Emmerdale tonight saw John Sugden left furious after discovering his van had been stolen. It didn’t take him long to figure out who was behind the stunt, having already made an enemy of Mackenzie during his brief time in the village.
Elsewhere, Mandy’s findomination work started to pay off and Noah was left devastated when Amelia insisted they need to cut all ties with one another.
Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale on Monday August 12.
John was furious to find his van missing (Credit: ITV)
John’s van was stolen
Arriving at the garage in the morning, John was left furious as his van was nowhere to be seen. He approached Sarah and demanded she tell him where his van was, but Sarah had no idea. She suggested ringing the police, but John was not keen on the idea and insisted he could figure out who the thief was himself.
John soon came to the conclusion that Aaron had stolen his van and headed out trying to find him. At the cafe, John angrily confronted Mack and Aaron, with the pair eventually agreeing to take him to find his van. John lost his cool after he found his van in a lake, with Aaron and Mack continuing to taunt him and make jokes.
In the Woolpack, Victoria told Mack and Aaron that the van was actually John’s home, leaving the duo feeling very guilty. John later found Aaron alone and convinced him he’s still interested in him. When Aaron tried to go in for a kiss, John pulled away, leaving Aaron humiliated. Super awks…
Tracy wasn’t impressed with Mandy (Credit: ITV)
Mandy gets hen do ready – and continues with her findom work in Emmerdale tonight
Tracy arrived at the salon to find Mandy mid-phone call, leading her to presume she was with a findom client. However, Mandy revealed she was actually chatting to a credit card company as she continues trying to settle her debts. Mandy happily told Tracy how she’d managed to clear one of her smaller credit card bills thanks to her new venture. Tracy was still concerned about Mandy taking on findomination work, despite Mandy reassuring her she had taken safety measures to mask her identity.
Later, Amelia headed to the salon to gift Mandy a karaoke set. She revealed she’d been busy planning Mandy a surprise hen do ahead of her wedding to Paddy. Mandy’s next client then called, prompting her to cancel Amelia’s shift at the salon and tell her to leave.
Paddy headed round to the salon to check on Mandy and after snooping on her laptop, he found out she’d booked a romantic boat trip in Venice for their honeymoon (nice for some!) The pair shared a special moment as they celebrated their upcoming nuptials.
Amelia left Noah upset (Credit: ITV)
Noah was left devastated
Chas gave Noah some advice in the Woolpack, telling him to speak to Amelia about being a part of Esther’s life going forward. Despite being unsure, Noah later sat down for a chat with Amelia.
Amelia told Noah that she didn’t think it would be a good idea if he is still a part of Esther’s life. She insisted they need to end things for good. Noah then broke down as Amelia left.
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Jimmy and Nicola received a call to confirm the date of Angelica’s day release, leaving them delighted. Nicola then vowed to help Jimmy with his problems at the haulage yard. She then insisted Will should be doing more to help.
Jimmy later headed round to see Will and tell him the bad news about the contract. After a few tense words, Jimmy and Will ended up confiding in one another. Jimmy revealed he can’t stop thinking about Angel and confessed his worries about her being released. Will and Jimmy then spoke about their business and vowed to try everything to make it work going forward. Will they make a good team?
In Emmerdale spoilers for tonight John is on the warpath after Mack trashes his van. Out for revenge, John then leads Aaron on and cruelly rejects his advances.
Also in Emmerdale on Monday August 12, Tracy catches financial dominatrix Mandy in the act. And Noah is heartbroken when Amelia bans him from seeing Esther.
Emmerdale spoilers: Mack steals John’s van
Mack is out for revenge on newcomer John (Credit: ITV)
1. Mack teaches John a lesson
John Sugden has only been in the village five minutes, but he’s already made an enemy of Mack.
Determined to take cocky John down a peg or two, Mack vows to teach the newcomer a lesson. An idea soon forms while he’s busy fixing John’s broken down van. But what exactly does Mack have in mind?
2. John swears his revenge
Later, John is fuming to discover his van has been stolen from the garage. Aaron’s worried when it becomes clear Mack is responsible for the missing vehicle.
When the van is found half submerged in the lake, John is absolutely fuming. He knows that Mack was behind the act of vandalism and sees red.
As enraged John swears revenge, Victoria reveals the van was more than a set of wheels. It was actually her brother’s home. This leaves both Mack and Aaron feeling guilty as they realise they’ve taken things too far. Will John find a way to get his own back?
John leads Aaron on then rejects his offer of a kiss (Credit: ITV)
3. John leads Aaron on
On a mission to get even, John decides to toy with Aaron’s affections.
Aaron made it pretty clear he wanted more after their lusty encounter in the layby, so John decides to use this to his advantage. He turns on the charm and flirts with Aaron to make him think he’s interested. But it’s all just part of John’s latest game.
And when Aaron moves in for a kiss, the savage Sugden rejects him. But John better watch himself, because no one humiliates Aaron – twice – and gets away with it!
Mandy is in hot water in Emmerdale spoilers
Tracy is not impressed when she realises what Mandy has been up to (Credit:ITV)
4. Mandy is in trouble with Tracy
Mandy gets what for from Tracy when her friend catches her in action as Madame Diamante Dales.
The broke salon owner has been masquerading as a financial dominatrix in a desperate bid to make money. But Tracy is appalled and points out the potential dangers of Mandy’s side hustle.
Mandy tries to placate Tracy by explaining the safety measures she’s taking.
But will Tracy be convinced? Or is she going to tell Paddy what his bride-to-be is doing?
5. Madame Diamante Dales is back in action
Mandy’s attention briefly turns back to her upcoming wedding when Amelia announces she’s organised a surprise hen do. The excited teen also gifts her boss with a Karaoke headset.
But Mandy’s soon back in money-making mode when she gets into character to engage with a new client.
Noah is left crushed in Emmerdale spoilers
Noah is heartbroken when Amelia bans him from seeing Esther (Credit: ITV)
6. There’s heartbreak for Noah
Elsewhere, Noah is still down in the dumps over his split from Amelia. She called time on their relationship after discovering he was the one who shopped Samson to the police.
But even though they’re finished, Noah still wants to be part of little Esther’s life. He pleads with his ex to let him carry on seeing her. But Amelia doesn’t think it’s a good idea and tells Noah he can’t be around her daughter any more.
