Emmerdale has confirmed Mackenzie Boyd’s fate after he finally finds his way out of the bunker. Fans will know that Mack has been imprisoned by John Sugden in an underground bunker as part of his reign of terror on the village, which saw him kill Nate Robinson – and then put the blame on someone else.

In tonight’s episode, Aaron Dingle was visited by Moira, Chas and Charity Dingle in hospital, who asked him to confirm Mack’s whereabouts.

He finally let the secret out and told them he had been at the cottage in the bunker, implying that there’s even more to uncover about John’s crimes.

Meanwhile, as suspicion around John grew, Victoria Sugden called Robert Sugden in prison and asked him to tell her about John’s crimes again. She sheepishly expressed regret that she didn’t listen to Robert the first time around, and decided to tell the other villagers who was really behind Nate’s death.

At the cottage, the police searched the area while Charity expressed sadness and fear that her last conversation with Mack had been in the midst of an argument. They found the underground den – only Mack was nowhere to be seen.

Related: 7 Emmerdale spoilers as Mack’s ordeal takes one last twist

John rushed to the hospital with Mack, claiming to staff that he found him at the side of the road – although he quickly did a runner, not staying to see how the situation turned out.

Meanwhile, news spread around the village that it was actually John who was responsible for Nate’s death, with everyone feeling shocked that they didn’t see through his lies sooner.

Things weren’t looking good for Mack in hospital, with him suffering from a broken shoulder, shattered ankle, severe dehydration and still dealing with the effects of the drugs. Charity was told it was a “wait-and-see” situation, with doctors not sure if he’d pull through.

Charity was finally let in to see Mack and, by his bedside, she told her unconscious husband that she just wanted “one last moment” with him, expressing regret about the argument they had when they last met.

Related: Emmerdale’s John Sugden is finally caught out – but there’s a frustrating twist

“Why didn’t we just sit down and talk about things?” a tearful Charity said. “Because if we had, none of this would be happening, would it?”

As she cried and told him she was sorry, Mack suddenly spoke, asking if he was dreaming.

“No, you’re not dreaming. You’re in hospital. You’re here and you’re safe,” Charity responded.

Will Mack make a full recovery – and will John face consequences for his crimes now that everyone knows the truth?