Get ready, Emmerdale fanatics, because the Dales are about to be rocked to their core with a long-awaited and highly anticipated return! While Aaron Dingle may have recently tied the knot with killer Jon in a “will they, won’t they” saga that finally culminated, it’s the jaw-dropping re-emergence of Jon’s half-brother, Robert Sugden, that has truly stolen the show and promises to inject a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the ITV soap.
A Dramatic Comeback: The Return of Robert Sugden
Ryan Hawley has officially reprised his iconic role as Robert, and his initial reappearance was nothing short of spectacular. He crashed the wedding of his beloved Aaron, the very man he divorced to allow him to move on while Robert served a 14-year prison sentence for the murder of Lee Posner, the rapist of his sister, Victoria. Robert’s initial release was unlicensed, spurred by a lead that Lee’s brother, Luke, had also attacked him. However, his determination to pursue Aaron led to him missing his probation meeting, resulting in him being hauled back to prison.
But fear not, #RobRon fans! Hawley himself has confirmed that Robert will be back for good, and his permanent return is set to be a game-changer for Emmerdale. With Jon currently on the loose, armed with a savior complex, a bag of medical equipment, and a tragically oblivious Aaron by his side, the stakes for Robert are higher than ever before.
Jon’s Downfall and Robert’s Revenge
While Jon’s unsettling visions and sinister plot to end the life of his hospital-ridden ex, Aiden Moore, provided gripping viewing, it was undoubtedly Robert’s showstopping comeback that truly dominated the week. That passionate embrace with Aaron, followed by his fiery showdown with Jon, proved to be the ultimate highlight. Now, the burning question on every fan’s mind is: how will Robert take Jon down?
Ryan Hawley himself confirmed on ITV’s Lorraine that Robert is “certainly going to try.” When it comes to dismantling Jon, Robert’s most promising, and perhaps only, ally may just be Mackenzie Boyd. The thought of the eternally sardonic Robert exchanging witty banter with the sassy Mac and forming a pact to protect Aaron is a tantalizing prospect, and if there was ever a time for a new scheming duo to emerge, this is it!
Robert also has deep-rooted ties with cafe owner Nicola King. If Nicola were to pay closer attention at work, she could very well begin to suspect Jon’s true nature. However, other villagers remain tragically blind. Victoria, for example, was easily appeased when she questioned Jon about his intense remarks regarding his actions. The Dingles, too, are completely oblivious to Jon’s deceptions, practically falling over themselves to defend him. Sooner or later, they will have to face the truth, and the idea of Robert being the driving force behind this awakening is incredibly exciting.
Reclaiming Aaron and Reviving the Sugden Legacy
Aaron, typically far more astute than he’s currently being portrayed, is shockingly missing all of Jon’s glaring red flags. Robert understandably feels that Jon has stolen his life, but he’s unaware of the eerie parallels between Jon and Aaron’s relationship and the iconic “RobRon” era, from barn rendezvous to woodland declarations – parallels that Aaron himself has also failed to recognize.
Aside from a genuinely moving bond with fellow abuse survivor Ruby Milligan, Aaron has largely been relegated to a background character in his own relationship. While this might be par for the course when dating a secret soap villain, it’s high time Emmerdale restored some agency to Aaron. Robert’s presence promises to pull him away from the sidelines and reignite his senses, ultimately leading to Jon’s inevitable downfall.
Robert’s return also offers a golden opportunity to revive the dwindling Sugden dynasty. Emmerdale’s first family, once strong and tightly-knit, has been losing prominence since Robert’s departure. Making them a force again should be a top priority. This includes focusing on his niece, Sarah, who is concealing a cancer diagnosis and struggling within her Dingle relatives now that her mother, Debbie, has emigrated. Sarah has been strangely isolated from the Sugdens for years, and her attempts to connect with Jon were rejected. We eagerly anticipate Robert swooping in to help Sarah, providing her with the support and family she desperately needs.
Victoria, too, deserves more on-screen focus. While she may currently be rooting for the wrong couple, Robert’s initial appearance offered a glimpse of the old, no-nonsense Vic when she put him in his place for causing chaos on Aaron’s big day. We’ve certainly missed Victoria’s meddling, and we look forward to the “right kind” of interference once the truth about Jon is exposed, paving the way for Robert and Aaron to reunite and rebuild the Sugden name.
A Fresh Backstory and New Avenues for Storytelling
Furthermore, there’s no reason why legacy character Robert can’t bring his young son, Sebastian White, back home for good. Sebastian is currently living with a great aunt after his mother, Rebecca, passed away. His return would add another layer to Robert’s storyline and further strengthen the Sugden family unit.
Robert himself has a fresh backstory that the show can explore. Ryan Hawley shared that “a lot has happened” during his time in prison, creating a stark contrast between “the village and Robert’s reality in prison.” Fans will be keen to discover exactly what Robert has endured behind bars. Amidst all the current drama and chaos in Emmerdale, delving into Robert’s time in jail would be a welcome change, steering the narrative away from the usual haunts and offering a fresh perspective.
