Hello Emmerdale fans! Just when you thought the Dales couldn’t get any more dramatic, prepare yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions as Robert Sugden makes his highly anticipated return to the village full-time! But this isn’t just a simple comeback; it’s a meticulously crafted storyline designed to peel back layers of the past, reignite fiery feuds, and leave viewers desperately wondering if a beloved couple can ever truly find their way back to each other.
Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley, who plays the iconic Robert Sugden, has teased that “emotional” and “special” episodes are on the way next week, promising tear-jerking scenes and shocking revelations. The stage is set for a dramatic confrontation as Robert gets a visit from his ex-husband, Aaron Dingle, in prison. This visit is far from ordinary, as Hawley confirms that “a lot is to be revealed.” It seems six years away from the village has left Robert with untold stories, and his true, perhaps unrequited, feelings for Aaron – who has just married Robert’s brother, Jon Sugden – are about to come to light.
Robert, Aaron, and Jon: A Fiery Love Triangle Reignites
The upcoming episodes will not only focus on the intense emotional dynamic between Aaron and Robert but will also see the long-standing feud between Robert and Jon heat up. While all three men will feature in intense scenes, a significant portion of the focus will be on the “Roan” dynamic, as fans eagerly hold onto hopes of a reunion for the beloved pair.
Ryan Hawley has given fans a tantalizing glimpse into the moving scenes ahead, revealing that viewers will finally be privy to new details about what has truly transpired. “It is emotional scenes. They’re big scenes and it’s things they haven’t had a chance to say to each other for six years,” Hawley explained. “A lot is to be revealed in these episodes.”
The initial twist sees Aaron, after first declining to visit Robert – who’s back in prison for breaking his probation rules – leave Robert stunned when he eventually shows up. “Aaron comes to visit Robert, much to his surprise and delight,” Hawley spilled. He further described the episodes as “special,” highlighting the limited cast involved: “It’s just Robert, Aaron, and Jon. Maybe Victoria as well. There’s really big scenes, lovely scenes. It’s a nice journey throughout. I was really pleased with the writing.”
Robert’s Humiliating Return and Uncertain Future
Soon enough, the moment fans have been waiting for arrives: Robert makes his dramatic return to the village for the first time since his exit in 2019. Hawley shared the triumphant, yet ultimately poignant, nature of this return: “Robert returns to the village and rejoices in telling Jon and Aaron that he’s back.”
Hawley also expressed his immense enjoyment at being back on the soap, reuniting with his former cast members. “It’s been lovely. I have had so much fun. I had forgotten how much fun it could be and how funny people are and how much of a lift it can give you when you’ve got a full day of scenes.”
However, Robert’s joy is short-lived. Hawley discussed the devastating moment where Aaron staunchly refused to end things with Jon, unequivocally rejecting Robert’s hopes. “He’s devastated that he hasn’t been able to change the course of action. He turned up thinking everything would go his way and Aaron would jump at the chance to be with him again and he was there to save the day. It’s not gone that way and he’s gutted. He’s come back to the village and has been so publicly humiliated in front of everyone.”
The question on every fan’s mind remains: Will Robert try again to win back Aaron? Hawley, for now, remains coy. “At this moment, I am not sure,” he admitted. “He resigned himself to the fact that Aaron’s chosen John. The events of that week bring him back to the village.”
This suggests that while the initial attempts at reconciliation may have failed, Robert’s return to the Dales is fueled by more than just his love for Aaron. What other secrets will surface, and what dark truths about his time away will be revealed? Emmerdale is poised to deliver a week of raw emotion, shattered hopes, and unexpected twists that will undoubtedly leave viewers reeling. Don’t miss a single moment of this epic storyline!