If there’s one former Emmerdale character that fans can’t stop talking about, it’s Robert Sugden (played by Ryan Hawley), and his name has been making waves again in recent weeks.
Ross Barton (Michael Parr) recently revealed the off-screen death of Rebecca White (Emily Head), which resulted in their son Seb being sent to live with Rebecca’s aunt. This news came as a shock to Robert’s sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) and his ex-husband Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). While Aaron is now in a relationship with Robert’s newly discovered half-brother, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), he couldn’t help but reflect on the good times he had with Robert and Seb.
Meanwhile, John, who feels like an outsider, was encouraged by Victoria to open up to Aaron. However, their conversation didn’t go smoothly, with Aaron initially reluctant to talk about Robert. When he did eventually speak about him, Aaron claimed he no longer had feelings for Robert. Tensions escalated when John judged Robert’s past actions, leading Aaron to snap that John had no idea what he was talking about, and he ended up kicking him out.
What John doesn’t know is that Robert killed the man who raped Victoria. While Robert is serving a 14-year prison sentence, he’s already done five years, and given the nature of soap storylines, it’s not out of the question that he could be released early.
Here, we explore exactly why Emmerdale would benefit from bringing Robert back into the fold. So, let’s imagine what this iconic character could bring to the village after all these years.
5 reasons Emmerdale needs Robert Sugden back more than ever
1. Challenging John Sugden
We’ve already speculated that John might not be who he claims to be – after all, there’s been no definitive proof that he’s truly the son of the late Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby).
While it wouldn’t be out of character for Jack, a notorious womanizer, to have had yet another fling, we’re not entirely convinced by John – even though he’s apparently cleared up who Aidan Moore is.
There’s still a chance he’s lying, whether it’s about his identity or his true motives, and Robert would be the perfect person to uncover the truth!
Additionally, John has been eerily following a pattern that mirrors Aaron’s past relationship with Robert. From their secret meetings on a country road to hiding out in a barn – and with more similarities sure to come – it’s hard not to wonder if John somehow knows about Aaron and Robert’s complicated history, or if the repeated events are purely coincidental.
Whatever the reason, something about John doesn’t quite add up, and Robert is just the person we want to see step in and uncover the truth!
2. Reunion with Aaron Dingle
Emmerdale once featured one of soap land’s most iconic love stories with “Robron,” and the fans’ love for the couple remains strong to this day.
Though Robert and Aaron started with a tumultuous and toxic relationship, Robert’s redemption arc and Aaron’s journey to improve his mental health allowed them to build a stable and loving family together.
Just when they had finally found happiness, Robert’s exit from the show was inevitable, but their separation was written to feel both emotional and realistic.
Since then, Aaron’s relationships haven’t had the same depth or soulmate connection that he shared with Robert—after all, they were each other’s true love.
If Robert were to return, it would be impossible to overlook the possibility of a reunion with Aaron.
3. Raising son Seb White
Seb now resides in Bristol, with Robert having given his consent for the move shortly after Rebecca’s passing. Both Victoria and Aaron were upset by their exclusion from the decision, and it seemed especially odd that Victoria wasn’t consulted or offered the chance to help care for Seb.
However, if Robert were to return and regain custody of Seb, things could be set right. Seb would still be able to maintain a connection with Rebecca’s side of the family, with regular visits to his great-aunt and even his step-grandmother Diane Sugden in Portugal.
Seb is a significant part of the Sugden legacy, and it’s a shame for him to be absent from village life and the family dynamics. This can only truly be resolved if Robert is able to raise him within the Emmerdale fold.
4. Reconnecting with sister Victoria Sugden
Let’s be honest, Victoria has seemed a bit adrift in recent years. Her brief romance with Jacob Gallagher felt like a filler storyline, and although she’s recently discovered John (or is he really who he says he is?), she’s still being largely sidelined.
John doesn’t seem interested in the family history Victoria desperately wants to explore, leaving her isolated. Her bond with Robert, however, was undeniable and still deeply missed.
Victoria was at her best when she was playfully meddling in Robert’s life and sharing heart-to-heart moments with him. She thrived in his presence, providing stability for him when things weren’t going well. Now, with her own life feeling a little dull, Victoria could definitely use that fun and grounding influence Robert once brought.
5. Revive the Sugden dynasty
With the oddness surrounding John’s presence, Victoria’s lack of screen-time, and Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) barely acknowledging her roots in the iconic Sugden family, it’s clear that Emmerdale needs Robert to bring the family back to its former glory.
Right now, it’s hard to understand the purpose of John’s introduction, and if he truly is Jack’s son, he needs more than just Victoria to connect with the Sugden legacy.
Robert’s return could reignite the powerful family bonds that once made the Sugdens so beloved, restoring the sense of unity and connection that’s been missing from the show lately.
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