Fans of Emmerdale were stunned when Ryan Hawley’s character, Robert Sugden, returned to the village after his prison release. Eager to reunite with Aaron Dingle and confront Aaron’s new husband, John Sugden, Robert’s past behind bars had remained mysterious—until now.
Robert’s former prison partner, Kev Townsend, resurfaced in the village, shattering all hopes for a ‘Robron’ reunion. Their unexpected connection shed light on Robert’s vulnerable prison years.
According to Robert, his marriage to Kev began as a desperate bid for safety. He revealed to Victoria that he had been targeted by other inmates, mocked both for his wealth and his bisexuality. Kev became his protector and confidant during that difficult period.
“It wasn’t love at first,” Robert admitted, “but protection. In there, you learn fast who you can trust.”
As their bond deepened, Robert discovered that Kev, suffering from a terminal illness, intended to leave him a fortune after his death. Their marriage, though born of fear, soon evolved into a complex emotional web.
When Aaron issued an ultimatum—choose him or remain with Kev—Robert hesitated. Torn by guilt and unable to abandon Kev following a heart attack, Robert ultimately lost Aaron forever.
Now, with Kev, Aaron, and Mackenzie Boyd locked in an escalating and dangerous feud, the triangle threatens to ignite into violence. The village watches as emotions spiral toward chaos.
Ryan Hawley’s revelation exposes Robert Sugden’s troubled prison past and the tangled love that now fuels a volatile feud threatening everyone involved.