Noah is left heartbroken. Can he find a way to change Amelia’s mind?
Emmerdale tonight saw John Sugden stranded in the village. And if we thought we might learn a bit more about him, we were wrong. All we know is he’s still moody and he’s still miserable.
Elsewhere, Mandy became a findom and Moira displayed yet more personalities.
Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale on Friday August 9.
John is no one’s friend, apparently (Credit: ITV)
John was mean
Despite his stand-offish nature, it didn’t stop Tracy, Chas and Nicola ogling John while he was out for a run. Aaron came along and was snippy about him, meaning Chas immediately worked out something had happened. So Aaron confessed and told his mum it brought everything that happened with Robert back and he couldn’t go there again.
Meanwhile, Victoria was still playing hostess with the mostess, determined to kill John with kindness. But snappy, moody John wasn’t interested in playing happy families. Especially when Sarah turned up wanting to meet her newfound uncle. John then confessed his mum had written a letter to Jack, but he never replied. Victoria was insistent that Jack can’t ever have got the letter.
John stomped off. He then had another encounter with Aaron. He called Aaron “paranoid and a bit of a whiner” – he does have a point. But Aaron didn’t like it and tried to hit him again. However, John once again came out on top. Probably time for a new tactic other than violence.
So, so far we know John has the Sugden moodiness down, but definitely none of the charm.
Mack and Aaron then plotted to wipe the smile off John’s face. Which doesn’t sound sensible at all. But when has that ever stopped them?
Loving Moira displaying kindness for once (Credit: ITV)
Moira was also mean – and then flirty in Emmerdale tonight
Moira was stressed again – this time because Cain had tidied up rather than done nothing. It’s no wonder he can’t keep up.
She then came home later and was all lovey-dovey and kissy. She told him there weren’t many men this “useful and sexy” leaving Cain very confused again. Us to. Is she drunk? Is that what this is? Or is something else going on here?
Mandy was ready to go (Credit: ITV)
Mandy is a findom
Desperate to solve her money worries, Mandy was caught by Tracy signing up for her findom website. And she was not impressed. She insisted Mandy needed to find another way, but Mandy was adamant she was going ahead with it.
Meanwhile, Chas gave Paddy a pre-wedding present that included his and hers slippers and bride and groom rubber ducks. She then let slip they’d been given to them for their wedding. Because that’s not weird. After they shared a moment, Chas told him she was happy for him.
Back at home Mandy chose a mask for her profile pic and soon had her first client ready and waiting. Madame Diamante Dales was born. There’s no way this can go wrong for Mandy, right? Right? We’ll find out next week…
Jimmy is Caleb’s latest victim (Credit: ITV)
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Caleb paid Jimmy a visit and discovered his plan had worked and Jimmy had lost a big client. Part one complete.
Then, conveniently, a inspector turned up to check the vehicles at Home James Haulage… And Jimmy was fined for exceeding his legal driving limits. Did Caleb have something to do with it? Yes, of course he did! Round two to Caleb.
We don’t know about you, but the whole Caleb ruining someone’s life storyline feels a bit, well, boring and dry. Change the record.
Aaron Dingle thought with his pants in this week’s Emmerdale when he bedded his internet date on the side of the road without even finding out his name. The guy then drove off with Aaron’s keys, wallet and beloved hoodie.
As if all that wasn’t bad enough, when Aaron did find out his name, it turned out to be John Sugden. And yes, he’s a real Sugden, half-brother of Aaron’s ex, Robert. Oops.
But it’s not the first time Aaron’s love-life has been complicated. Let’s take a look at his romantic history.
Victoria was Aaron’s first girlfriend (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Aaron and Victoria Sugden
Turns out, Robert and John aren’t the only Sugdens Aaron’s been with – he actually lost his virginity to Victoria. When Aaron first arrived in Emmerdale he hadn’t yet realised he was gay (or at least was trying to pretend he wasn’t). He and Victoria got together and had sex.
But when he found out she’d also slept with her foster brother, Daz Eden, Aaron dumped her.
He then turned his attentions to Holly Barton, but when he tried to blackmail her for sex it really put paid to any chance he might have had!
Aaron’s attraction to men first came to light when he and Adam Barton were involved in a car crash. Adam pulled away and Aaron immediately insisted Aaron had misunderstood and was imagining things. To prove it, he managed to get Holly to be his girlfriend after all.
Adam was not impressed given Holly was his sister. He tried to tell everyone what happened, but no one believed him. Angry Aaron confronted him about spreading rumours, but Adam insisted he wasn’t, he just didn’t want Aaron dating his sister when he’s gay. Holly and Aaron broke up soon after.
Jackson’s story ended tragically (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jackson Walsh: Aaron’s first love in Emmerdale
Jackson was Aaron’s first true love. The pair met at a gay bar in Hotten but Aaron was still struggling with his sexuality. When Paddy worked out what was really going on between Aaron and Jackson Aaron beat him to a pulp.
Still, Paddy stood by him and encouraged him to accept his sexuality. But Aaron would not. However he continued to see Jackson.
Aaron then violently punched Jackson and got charged with assault when he thought Jackson was about to out him to the village. Aaron was sentenced to community service and eventually revealed he was gay. He and Jackson then got together properly.
Tragedy struck when Jackson told Aaron he loved him and then drove off, upset, when Aaron didn’t say it back. Aaron called him, Jackson tried to answer his phone and crashed. He got stuck on a railway line. He was horribly injured when a train hit a van which then smashed into his car.
Jackson was paralysed from the neck down. He and Aaron broke up briefly and Aaron went on dates with a man called Flynn Buchanan, but could not forget about Jackson. They reconciled and pledged their love for one another.
However, Jackson could not come to terms with his new state. He made the difficult decision to end his life. Reluctantly, Aaron and Jackson’s mum, Hazel, agreed to help. Hazel brought the drugs to Jackson, but couldn’t give them to her son. So instead, Aaron was the one who handed them over. Jackson took the pills and passed away.
In a video message, played at his funeral, he told the mourners that his death was his own choice. That meant Aaron and Hazel didn’t get into trouble for it.
