What Emmerdale needs to do next with Robert Sugden after major turning point
Robert had a welcome reminder of his past.
Emmerdale aired a huge turning point for Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) in its latest instalment, with potential to do wonders for the fan-favourite legacy character.
Robert’s half-sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) was blackmailed into signing over her share of Butler’s Farm to Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) to protect the secret that she killed twisted half-brother John (Oliver Farnworth).
After Robert's fiancé Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) dealt her some home truths, Vic acknowledged that Robert had always felt like an outsider, and apologised for being so hard on him.
Though devastated by Vic’s decision to join stepmother Diane (Elizabeth Estensen) in Portugal, Robert’s spirits were raised when he stumbled, quite literally, upon the old Emmerdale Farm stone on his late grandmother Annie’s (Sheila Mercier) field, and he vowed to reclaim the land.
The Sugdens were, of course, Emmerdale’s first family but until now, this has felt long forgotten on-screen. So, I hope this poignant scene is a sign of things to come.
Long-time fans may recall that Robert’s father Jack (Andrew Burt, Clive Hornby) initially rejected his birthright; and Robert himself made the same choice upon Jack’s death.
But in 2025, with years of prison behind him and a fresh perspective, Robert began to embrace farming in what was a delightful foray into the old days; until John’s reign of terror and Joe’s exploits got in the way.
Recent events have positioned Robert as a tenant farmer, and this is the optimum chance to finally revisit Sugden lore and restore their legacy to its former glory.
With almost every other family member absent, rebuilding the Sugden dynasty is an absolute must for Robert.
His only nearby relative is niece Sarah (Katie Hill). When the bombshell drops that her surrogate, grandmother Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), has actually been carrying her own baby, it would be refreshing to see Robert step in to help Sarah, whilst finally getting to know each other.
Meanwhile, Christmas chaos thwarted Robert’s plans to arrange access with young son Seb, and this hasn’t been mentioned since. Placed in the custody of a great-aunt since his mother Rebecca White (Emily Head) died offscreen, Seb belongs back in the village with Robert and Aaron, where he can learn all about his heritage.
But beyond re-energising the Sugdens, I have more on my wish list for Robert.
I want to see him save the day, exonerating incarcerated Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) by reviving his scheming side to outsmart Joe once and for all.
Whether that means finding and destroying every copy of that incriminating video first, tricking Joe into a damning confession over framing Moira or concocting a plan so unpredictable even the viewers aren’t in on it, it’s high time Robert fought back and won.
The Sugdens and Tates have been linked long before this battle. Robert’s uncle Joe (Frazer Hines), was stepfather to the younger Joe’s late mother, Rachel (Glenda McKay), and the pair were so close that she named her son after him.
Their history hasn’t been referenced since a scathing Robert brought up Rachel’s scandalous affair with her step-uncle Jack during their past feud, and I’d love to see Robert dish out a nostalgic line to throw Joe off balance.
Moving on, there’s still a divorce from Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) to secure. While we can't help wondering if we've seen the last of Kev, Robert has surely earned some stability, so he and Aaron should remain united.
Emmerdale must also double down on Aaron as a steady support for Robert, as was so beautifully demonstrated this week. Robert has yet to address the post-traumatic stress disorder he’s been left with since leaving jail, with the story shelved after a flashback special opened our eyes to the violence he endured there.
In a role reversal, Aaron should be the one to encourage Robert to seek help – something he’s never had the opportunity to accept before.
Yet as much as I adore ‘Robron’, Robert needs more than just Aaron in his life, and he currently has no one else to turn to.
I miss Robert’s begrudging friendship with ex-business partner Jimmy King (Nick Miles), and still think Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) should have become a regular confidant during his previous stint.
Looking further afield, a bond with Ross Barton (Michael Parr) would be a bold choice given he once shot Robert, but stranger things have happened in soap land and they could make a pact for Seb’s sake.
If Robert can regain Cain Dingle’s (Jeff Hordley) respect, perhaps he can make an alliance with him and fellow honorary Dingle, Caleb Miligan (William Ash). Failing that, let Robert drink wine and gossip with Ruby (Beth Cordingly) instead!
As Emmerdale's last Sugden man standing, Robert’s new dedication to the family legacy must be nurtured - and so should he.
Read more:
- Emmerdale reveals Victoria Sugden's exit story following vicious ultimatum in early ITVX release
- 5 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Bear Wolf arrested as Laurel Thomas learns a shocking secret
- Emmerdale confirms return of "complex" character in high stakes workplace bullying storyline for Jacob Gallagher
- Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt reveals two-hander episode between Paddy and Marlon Dingle
- Emmerdale's greatest ever Robert Sugden moments – from villain era to Robron love story
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.
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Authors
Laura Denby is a Freelance Soaps writer covering all the latest news in the Dales, Cobbles and East End for Radio Times. She's a soaps nerd with a love for comedy drama, and has also written for Digital Spy, Metro UK and Yahoo UK.
