Here’s a 700-word scene inspired by the headline:
“Emmerdale fans worry for next villager on John Sugden ‘hitlist’ as they grow close to Aaron” — a chilling twist of danger, betrayal, and tense relationships.

INT. EMERDALE VILLAGE HALL – DAY

The air is thick with tension as AARON DINGLE and CHAS DINGLE stand side by side, sorting through boxes for an upcoming village charity event. Their usual banter is subdued, both aware of the strange energy that has been lingering in the village ever since JOHN SUGDEN returned.

AARON (grumbling):
I still can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. John’s been acting weird around me lately.

CHAS (glancing at him):
Weird how? You’re not seriously worried about him, are you? He’s always been a bit of a… well, John.

Aaron’s eyes flick to the door as he hears footsteps approaching. He tenses up, his hand unconsciously tightening around a charity box.

AARON (quietly):
It’s not just him. There’s something in the air. You’ve seen the way he looks at me. It’s like he’s… waiting for something.

Chas doesn’t reply, but she looks over at John, who is standing by the door of the hall, eyes scanning the room. He’s always been an enigma, someone whose true intentions were never clear, but lately, it feels different. The villagers don’t know what’s coming — but Aaron can feel the danger creeping closer.

EXT. EMERDALE VILLAGE – LATER THAT DAY

Aaron steps out of the hall, his mind racing. He’s not sure if he’s overreacting, but he can’t ignore the growing unease he feels whenever John is nearby. As he walks toward the shop, he notices MATTIE BARTON and SAM DINGLE chatting by the side of the road.

SAM:
You alright, Aaron? You’ve been looking like you’ve seen a ghost lately.

AARON (shaking his head):
Yeah, just… a lot on my mind. You ever get the feeling that something’s wrong, but you can’t put your finger on it?

Mattie raises an eyebrow, her expression hardening.

MATTIE (cautiously):
Like with John? He’s been acting strange, right? I mean, I don’t trust him. Never have. But if you’re worried, maybe you should talk to someone.

Aaron nods, his mind racing.

AARON (murmuring):
I don’t know. I can’t shake the feeling that he’s up to something. Something bad. And if I’m not careful, I might be next.

INT. EMERDALE VILLAGE PUB – NIGHT

The pub is bustling, but there’s an undercurrent of unease that no one can shake. Aaron enters and spots ROBERT SUGDEN sitting at the bar, his usual charm nowhere to be found. Robert’s eyes flick to Aaron, but he doesn’t immediately approach. Aaron takes a seat, his posture tense.

AARON (to himself):
If only he knew what was going on. He’d be the first to back me up.

But Aaron knows he can’t rely on anyone else but himself. He turns to the bartender, PADDY KIRK, trying to distract himself from the brewing storm in his mind.

AARON (forcing a smile):
One pint, please. Got a lot on my mind tonight.

Paddy nods, pouring the drink, but before he hands it over, he glances at the door.

PADDY (quietly):
John’s just walked in. He’s been looking at you all evening. Be careful, Aaron. People are starting to talk about him.

Aaron’s heart skips a beat. He turns slowly to find JOHN SUGDEN standing by the door, his cold, calculating eyes locked on him. The tension between them is palpable.

JOHN (smiling faintly):
You look lost in thought, Aaron. Something on your mind?

Aaron forces himself to stand, though every instinct tells him to get out of the room.

AARON (sternly):
Not sure if you’re trying to be friendly or threatening, John, but I’m not in the mood for either tonight.

John’s smile widens ever so slightly, the tension rising.

JOHN (softly):
I wouldn’t be worried if I were you. I’m just… keeping an eye on things. You never know what’s lurking in the shadows.

Aaron’s heart races. This isn’t just a casual conversation. John is sending a message. But what does it mean?

Before he can respond, MATTIE storms into the pub, her eyes immediately locking onto John.

MATTIE (loudly):
What’s your game, John? You’ve been skulking around for weeks, and I’m done ignoring it. What’s your problem with Aaron?

John’s smile falters for a brief moment, and Aaron feels a chill run down his spine. This is bigger than just John and him. It’s everyone who gets close to him.

JOHN (coldly):
I don’t have a problem, Mattie. But maybe it’s time someone kept Aaron on his toes. He’s been getting too comfortable in this village. I think it’s time for him to remember his place.

Mattie steps forward, her voice trembling with anger.

MATTIE (sharply):
You don’t scare me, John. And you won’t scare Aaron either. So whatever you’re planning, you’d better stop now.

John’s eyes darken. The smile is gone completely, replaced by a dangerous, icy glare.

JOHN (dangerously quiet):
We’ll see, won’t we?

EXT. EMERDALE VILLAGE – NIGHT

Aaron steps out into the cold night, his heart still pounding from the encounter. The feeling of dread lingers in his chest, as if the entire village is on the edge of something terrible. He doesn’t know who John will target next — but the truth is, he’s becoming more and more isolated. And the closer he gets to anyone, the more dangerous it becomes.

FADE OUT.

Would you like to explore where this leads next? Maybe Aaron finally confronts John, or the village uncovers his dark secrets? Let me know what you think!