Romance blossomed with Ed (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Ed Roberts – the man Aaron left Emmerdale with
Rugby player Ed brought a minibus to the garage for Aaron to fix. After confusion over Aaron and Adam’s relationship, Ed and Aaron shared a kiss. However their first date was soured when Ed discovered Aaron helped Jackson to die.
Ed left, but later let Aaron explain himself. Aaron also showed him his self-harming scars. The couple spent the night together.
But things moved very fast for the pair when Ed revealed he was signed to a French rugby team and was leaving in four weeks. He asked Aaron to go with him.
At first Aaron said no, reluctant to leave his family. However after Adam started a fire at the garage, Aaron took the blame for his mate and fled to France with Ed in 2012 to escape prison.
When Aaron returned to Emmerdale in 2014, he and Ed had split up, but remained on good terms. And that’s when he met Robert Sugden.
It was toxic, but fans loved Robron! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Robert Sugden – Aaron’s true love?
At first, their relationship was horribly toxic. Robert was engaged to Chrissie White when he called Aaron to a layby to fix his car and then kissed him passionately. Robert later visited him at the garage and they had sex. However, Robert then firmly told Aaron he was straight!
Robert refused to leave Chrissie, but continued his affair with Aaron. Katie Sugden then got suspicious and Aaron, angry at Robert’s lack of commitment, engineered it so she would catch them kissing. However, the set-up led to Katie’s death.
Things got incredibly difficult between them after that. They were off and then on again and then off and then on, Aaron began over-exercising, running himself into the ground, and at one point Robert held him hostage and pointed a gun at him.
But after Robert was shot by Ross Barton things changed. It was Robert who got Aaron to confess his sexual abuse from his dad as a child. And Robert stood by him during the trial. He also helped Aaron get to know half-sister Liv Flaherty.
Though the pair still had their ups and downs – not least Aaron going to prison and Robert having a one-night stand with Rebecca White which resulted in him becoming a dad to little Seb – they married and settled down.
But their life together came to an end when Robert’s sister Victoria was raped by Lee Posner. Robert attacked her rapist, who died. Robert was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2019 and divorced Aaron to ‘set him free’. Robron were no more.
Lee’s brother Luke later confessed that he also attacked Lee on the same day he died, and Victoria thought that would be enough to see Robert free. But sadly, Rob decided not to pursue the case and he’s still in prison.
Ben was easily forgiving (Credit: ITV)
Aaron’s next love: Ben Tucker
Aaron began hooking up with random guys on dating apps in order to blot out the pain of the split. But by late 2020 Aaron was almost ready to move on. Coincidentally that’s when he reconnected with old school friend Ben Tucker. We say ‘friend’ but actually Aaron had bullied Ben and waged a campaign of homophobic abuse against him, so they weren’t really friends.
However, Ben forgave his former bully and the pair started a romance.
Liv – Aaron’s sister – caused a few troubles for the couple. Ben’s dad was an alcoholic and when Liv was struggling with drink, Ben didn’t want to be around her.
And the romance ended in tragedy when Ben became a victim of Emmerdale serial killer Meena.
John and Aaron wasted no time (Credit: ITV)
Aaron and John Sugden in Emmerdale – a replacement Robert?
On Wednesday (August 7), Aaron went off to meet an internet date. But he was stopped in a layby – incidentally the same layby he first hooked up with Robert in – by a man with a broken down van.
Talk about coincidence, the guy was only Aaron’s date! So rather than go to the hotel, the pair just got down and dirty in the van by the side of the road, without even knowing each other’s name.
He certainly seems to be Aaron’s type – moody, brooding, somewhat aggressive, oh, and he’s also a Sugden! That’s Aaron completing the Sugden hattrick then!
John Sugden is the half-brother of Victoria and Robert – and this makes things really rather awkward indeed.
However, even when Aaron confronted John and asked what he was playing at, and then got a punch in the stomach for it, it seemed pretty clear there was plenty of sexual tension between them. So how long before they can’t fight that attraction any more – and this becomes very complicated indeed?
Emmerdale fans have been treated to the arrival of John Sugden this week and after a pretty busy first few episodes they think they already have his card marked.
Sure his arrival and hook-up with Aaron was not a coincidence, one has now suggested this is all to do with Aaron’s ex, and John’s half-brother, Robert.
So how does it all work?
Aaron was immediately attracted to John – and then robbed by him! (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden arrives in Emmerdale
On Wednesday night (August 7) Aaron had a date at a hotel, but was flagged down on his way by a breakdown. It was John Sugden, but Aaron didn’t know him – nor did he know John was actually his date. Aaron had never seen his face and didn’t know his name either.
As Aaron fixed his van, it wasn’t long before the pair started kissing. Then they fell into the back and did the deed. Afterwards Aaron wanted an immediate repeat performance, but while he went for a wee in a bush John drove off – with Aaron’s keys, wallet and hoodie in the back of his van!
Then on Thursday August 8 Victoria kindly drove Pollard to a funeral. They were chatting to the son of the deceased and he introduced himself as John Sugden. Vic looked shocked and Pollard confirmed he could well be her half-brother.
When Vic introduced herself to John, he said he knew Jack was his dad and made it clear he wanted nothing to do with the Sugdens. He left and Victoria was totally baffled.
John later broke down again and Mack was called to tow him back to Emmerdale – where Aaron was waiting. Turned out John hadn’t officially robbed him, he’d just driven off without giving his things back.
Victoria was thrilled to see him again. She immediately revealed Aaron was Robert’s ex-husband and took her new sibling to her place for the night.
But, Aaron was convinced John was up to something. “You’re not telling me this happened by chance?” he questioned. And he got a punch in the stomach for his trouble.
John made it clear he wasn’t a man to be messed with (Credit: ITV)
What is John up to in Emmerdale?
Well, fans agree with Aaron, something is going on. In an exchange about the character on social media, several viewers started to discuss exactly what.
“Awkward, more to this John character than he is letting on. Mmm seems coincidence that a secret Sugden suddenly springs up. Something about him, can’t figure out yet,”mused one.
A second replied: “I have a theory that he’s actually been to prison and knew Robert. Robert shared his entire life story to John and Robert somehow [bleeped] John off and now he’s going to go after everyone Robert loves as revenge.”
