind."

At present, Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) and her son Harry (Adam Pryor) are the only Sugdens in the show - however, John is reportedly poised to introduce significant changes for Victoria.

Meanwhile, actor Oliver, 41, is no stranger to acting in a soap.

He previously played the ill-fated Andy Carver in Coronation Street from 2014 to 2017.

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After being held prisoner by Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre) in the cellar of an abandoned house, Andy was killed by the villain in October 2017.

Before his time on the famous cobbles, Oliver played Will Hackett in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2007.

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The Yorkshire-born star has also appeared in programmes including Mr. Selfridge and Endeavour.

Emmerdale airs on ITV and is available on ITVX.

Ill-fated Andy was killed by villain Pat Phelan back in 2017
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Ill-fated Andy was killed by villain Pat Phelan back in 2017Credit: Rex Features
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