Note: This article references child and sexual abuse.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Aaron Dingle’s traumatic past was revisited on Emmerdale after he went on a camping trip with John Sugden.
Aaron and John have grown close ever since the latter arrived in the village earlier this year, with their bond blossoming despite their contrasting approaches to love and relationships.
In Monday’s (December 16) episode, John surprised Aaron with a romantic gesture as he had organised a surprise camping trip for the pair, urging his partner to book time off work as he sought a deeper connection.
Related: Emmerdale's Ruby to be pushed to breaking point in Anthony story
What to Read Next
Aaron, however, wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of being in the countryside in mid-December, though John pleaded with him to embrace the natural world and take a break from the “prison” of walled homes.
Aaron reluctantly agreed to the trip in the hope that it would further his relationship with John, who promised that the pair would remain “warm” throughout the night. He was true to his word, with the pair sitting around a fire.
Aaron apologised to John for his attitude earlier in the day, with John recalling stories from his upbringing as he explained his affinity for the outdoors. This led Aaron to unpack his own past, informing John that trips such as these brought back painful memories of his father, Gordon.
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
“He wasn’t my dad – dad’s don’t do the things he did,” remarked Aaron in reference to the abuse he suffered at the hands of Gordon, with John offering to cut the trip short after he realised how it was affecting Aaron.
Aaron, however, was hellbent on moving forward, saying the trip “needed to happen” as he wanted to forge “new memories”. As Aaron headed to the car to fetch some beers, John was seen confronting his own past as he tightly held a necklace bearing the name ‘Aidan Moore’...
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (www.nspcc.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline on (1-800-422-4453) or the American SPCC (www.americanspcc.org).