Someone else agreed: “I was thinking the exact same thing, maybe Robert’s revenge?”
“My thinking is that John is going to take out his revenge on Robert by hurting the people Robert loves. Aaron and Victoria. But the only way this story could work is if they intend to bring Robert back at some point. So maybe recast the role if Ryan Hawley doesn’t want to return?!?!? With that said, I’m probably way off, but it would be a cool storyline if that’s the direction,” said one more.
Aaron was devastated when Robert was given 14 years in prison (Credit: ITV)
Is Robert returning to Emmerdale?
There are no current plans to bring Robert Sugden back to the Dales. He’s currently serving 14 years in prison for killing Victoria’s rapist. Meanwhile, actor Ryan Hawley is starring in Casualty right now.
Danny Miller, who plays Aaron, has previously said he was trying to persuade Ryan to return.
He told Inside Soap: “Every day I still get messages from people saying, ‘Bring back Robron!’
“I’d love to work with Ryan again but it’s just a case of whether I can talk him round…”
Newcomer John Sugden is ruffling feathers amongst the locals in tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers. Victoria’s long-lost brother finds himself stranded in the village and confronted by a vengeful Mack.
Also in Emmerdale on Friday August 9, cash-strapped Mandy transforms herself into financial dominatrix, Madame Diamante Dales. And Jimmy is hit with a hefty fine from a haulage inspector.
Emmerdale spoilers: John is causing a stir
John hasn’t exactly made friends since his arrival (Credit: ITV)
1. John is making waves in Emmerdale
John Sugden is a man who knows how to make an entrance. First he has a roadside romp with Aaron and robs him blind. Then he unveils himself as the love child of Emmerdale legend, Jack Sugden.
Yes, it’s been a busy week for the handsome newcomer. And it seems there’s plenty more drama to come.
But while Victoria is hopeful her sibling will stick about in the village, it’s not a feeling shared by Aaron – or Mack!
2. John makes an enemy of Mack
John remains trapped at Barton and Dingle Automotives as he waits for his broken down van to be repaired. And it’s clear he’s not here to engage in friendly chit chat.
Tensions are already high between John and Aaron, who’s still raging over the humiliating theft. But will John show any remorse? Early indications suggest not.
Meanwhile, Mack takes an instant dislike to John’s standoffish behaviour. And he’s definitely someone you don’t want to make an enemy of. Could this be the start of a fresh rivalry in the Dales?
Mandy makes money in Emmerdale spoilers
Mandy’s new career begins (Credit: ITV)
3. Mandy transforms into a financial dominatrix
Mandy decides there’s only one way to fix her cashflow crisis, and that’s by becoming a sex worker! We’re not talking turning tricks, rather the practise of findom – aka financial domination.
After getting the low down on what being a financial dominatrix entails, Mandy decides she’ll give it a whirl. Tracy reckons it’s a crazy idea, but Mandy’s got a honeymoon to pay for. Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that.
Mandy sets herself up an online profile and slips on a masquerade mask as disguise. The transformation is complete – say hello to Mand’s new alter ego, Madame Diamante Dales.
Later, she logs online, hoping to find admirers who will lavish her enough money to solve her problems. Will the risky move pay off?
Jimmy’s money troubles in Emmerdale spoilers
Rodney caused Jimmy problems yesterday – but it wasn’t actually his fault! (Credit: ITV)
4. Jimmy is fined
Jimmy’s bad luck continues when he’s hit with a whopping fine.
The King’s latest crisis occurs after an inspector arrives at Home James Haulage to do a spot check on the vehicles. Unfortunately the lorries don’t meet the expected standard and horrified Jimmy is fined thousands.
How will he explain this to business partner Will Taylor? And will Jimmy be able to find the money to pay it off?
We know Caleb is out to ruin Jimmy’s business, so could he have anything to do with this?
Emmerdale tonight revealed who John Sugden really is and while Victoria was full of the joys of spring about it, Aaron was not. Not at all. Well, you wouldn’t be would you?
Meanwhile, Moira continued acting strangely and we still don’t know why, but we don’t like it. And Caleb has a new target in yet another plot of his.
Here’s a recap of Emmerdale on Thursday August 8.
John’s not really interested in the family thing (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden met Victoria tonight
Victoria drove Eric to a funeral of an old friend and outside the church got chatting to a young man. After a severe case of foot-in-mouth, the man introduced himself to Eric as John Sugden. Vic looked shocked as the cogs started whirring and Pollard confirmed he could well be her half-brother.
When Vic introduced herself to John, he said he knew Jack was his dad and made it clear he wanted nothing to do with the Sugdens. He wasn’t interested in family life or Victoria and refused to accept her number. Cheery soul is John – and very like half-brother Robert: miserable and moody.
John then broke down again and called a garage to fix it. Obviously it was Mack who arrived and he towed John back to Emmerdale – where Aaron was waiting. Turned out John hadn’t officially robbed him, he’d just driven off without giving his things back. Thank goodness Aaron got his beloved hoodie back.
And Victoria was thrilled to see him again. She immediately revealed Aaron was Robert’s ex-husband and things got very awkward indeed. We love awkward.
John went back to Victoria’s and her very perky full-on behaviour really put him off. But he did begrudgingly agree to stay for one night.
Meanwhile, Aaron was convinced John was up to something. And he got a punch in the stomach for his questioning. Is this a feud? It is sexual tension? Is it the next great love story? Who knows.
We still don’t know what’s wrong with Moira (Credit: ITV)
Moira, Moira, give us an answer, do
If, like us, you’re getting a bit fed-up of Moira’s weird behaviour, tonight’s Emmerdale wouldn’t have filled you with joy. She was acting like nothing had happened yesterday as Matty confronted her over her comments. She seemed to almost have forgotten she’d been so cruel, then claimed it just came out wrong.
She said she was sorry and blamed it on always working, cooking or washing. Matty forgave pretty easily.
But later she laid into Cain again, saying she was keeping the family afloat. She said he wasn’t earning enough to support his kids and left it all to her. Ouch.
Moira continued to give him a hard time, she was under pressure and felt he never had her back. He then advised she talk to Liam as she “might need some pills”. Subtle as a brick, but he does have a point. And he left Moira staring into space. We are now as confused as Cain.
