After months of silence and suspicion, Robert Sugden dives headfirst into the darkest chapter of his family’s history — and what he finds changes everything. In a jaw-dropping sequence of events, Robert not only clears Owen Michaels’ name but stumbles upon a deadly revelation that leads straight back to his own blood.
When Robert learns that Jon Sugden had secretly visited Owen the day before his alleged suicide, alarm bells start ringing. Jon had claimed he never saw Owen — but Steve, Owen’s brother, paints a different picture. Steve confirms Owen was in Hull with him when Nate died, providing an alibi that makes Jon’s story fall apart. However, Steve refuses to testify, fearing exposure for his and Owen’s illegal dealings. Robert, frustrated but determined, takes the evidence to the police — only to have it fall apart when Steve recants his statement.
This betrayal leaves Robert furious and more isolated than ever. And things go from bad to worse when Steve confronts Robert in public, warning him to drop the case before it becomes dangerous. But Robert is undeterred — and Jon knows it.
That’s when Jon goes on the offensive.
He plants secret surveillance equipment in Keeper’s Cottage and begins monitoring Robert’s every move. Soon, Jon finds something in the footage — something involving Ross Barton. We don’t yet know the nature of the secret, but it’s enough for Jon to lure Ross into a private conversation and say chillingly: “You deserve to know what your brother’s done.”
Jon is manipulating the situation, twisting the truth to destroy Robert before Robert can destroy him.
And fans already know what the police don’t: Jon killed Nate. He staged Owen’s suicide. He forged the letter. And now, he’s using Ross as a weapon to strike back at Robert.
In teaser footage from ITVX, we see Robert bloodied and unconscious in an alley, with a familiar silver necklace lying nearby. Theories are flying — did Ross attack Robert in a blind rage? Has Joe Tate returned to settle old scores? Or is Jon tying up loose ends before the truth catches up?
The village is hurtling toward a reckoning, and Robert is right at the center of it. With secrets stacking up and loyalties shifting, Emmerdale is on the verge of one of its most devastating showdowns yet.
Will Robert expose Jon and clear Owen’s name — or will Jon’s latest move silence him forever? The battle for justice has begun, and no one is safe. What do you think Jon showed Ross — and will Robert survive what’s coming?