Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale has confirmed John Sudgen’s motive for kidnapping Kev Townsend – and it’s not good news for fan favourite couple Robron. John began to lay out his masterplan in the show’s tense Boxing Day episode, explaining how Kev’s reputation for crazy behaviour could prove very useful to him.

The show’s big Christmas twist has seen John hold Kev captive as he plots his revenge against his oblivious half-brother Robert. With everything needing to unfold perfectly, John is clearly playing the long game.

In tonight’s episode, John made it clear to Kev that he intends to frame him for Robert’s murder – then kill him too.

Afterwards, deluded John believes that he can make his doomed marriage to Aaron Dingle work, while Kev gets the blame for the tragedy.

emmerdale, john sugden

ITV

Related: How Emmerdale’s John Sugden comeback sets up Corriedale

“You are my new Plan A,” John boasted as Kev remained at his mercy. “Jealous ex with a history of violence kills husband in a crime of passion – it’s got a certain ring to it.”

When Kev asked whether John was planning to do the killing for him, John replied: “You catch on fast. Then you’re found, having turned the gun on yourself, a neat little note explaining what you did. Star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Julius. Then I swoop in and save Aaron.”

Kev was quick to warn John that he could throw a spanner in the works by stopping his evil plan, paving the way for a battle of the villains which could play out over the coming days…

kev, emmerdale

ITV

Related: Emmerdale star explains why evil John Sugden makes a shock return

Elsewhere in the village, Charity Dingle was shocked to stumble across the tell-all note that John wrote on Christmas Day.

John had intended to tip off Mackenzie Boyd that Charity is lying over the father of her baby, but his plan to spark chaos was disrupted when Charity found the note first.

Misreading the situation, Charity phoned her ex-fiancée Vanessa Woodfield and angrily accused her of being responsible for the note.

charity dingle, emmerdale

ITV

Related: 6 huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week (29 December to 2 January)

“I don’t know what kind of sick game you think you’re playing, Vanessa, but you don’t get to do this to me, do you understand?” Charity ranted. “You and me are going to be having some serious words.”

Will John get to carry out his horrible plan? And will Charity regret pointing the finger of blame at Vanessa? Check back on Digital Spy from 12.01am on Saturday 27 December for a new set of Emmerdale spoilers for next week!

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

For exclusive soap star interviews, gossip, spoilers and theories every week, don’t miss the Soap Scoop podcast from Inside Soap magazine. This week’s episode looks back at the most iconic Christmas storylines in soap history.