Moira then fell asleep on the sofa and Matty woke her up. She seemed confused and unable to remember what had really happened.
Cain later confided in Sam, while Moira poured herself a whiskey at home, before taking the bottle with her. Is it alcohol causing her to act strangely? Or is that what she’s using to feel better and something else is really wrong? Either way, Emmerdale needs to answer quick smart before they ruin Moira like they did Chas.
Poor Rodney took the blame (Credit: ITV)
Caleb plotted against Jimmy in Emmerdale tonight
Rodney was tasked with driving a lorry for Jimmy, something he was very excited about, while Jimmy was not. Two boxes of goods went missing between packing the van and delivery, leaving furious Jimmy accusing Rodney of flogging them on the side.
Turned out Caleb actually had them. He now has Jimmy in his sights as his latest target as he sets up his empire. Caleb was trying to make Home James Haulage look useless, so he could take over. He needs trucks apparently and Jimmy is collateral damage.
Caleb also thinks his dimples will get him everything he wants – he does have nice dimples to be fair.
Mandy needs money, quick (Credit: ITV)
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Charity was not happy to hear that Amelia and Noah had split especially as Esther is still set to inherit all of Noah’s trust fund. Noah then confessed why and Charity realised what he had done. HE BROKE THE DINGLE CODE.
Charity couldn’t believe it and Noah told her he was jealous. Charity called her son a ‘prawn’ and promised to keep quiet.
A random chat with Gail led Mandy to look into becoming a financial dominatrix. Gail tried to persuade her she’d be great at insulting men for cash. But things didn’t go well when Gail tried to demonstrate on Eric – turns out he’s not the kinky type.
Mandy was nervous and unsure, but when she got home and got an offer to pop Paddy’s blisters, she realised it might not be the most disgusting thing she’d done all day and decided to go for it.
The Sugdens are Emmerdale’s longest-running family and have been there since the very beginning.
Created by Kevin Laffan – the writer who dreamt up the idea of Emmerdale – the Sugdens were introduced during the first episode and quickly established themselves as the show’s central family.
In fact during the first two decades of Emmerdale being on air, the majority of storylines were focused around them.
The family was originally made up of widowed farmer Annie Sugden and her three grown up children, Jack Sugden, Peggy Skilbeck and Joe Sugden.
The clan came from a generation of agricultural workers. They resided in Emmerdale Farm, which was located on the outskirts of the village, then called Beckindale.
The size of the family has changed a lot since then. Now only three Sugdens remain in Emmerdale – Victoria, her son Harry and niece Sarah. However, John Sugden is on his way!
Here’s a look at the Sugdens past and present and the part they’ve played in village life.
She put up with a lot, did Annie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Annie and Jacob Sugden – heads of the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Annie Sugden was Emmerdale’s first matriarch and branded by many as a ‘heroine’.
The popular character was played by actress Sheila Mercier. She remains the longest-serving female character in the soap’s history.
Annie was the long-suffering wife of farmer Jacob Sugden, who she married in 1945.
Jacob died in 1972 from liver failure, and his funeral took place in the first episode.
By all accounts Jacob was a neglectful alcoholic who’d left Annie to juggle the responsibilities of looking after the farm with raising a young family.
Annie and Jacob had three children – Jack, Peggy and Joe – and tragically, she outlived them all.
During her life Annie overcame financial woes, an addiction to painkillers, and was left in a coma for three months after being injured in the 1993 Emmerdale plane crash – which also claimed the life of her second husband, Leonard Kempinski.
In July 1994, Annie left the Dales to start a new life in Spain. The following year she married her old friend and former Woolpack landlord Amos Brearly.
Annie popped back several times over the years. She was last seen on screen in February 2009 when she attended the funeral of her son, Jack.
She remained living in Spain until her death in August 2020, aged 100.
He was quite the ladies’man, Jack! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jack Sugden
John Jacob ‘Jack’ Sugden was the son of Annie and Jacob Sugden.
One of Emmerdale’s original characters, Jack was first played by actor Andrew Burt, before Clive Hornby took over the role in 1980.
Jack was the father of Jackie Merrick, Robert and Victoria Sugden and adoptive dad to Andy Sugden.
He was a valued member of the community, and probably best remembered for his love of plaid shirts and flat caps.
Growing up, Jack had little interest in following in his parents’ farming footsteps and moved to London to pursue a career as an author.
He returned on the day of his father’s funeral in October 1972 to claim his inheritance, but was met with opposition from his siblings, Joe and Peggy.
Jack’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Jack lived in Italy between 1976 and 1980 before returning to live permanently in the village.
In the years that followed he discovered he’d fathered a son – Jackie – with childhood sweetheart Ruth Harker, who went by the name of Pat.
Jack and Pat went on to marry and welcomed son Robert in April 1986. But tragedy struck four months later when she died in a car crash. Three years later, Jack was dealt another crushing loss when Jackie was killed in a shooting accident.
Jack eventually married librarian Sarah Connolly. They had a daughter, Victoria.
The couple adopted troubled youngster Andy Sugden and moved their family to a new farm, but affairs tore their marriage and family unit apart.
After Sarah died in a fire that was started by son Andy, Jack started a romance with Woolpack landlady, Diane Blackstock. The couple got hitched in 2004 and remained together until Jack’s sudden death.
Jack passed away in February 2009 while visiting mum Annie in Spain. His body was brought back to England and he was laid to rest in the village cemetery.
Matt’s wife Peggy also met a tragic end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
She was played by Jo Kendall and the first character to speak a line of dialogue in Emmerdale.
Peggy worked as an accountant for her family’s farm, in which she also had shares.
She was married to labourer Matt Skilbeck, but had dreams of quitting the countryside for suburbia. Peggy fell pregnant in 1972 and gave birth to twins Sam and Sally in the April of the following year.
Sadly, just months after giving birth, Peggy collapsed and died from a brain haemorrhage. She was buried in the village churchyard next to her father, Jacob.
After Peggy’s death, Matt sent Sam and Sally to live with his aunt Beattie Dowton. But in January 1976, the children and Beattie were killed when a train struck their car on a level crossing.
The youngest Sugden sibling (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Joe Sugden
Joseph Sugden was the youngest of Annie and Jacob Sugden’s children.
