EMMERDALE fans were left baffled after a dead serial killer suddenly reappeared in a bizarre scene on the ITV soap.
Viewers were then quick to speculate the character – who with fellow series earlier this year – could have returned from the grave.
ITV fans were left stunned after a dead Emmerdale serial killer reappeared on the soap Credit: ITV
Serena Sugden had a picture of her cousin John Sugden on her phone Credit: ITV
During Friday’s episode of the Yorkshire-based programme, viewers saw John Sugden’s cousin Serena Sugden try to integrate herself with Aaron Dingle and his family.
The relatively new character, , was attempting to gain the trust of some of the Sugden clan after her late relative wreaked havoc on the family.
Viewers will recall how serial killer John previously attempted to drug his sister, Victoria Sugden, as well as her young son Harry.
As such, Serena’s arrival had been met with scepticism by Aaron – and his worries were confirmed after Serena visited Chaz Dingle.
John Sugden was killed in the Corriedale crossover episode – and Serena is his cousin Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
She was ambushed by Chaz Dingle – who swiped her phone after seeing the picture Credit: ITV
She was seen on her phone during the clip and, about half way through Friday’s episode, scenes saw Chaz calling Aaron with news.
She then swiped Serena’s phone and gave it to Aaron, who promptly presented it to an emotional Serena in the kitchen.
An image of her and John, taken in December, could be seen on-screen – despite her claims she hadn’t seen him recently.
Serena said: “So we go through each others’ phones now do we?”
Aaron then quizzed her about the image and said: “The dates from these photos are from when John was on the run”.
Serena then insisted she was “nothing like” John yet was then forced to argue her case again when Robert arrived home.
She told him: “They stole my phone and ambushed me,” before she added: “It’s not what it looks like”.
When Robert asked her why she had not told the family of her communication with John, she said: “I knew it was painful so I didn’t bring it up.
“I was trying to protect you”.
One fan took to X to put: “He’s probably not really dead. This is #Emmerdale after all”.
A second wrote: “Really hope they explain this John stuff more because Serena’s family knowing John and never telling Jacks family (who they’ve been in touch with), makes no sense”.
A third suggested a wild theory and put: “Because John ain’t dead and will come back as Serena was actually John’s wife and she wants revenge on Victoria”.
One simply quizzed: “Is he coming back from the dead?”
Actress Casey meanwhile teased drama for her role and said recently: “Serena is a fantastic character with so much going on beneath the surface. I can’t wait for the audience to see the drama unfold.”