Emmerdale's Robert Sugden believed he had finally identified the fire starter targeting his farm during Tuesday's episode of the ITV soap. The character has been spiralling after recent arson incidents, convinced someone is out to get him. For weeks, he has been determined to uncover the culprit.
On Tuesday, Robert told his partner Aaron Dingle that he may have finally discovered the truth. A conversation with Matty Barton led him to suspect he knew who was behind the fires. Despite scenes teasing Kammy Hadiq and rumours pointing to Kyle Winchester, Robert concluded it was someone else entirely. Aaron was left stunned as Robert accused his best friend, Mackenzie Boyd.
Robert suggested Mackenzie might be acting out of revenge after Robert helped Joe Tate set up Moira Dingle. Joe framed Moira for Celia Daniels' crimes to gain control of her farm. Joe subsequently offered Robert the farm, making him the lead tenant. This has sparked backlash from Moira and her family against the Tates and Robert, leading Robert to wonder if one of them is behind the blazes.
Robert is now certain that Moira's brother Mack or even Moira's son Matty could be responsible. He had this sudden realisation after Matty spoke to him about the fires, making it clear he still holds a grudge. But is Robert correct? Aaron did not seem convinced and advised him to gather evidence before making accusations.
This comes after a credits blunder in a previous episode left viewers convinced the soap had given away a crucial detail. When the fire starter appeared in the opening of Thursday's episode, the identity was not revealed onscreen, but a credits clue may have exposed the truth. Viewers saw a hooded figure in a black tracksuit and trainers holding a lighter. However, as the end credits aired, one character was named at the top of the list. Since the credits are listed in order of appearance, fans believed the soap had let slip the arsonist. Kyle was the character noted at the top, suggesting he was the person in the opening scene.
Some fans have wondered if this was a red herring to throw them off, while others overlooked the credits entirely. Many still believe Kyle is not the arsonist and that someone else is responsible.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