He was played by actor Frazer Hines and appeared in over 1500 episodes of the soap.
Despite an often tricky relationship with his brother Jack, Joe was incredibly loyal to the Sugdens and had worked tirelessly to keep Emmerdale Farm going when it fell on hard times as a result of Jacob’s alcoholism.
He was briefly married to Christine Sharp and then set up home with old friend, Kathy Gimbel – a move which was considered something of a scandal in 1977.
After a period living in France, Joe returned to Emmerdale in 1986 and beat local businessman Alan Turner to the post of regional manager for NY Estates.
In 1988, Joe became the co-owner of Home Farm with Alan, but the pair were conned out of the property by bent businessman Denis Rigg.
Joe went on to marry divorcee Kate Hughes, and took on her two teenagers Rachel and Mark as his own. The marriage turned sour in 1991 and Kate left, but Joe remained close to his stepchildren.
Mark’s death in a car crash broke Joe’s heart. He fled to Spain to see mum, Annie.
He was killed in a road traffic accident the following year.
The Sugden family in Emmerdale: Jack’s family
Jack’s first wife was also actor Clive Hornby’s real-life wife (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pat Sugden
Jack’s first wife, Pat was also known by her middle name of Ruth. Her maiden name was Harker. Pat was Jack’s ex and he had no idea he was the father of her son, Jackie Merrick.
When Pat and Jack reconnected in 1972, she was married to alcoholic Tom Merrick. who was violent towards her. But as she grew closer to Jack again, she knew she had to leave and the Merrick family moved away.
But Pat and Tom divorced and in 1980 she and her children returned to Emmerdale. She and Jack were married and their relationship was fiery to say the least. Jack even had an affair with Karen Moore.
In real life Jack actor Clive Hornby married Pat actress Helen Weir and she fell pregnant. So they wrote the pregnancy into the storylines and Robert was born.
However Helen had a dispute with producers over her real-life son playing her on-screen son. She didn’t want to call him by another name, but as he was called Thomas, the name of her abusive ex, show bosses couldn’t agree. Helen decided to leave the show.
Pat was killed in a car accident when Robert was just four months old.
Jackie didn’t even know he was Jack’s son for years (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jackie Merrick
John Jacob ‘Jackie’ Merrick was the son of Pat Merrick (originally Ruth Harker) and Jack Sugden.
He was played by Ian Sharrock and featured in over 700 episodes.
Jackie was the half-brother of Robert and Victoria Sugden.
Jackie had grown up believing his dad was Ruth’s husband Tom Merrick. He was 17 when he discovered Jack was actually his biological father. He didn’t take the news well and it was a good five years before Jackie acknowledged Jack as being part of his life.
Jackie moved back to the village with his mum Pat and sister Sandie in 1980 and took up a job as a farm labourer, before becoming a gamekeeper’s assistant. Jackie possessed a rebellious streak and set fire to a caravan, which put paid to his dream of pursuing a career in the army.
The character settled down in 1988 and married Kathy Bates, but the couple didn’t even make it to their first wedding anniversary.
Jackie died the following year in a freak accident when he accidentally shot himself with his own gun. The last mention of him was in 2005 when Jack remarked to Tom King about his dead son.
Troublemaker Robert was forced to flee (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Robert Sugden
Robert Jacob Sugden is the son of the late Jack and Pat Sugden, adoptive son of Sarah Sugden, and brother of Jackie, Tommy and Sandie Merrick, Victoria Sugden and adoptive brother of Andy Sugden.
He’s also the estranged husband of Aaron Dingle and father of Sebastian White.
The character has been played by four different actors over the years, most recently Ryan Hawley.
Ruthless, charming, cunning and manipulative, Robert remains to this day one of Emmerdale’s most complex characters.
The brothers’ feud resulted in the death of Max King. Robert fled the village to avoid being arrested.
Robert and Aaron’s love story is an Emmerdale fan favourite (Credit: ITV)
Robert’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale
He returned five years later, engaged to wealthy Chrissie White, the heiress of Home Farm. Robert soon began an explosive affair with Aaron Dingle, and they were dubbed ‘Robron’ by their adoring fanbase.
All hell broke loose when the truth about Robron’s affair was exposed, and weeks later Robert was shot by Ross Barton (on the orders of Andy) – but survived.
In 2017, Robert and Aaron married in an unofficial ceremony before Aaron was sent to prison on a GBH charge. Whilst Aaron was behind bars, Robert cheated with Chrissie’s half-sister Rebecca White. She then fell pregnant with son Sebastian.
Aaron was devastated, but eventually forgave Robert and the couple legally wed in 2019.
However, their happy ever after wasn’t to be.
When Robert discovered his sister Victoria had been the victim of rape, he set out to get revenge on her attacker, Lee Posner. He killed him in a fit of rage. Robert pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Jack’s second wife, Sarah Sugden (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sarah Sugden
The second wife of Jack, mother to Victoria and adoptive mother of Robert and Andy Sugden, Sarah was played by Madeleine Howard from 1988-1994 and then Alyson Spiro from 1994 to 2000.
Librarian Sarah fell for Jack and eventually he decided he liked her to. By January 1994 Jack proposed to her and she gave birth to their daughter Victoria in March of the same year. They married in May.
Jack had an affair with Rachel Hughes and Sarah threw him out. But eventually she forgave him and they gave their marriage another shot.
Financial struggles caused problems between the pair with Sarah reluctant to work on the farm. Jack sold her car without her consent and when she was involved in a bus crash, it left her bed-bound for several weeks.
During this time she started to confide her marriage woes in lodger Richie Carter. They had an affair and eventually she left Jack and moved in with Richie. But they had problems as he wasn’t interested in her children, and money also became an issue.
She considered going back to Jack. When she and Richie were in a barn discussing their relationship, Andy set fire to it, in order to claim on the insurance. But he had no idea Sarah was in there.
Richie escaped, but Sarah was killed. Jack was arrested for her murder, but was found not guilty at the trial and was free to return to his family.
Jack and Sarah had one daughter together (Credit: ITV)
Victoria Sugden
Victoria Sugden is the only daughter of the late Jack and Sarah Sugden, and sister to Jackie Merrick, Robert Sugden and adoptive sister of Andy Sugden.
