After years in prison, Emmerdale’s Robert Sugden made a jaw-dropping comeback that set the Dales ablaze — crashing the wedding of his ex, Aaron Dingle, and his supposed half-brother, Jon Sugden. But as the dust settles, it’s clear Robert’s story is just getting started.

Actor Ryan Hawley, who plays Robert, has teased a high-stakes return storyline that promises more than just bitter jealousy or broken hearts. According to Ryan, Robert isn’t coming back for petty revenge — he’s on a mission. A mission that could either save Aaron… or cost Robert his life.

Fans were shocked to see Robert walk free after an appeal reduced his sentence for the death of Lee Posner. The original conviction, handed down in 2019, always felt like a heavy-handed end to one of Emmerdale’s most complex antiheroes. But now, thanks to the revelation that Luke Posner also attacked Lee that day, Robert is back — and hungry for justice.

Justice for Aaron. Justice for himself. And maybe even justice for the village he once burned down emotionally.

The wedding wasn’t just dramatic — it was tragic. Aaron went through with marrying Jon, despite Robert’s desperate plea. But the fallout from that decision is about to unravel fast, because Robert believes Jon is hiding something monstrous.

Ryan hints that Jon is far more dangerous than anyone suspects — including Aaron. And while Robert wants to be the one to expose the truth, it won’t be easy. Jon issues a chilling warning next week that sends alarm bells ringing: “You don’t know who you’re messing with.”

That threat is no bluff.

Robert finds himself walking a very thin line, balancing parole conditions, his own unresolved emotions, and a brother who may be an imposter — or worse, a killer. And if Robert pushes too hard, he might be the one who ends up in danger.

Ryan says it best: “There’s lots of motive for Jon to get rid of Robert. He’s a huge inconvenience in relation to Aaron.”

But what kind of man would hurt — or kill — his own family to get what he wants?

As suspicions mount, Robert becomes increasingly obsessed with proving Jon’s true nature. Could he uncover evidence that reveals Jon was behind a past crime? Or will Jon outmaneuver him at every turn?

One thing is certain: Aaron’s torn loyalties could be his undoing. Will he believe Robert before it’s too late? Or is Robert destined to become a tragic hero, warning those he loves while sacrificing everything?

Ryan Hawley is hopeful: “Everyone hates Robert at the moment, but he’s trying to do the right thing.”
But in a village as twisted and layered as Emmerdale, doing the right thing has never been more dangerous.