Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale just revealed the identity of John Sugden's helpline confidant — and it's a familiar face.
The murderer has been struggling with guilt since the police uncovered Nate Robinson's dead body from the lake, as Nate's wife Tracy Robinson and dad Cain Dingle desperately crave answers.
Spying an opportunity to cover up his crime, John recently framed Owen Michael. He forged a fake suicide note from Owen confessing to Nate's murder and placed it next to Owen's dead body, having died of a drug overdose.
Tonight's episode began with John paying Cain a visit at the farm as he wanted to check in on him after the police informed him of Owen's suicide admission.
John arrived with a leaflet from the clinic about bereavement and tried to give it to Cain to help but a furious Cain stormed off, claiming it was of no use to him.
What to Read Next
Related: Emmerdale's Robert to uncover major clue which exposes John's lies
Moira apologised to John for Cain's behaviour and John asked how Cain was doing following the news, referencing Owen's note that took responsibility for "everything".
"Doesn't mean it makes any sense," she replied, leaving John visibly panicked.
Meanwhile at the Woolpack, Marlon tried to convince Paddy to spend his day off with him, but Paddy refused and claimed he was busy with "stuff to do" before rushing off.
Related: 10 huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week (28 July to 1 August)
At the surgery later, John filled Liam in on Cain's behaviour from earlier and Liam replied that he wasn't surprised, sympathising with Cain's situation.
"He killed Nate and then killed himself which took away the chance for his family to ever really understand why," he told John. "It doesn't get any worse than that, I hope Cain can learn to live with it."
Liam's response clearly didn't calm John's nerves, who was next seen downing a glass of whiskey and on his computer using a wellbeing helpline chatline.
Related: Emmerdale reunion teased for two characters in Lewis Barton story
John opened up about his guilt and the helpline agent suggested it might be easier to chat over the phone instead. John deliberated and then declined the offer before logging off.
The scene then cut to the helpline agent's screen, who was then identified as Paddy.
Paddy's reluctance to tell Marlon what he was doing on his day off suggests he's keeping his volunteer role for the helpline a secret.
Given his recent struggles with self-worth following nasty comments from his dad Bear, it's likely Paddy is volunteering as a good deed. But could John accidentally reveal too much to Paddy and see him finally exposed as Nate's killer?
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Digital Spy's new print issue is here! Buy Oasis - Live in '25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.