She is Emmerdale’s current on-screen longest-serving female character, having been part of the show since her birth in March 1994, and is played by actress Isobel Hodgins.
Victoria has been through a lot in her 30 years!
As a baby she had to undergo life-saving surgery when it was discovered she had a hole in her heart and dealt with the heartbreaking loss of her mum when she was just six years old.
Following Sarah’s untimely demise, Victoria was raised by dad Jack and his wife Diane, who Vic considered a mother figure.
The character’s other storylines include being bullied at school, a stint in psychiatric care, nearly drowning after falling through an icy lake, and causing a near-fatal explosion.
Victoria had a childhood romance with troublemaker Daz Eden. She then found love with famers’ son Adam Barton, who she married in 2015. Adam fled the country three years later after taking the rap for a murder he didn’t commit, which left Victoria completely distraught.
But worse was to come in April 2019 when Victoria became the victim of rape. Her horrific attack resulted in pregnancy. Victoria gave birth to her son Harry in 2020.
She’s currently juggling motherhood with her busy job at the HOP.
Love-life wise, Victoria recently raised a few eyebrows by embarking on a romance with Jacob Gallagher, who is the stepson of her former lover, David Metcalfe. However they split up when Vic realised Jacob was putting his life on hold for her.
Things weren’t always easy for Andy though he was a good guy at heart (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Andy Sugden
Andrew ‘Andy’ Sugden (previously Hopwood) is the adoptive son of Jack and Sarah Sugden, adoptive brother of Robert and Victoria and half-brother of Darren ‘Daz’ Eden. He was played by actor Kelvin Fletcher from 1996 to 2016.
Andy’s upbringing was dysfunctional and difficult. His birth mum, Trisha died when he was little and he was placed in the care of his grandmother while his dad Billy was serving time in Strangeways Prison.
After his grandmother’s death, Andy was fostered – and later adopted in 2000 – by Jack and Sarah Sugden.
When his parents’ marriage and the family farm ran into trouble, Andy set fire to a barn to claim on the insurance. However, he accidentally killed Sarah in the blaze.
But that wasn’t the only time Andy committed manslaughter.
After discovering Robert had been having an affair with his wife, Katie, Andy plotted to have his revenge. He lay in wait with gun, but unwittingly pulled the trigger on Jack, almost killing him.
After his split from Katie, Andy moved on with Debbie Dingle, who fell pregnant with his daughter, Sarah. They went on to have another child, Jack, seven years later.
Andy’s crimes did finally catch up with him. He was sentenced to three years in prison for Sarah’s murder, but was released after only a few weeks.
He married second wife, Jo Stiles, but subjected her to terrible abuse and she eventually left him. After suffering a complete mental breakdown, Andy was forced to sell his beloved farm to the Barton family.
The beginning of the end for Andy
By 2014, Andy was back with his first love, Katie and the couple got married. Months later, Katie was accidentally killed by Robert after she threatened to expose his affair with Aaron. When Andy discovered the truth he arranged for Ross Barton to shoot Robert – but he lived to tell the tale.
Andy’s time in the village came to a dramatic end when he was framed for shooting Lawrence White. Forced to go on the run, Andy fled with the help of Robert and former flame Bernice Blackstock.
Still a fugitive, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Jack’s widow has since moved to Portugal (Credit: ITV)
The character, played by Elizabeth Estensen, starred in over 2800 episodes of Emmerdale between 1999 and 2021, and was landlady of The Woolpack pub.
Diane was a tower of strength for Jack as she helped him come to terms with the death of his wife, Sarah. The pair’s friendship eventually blossomed into romance.
The couple married on September 21 2004. But a dark shadow loomed over their big day as Diane was diagnosed with cancer just weeks before.
She went on to make a full recovery. However, she found her new life as stepmum to Robert, Andy and Victoria was rather more demanding than she’d anticipated.
The strain of managing their rowdy brood led Diane and Jack to temporarily split up.
They reconciled, but tragedy struck in 2009 when Jack passed away while visiting his mum, Annie, in Spain.
Diane stayed living in the village for another 13 years and continued to play an important part in the Sugden kids’ lives.
She finally bid farewell to the Dales in October 2021 and has only popped back once since – for the show’s 50th anniversary episodes in 2022.
Named after her adoptive gran, Sarah Sugden Jr (Credit: ITV)
Sarah Sugden Jr
Sarah Sugden is the daughter of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and the older sister of Jack Sugden.
Born in June 2005, she was named after Andy’s late adoptive mother, who had died five years earlier.
Debbie and Andy split up when she was only a month old, and struggled with the responsibility of parenthood, which meant Sarah spent the first few years of her life being pushed from pillar to post.
In 2009, Debbie was awarded full custody of her daughter and they moved to Jersey.
Two years later Sarah came home to the village and was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia – a rare genetic disorder which required a bone marrow transplant to save her life.
No one was a match so Debbie and Andy made the decision to conceive a saviour sibling for Sarah. Her baby brother Jack – who was thankfully a match – was born in October 2012, and Sarah underwent a successful bone marrow transplant the following month.
Four years later, Debbie made the decision to take Sarah and Jack to live with her in France. Whilst there, Sarah was diagnosed with throat cancer. She came back to the Dales and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, followed by a heart transplant.
When Debbie made the decision to move to Scotland, Sarah opted to stay behind in the village.
She’s been kept under the watchful eye of her grandparents Charity and Cain. But that hasn’t stopped Sarah rebelling, getting mixed up in the wrong crowd and dabbling in drugs.
With those difficult teenage years now behind her, Sarah seems to have finally settled down. She has just started working as Barton and Dingle Automotives new apprentice mechanic.
Jack Sugden Jr
Jack Sugden Jr is the son of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and was named after his grandfather, the late Jack Sugden.
He was conceived as a saviour sibling for his sister Sarah, who was diagnosed with rare blood disease Fanconi anaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant.
Jack was born on October 17 2012 and was a match for Sarah, enabling doctors to harvest cells from his bone marrow and transplant them to Sarah.
The character, who was played by actor Seth Bell, was last seen in August 2019 when he left the village with Debbie to start a new life in Scotland.
Sebastian White
Robert’s child with Rebecca White, Sebastian was born as the result of an affair between the two while Aaron was in prison. Aaron accepted Sebastian and became like a father to him as well.
