Leaving him for d.e.a.d, Aaron confessed what he did to John – who stepped in to protect Aaron and insisted he would help remove Anthony’s body from the scene of the crime.

The truth eventually came out that it was Anthony’s daughter Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) who m.u.r.d.e.r.e.d him – with several other villages now involved in the cover-up of the m.u.r.d.e.r, including Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) and Cain (Jeff Hordley)

However, John has since kept the location of where Anthony’s body is, a secret, worried that those who know risk being found out if he disclosed it.

Fans have predicted the return of a Dingle legend to save their family (Image: ITV)
What’s more, amid all the Anthony Fox drama going on, fans have also questioned John’s true nature. They believe he could be a secret serial k.i.l.l.e.r, following the shock discovery of a d.e.a.d Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) in an icy lake.

His relationship with Aaron has also ruffled a few feathers, with some fans accusing John of “controlling” Aaron, even gaslighting him. And now, viewers are convinced John’s downfall is near – and they reckon a returning legend is set to expose him.

Debbie Dingle played by Charley Webb

On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person mused: “I still don’t trust John, there’s just something about him. I feel he’s the type of person that will hold the Anthony m.u.r.d.e.r secret against the Dingles.”

Rushing to the comments section, other fans put forward a theory that Debbie Dingle could make a shock comeback.

They penned: “Hopefully someone will come back and sort him out.” A third then chimed in: “I want Debbie to return.” Echoing their thoughts, another wrote: “Oh yes Debbie would be good.”

Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) is a soap legend – making her debut in 2002. As the daughter of Cain, she played a part in several big storylines, until her exit in 2021.