Robert Sugden’s Past Finally Comes to Light
Emmerdale fans are buzzing with excitement after ITV released the trailer for the upcoming Robert Sugden special — an episode that promises to delve deep into his time in prison and the trauma that continues to shape his life.
Played by Ryan Hawley, Robert returned to the Dales earlier this year to stop Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) from marrying John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth). His return sparked chaos, heartbreak, and rekindled love, but it also raised a key question: what really happened to Robert during his six years behind bars?
Now, fans will finally get the answers. The standalone special, part of a trio of autumn episodes, will revisit Robert’s incarceration and explore how his prison experience changed him forever.
ITV Teases a Dark and Emotional Story
A spokesperson for the soap revealed what viewers can expect:
“We will take a reflective look behind the bars of Robert’s recent incarceration. What did happen when he got sent down for six years? And has it changed this man forever?”
The episode will feature flashbacks and emotional confrontations as Robert’s prison secrets come to light. Viewers will also see how his bond with fellow inmate Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) developed into a complicated relationship that now threatens to tear his life apart.
A Complicated Love Triangle
The newly released trailer hints at major tension ahead. Kev arrives in the village, introduced by Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) as a friend of Robert’s — but Aaron’s reaction makes it clear this is the first time he’s hearing Kev’s name.
In one scene, Kev and Robert share a quiet, intense moment, only for Aaron to catch sight of them later sharing a kiss outside the pub. The revelation leaves Aaron stunned, while Robert’s two worlds begin to collide.
In another shot, Robert tells Aaron he loves him, even as Kev anxiously asks if he has anything to worry about — and Robert reassures him he doesn’t. The trailer perfectly captures the turmoil of a man trapped between guilt, love, and loyalty.
Ryan Hawley on Robert’s Inner Conflict
Speaking about the emotional storyline, Ryan Hawley described Kev as a volatile but sympathetic figure:
“He’s dangerous, not in a calculated way like John was, but unhinged and unpredictable. You kind of feel sorry for him. Robert doesn’t want to betray Kev — he has deep feelings for him that aren’t just gratitude. They’re very complicated.”
The actor also teased that the upcoming episode will offer long-awaited insight into Robert’s PTSD and the experiences that shaped his transformation since leaving prison.
Fans React: “We’ve Been Waiting for This!”
The trailer’s release has sent Emmerdale fans into overdrive. One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Oh these are going to be SO good!! Finally, we’ll explore Robert’s time in prison. Ryan Hawley and Chris Coghill are going to be incredible.”
Another fan added:
“I’m so pleased we’re getting an episode about Robert’s time in prison. We’ve been waiting and hoping for this — it’s going to be emotional.”
Many are hopeful that the episode will also bring closure — or perhaps a new beginning — for Robert and Aaron’s long, complicated love story.
A Season of Special Episodes
Robert’s episode is one of three standalone instalments airing this autumn, alongside powerful stories focused on April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) and Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards). Each promises to dig deep into untold chapters of their lives, with Robert’s being the most highly anticipated of the trio.