However, when Robert was sentenced to 14 years, Rebecca decided it would be better if Seb no longer saw Aaron. He was devastated.
Sebastian lives in Liverpool with mum Rebecca and her partner Ross Barton.
Harry Sugden – the newest member of the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Harry is Victoria’s son, conceived after she was raped in 2019. Despite the trauma of how she fell pregnant, Vic had always wanted to be a mum and decided to keep the baby.
Newcomer John is a secret Sugden (Credit: ITV)
So how does John fit into the Sugden family in Emmerdale?
Newcomer John was first seen on screen on Wednesday August 8. He met Aaron on a roadside where he had broken down. It turned out the two were actually supposed to be going on a date after meeting online.
It wasn’t long before they were ripping each other’s clothes off, but then John drove off with Aaron’s keys, wallet and hoodie. Aaron hadn’t even got his name, so had no idea he is John Sugden, half brother of his imprisoned husband!
Victoria meets John on Thursday August 8. She drives Eric Pollard to a funeral and ends up chatting to the son of the dead woman. He then introduces himself as John Sugden and Eric explains how the whole thing fits together.
So John is the son of Jack, who had a fling with his mum some years ago. It makes him the half-brother of Victoria, Robert and Jackie and adoptive half-brother of Andy.
When his van breaks down again, John will end up in the village. But something tells us he’s going to cause a whole lot more trouble!
John proved to be quite the charmer when he bedded Aaron then robbed him. Tonight (Thursday August 8) Victoria will meet John and find out he’s her half-brother.
But as the Sugdens are beefed up, could other brother Robert also return to cement the clan’s iconic status in the village? And what would this mean for Aaron and John?
Aaron was immediately attracted to John (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden arrives in Emmerdale
Last night (Wednesday August 9) Aaron headed off for a date he’d met online. He didn’t know the guy’s name, nor had he seen his face, only his torso. So when he stopped to a broken down van at the side of the road, Aaron had no idea who it was.
It turned out this was his date and although Aaron never found out his name, viewers recognised him as John Sugden. Aaron wasted very little time in getting jiggy with John. He requested a repeat performance, went to relieve himself in a bush, and then was stunned as John drove off with his keys, wallet and, most shockingly, his favourite black hoodie.
So John has robbed Aaron – which some might call justice after Aaron robbed Robert the first time they met on a roadside too.
Tonight Victoria – and Aaron – will discover who John really is. Vic attends a funeral with Eric and is stunned when the bereaved son introduces himself as John Sugden. Eric confesses he is probably Victoria’s half-brother. And when John’s van breaks down he is forced to head to the village after calling Mack’s breakdown service.
So how will Aaron react when he sees John again? Is he out for revenge? Or will they get together?
A Robert comeback would through Aaron’s world upside down (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans predict Robert return
Plenty of Emmerdale viewers have decided it’s the latter – and then Robert will return. After all, what’s the point of bringing in Robert’s half-brother if Robert himself isn’t coming back to square up to him? And getting him together with Robert’s husband? It’s just too perfect – isn’t it?
“If this new storyline isn’t setting up for a Robert return, then I don’t want it. The whole scene was as dry as the Sahara. Even Danny’s acting chops couldn’t make up for it,” declared one fan.
Another added: “Yes! Bring on the messy and complicated Aaron and John storyline! I’m guessing they couldn’t get Ryan Hawley back so they went this direction. I’m totally fine with it because Aaron is best when his life gets messy and complicated. With any luck…Robert will return in a year or so and then we will have a very messy and complicated love triangle. John/Aaron/Robert.”
“Ha I totally see a Robert/Aaron/John triangle by the beginning of 2025,”said a third.
A fourth agreed: “He’s out to set up Aaron…haven’t even seen it yet but anyone can see they’re gonna throw a spanner in and then Robert will magically reappear to mess Aaron up!”
Aaron was devastated when Robert was given 14 years in prison (Credit: ITV)
Where is Robert in Emmerdale?
Currently Robert is serving 14 years in prison for manslaughter. He attacked sister Victoria’s rapist Lee Posner, who died. Robert pleaded guilty, was sent down and cut all ties with Aaron.
It was later discovered Robert might not have been responsible after Lee’s brother Luke confessed he had also hit his sibling. But for some reason, everyone decided it would be too hard to prove, so let Robert rot inside! However, if they did want to bring Robert back, the story is there for the taking.
Should Emmerdale bring Robert back? It would certainly make an epic love triangle, that’s for sure!
In tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers, Victoria is left stunned after meeting a man named John Sugden at the church. She is keen to find out more about John, especially after Pollard confirms he could be related to her.
Meanwhile, Mandy is searching for ways to make cash quickly and with some help from Gail, comes up with a new plan. Also, Rodney’s first day driving for the haulage firm doesn’t quite go to plan.
It’s all happening in Emmerdale on Thursday August 8.
Victoria is introduced to John Sugden at a funeral (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers: Victoria meets John Sugden
1. Victoria helps Pollard
Pollard becomes frustrated as he’s told his car won’t be ready, but Victoria comes to his rescue and offers him a lift to the funeral.
They arrive at the church, where Victoria awkwardly puts her foot in it while chatting with a bereaved son at his mum’s funeral.
Back in the Dales, Mack receives a call from a nearby breakdown and heads off to sort it out. Shortly after, Pollard and Victoria show up at the garage, where they find John with Mack and Aaron.
Who is John? And will he stick around to get to know Victoria?
Is John here to stay? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers: Mandy’s plan
3. Mandy’s money-making plot
Mandy is drowning in debt but is determined she will not involve Paddy in her money problems. So she begins thinking up new ways to make cash quickly.
Following a chat with Gail, Mandy is intrigued. She wonders if becoming a financial dominatrix could be the answer to all of her problems.
4. Rodney sparks concern
Elsewhere in tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers, Rodney is thrilled to be driving for the haulage firm. However, Jimmy is hoping he doesn’t regret his decision.
Later on, Jimmy is concerned when he’s told Rodney’s arrived but the delivery was missing items. As a result, Jimmy jumps to the conclusion that his father-in-law is to blame.
Was Rodney really to blame or is somebody else involved?
