An Emmerdale character has broken their silence as they made a shock return to the ITV soap after six years, and fans are ecstatic.
Ryan Hawley who plays the role of Robert Sugden, made an unexpected arrival in the Yorkshire Dales-set village last night (May 28).
Viewers “couldn’t believe” he was back on their TV screens as he gatecrashed the wedding of his former love interest,t Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) and his new partner, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).
Emmerdale fans might remember that Robert was sentenced to life in prison for playing a part in the death of Lee Posner.
The Rob to Danny's Ron 🎬#Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/UemiTfjbMC
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) May 28, 2025
The character also cut ties with ex Aaron and filed for divorce.
Is Robert Sugden back on EastEnders for good?
But is Robert going to be sticking around? Ryan has now broken his silence on his character's return and has issued a major update for fans.
Speaking to The Mirror, he revealed: “The secret is out today! My character is returning permanently and not just for Aaron and John’s wedding. I am back for good, and I am so excited to be playing Robert again.”
Explaining how he landed his comeback, Ryan added: “Recently, while I was living in Brazil with my family, where we had been for the past year, Danny texted to see how I would feel. We’ve always kept in touch, and after a lot of thought, I told him, ‘Yeah, I am up for it. ’ I then got a call swiftly from the producers, and it went from there.”
The Longest-Running UK Soaps
The actor has also moved back to Britain to join his fellow Emmerdale cast permanently.
He continued: “The timing felt right for us to not only move back to Britain, but also for me to come back to Emmerdale. Enough time has passed, and with this big wedding storyline, it is the right time for Robert to cause chaos and huge drama!”
ITV viewers have taken to X, reacting to the exciting news, as someone wrote: “Its been a long six years but this is what #robron fans have been waiting for... ryan hawley returning to #emmerdale as robert sugden. we all hope that he returns to the show full time but so happy that he has come back. let hope our favourite couple get a happy ending.”
Another added: “Can’t believe I’m willingly tuning into #Emmerdale again. The power of Robert Sugden is still unmatched.”
Most Popular Soap Operas in the UK
This person posted: “I can’t believe it Robert sugden is back he’s back it’s been a long time coming he’s my favourite character in the show so glad to see him back in #emmerdale and we have Aaron and Robert reunited #robron.”
Recommended reading:
-
Casualty and Doctors star to join Emmerdale as part of dog attack storyline
-
Emmerdale fans 'so glad' character has returned in dramatic episode after 19 years
-
Emmerdale star's real life romance with iconic EastEnders soap actress
An excited viewer commented: “HE WASNT IN THE DREAM!?!? He’s gonna be back for real OM*G ROBERT JACOB SUGDEN I LOVE YOU #emmerdale.”
Meanwhile, this returning Emmerdale viewer said: “Waking up at 7am to watch emmerdale for the first time in 6 years as Robert Sug Can’t believe I’m willingly tuning into #Emmerdale again. The power of Robert Sugden is still unmatchedden has came home to us.”
Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX weeknights from 7.30pm.
Share