Fans beg for Robert Sugden to return in 2025 – here’s whether a comeback is possible

Emmerdale fans aren’t enjoying Aaron Dingle’s romance with John Sugden and have called for Aaron’s ex, Robert Sugden, to return next year.

Aaron first hooked up with John in August, after arranging to meet him via a dating app. It was later revealed that John was a Sugden and the secret half brother of Robert.

Now, with both Aaron and John having a link to Robert, fans want Robert to return to the Dales in 2025. But where is Robert and is a comeback possible?

Where is Robert Sugden?

Robert left Emmerdale in 2019 after being sent to prison for killing his sister’s rapist.

During a night out, Victoria Sugden met a man called Lee Posner. He wouldn’t take no for an answer and later he raped Victoria in her own home.

Victoria left it a while before reporting the attack meaning there was no physical evidence and the case was eventually dropped. However, Lee continued to taunt Victoria and her family and one day, Robert lost it and hit Lee over the head with a shovel.

Lee survived the attack long enough to tell police Robert had been responsible, but later died from a intracerebral haemorrhage. Robert was sentenced to 14 years in prison, leaving fans devastated that Robron was no more.

Fans demand a Robert Sugden return

Scenes this week have seen Aaron and John confess their love to each other. While some fans were moved by the scenes, many couldn’t help but point out the lack of chemistry between the pair and reminisce about Aaron’s previous relationship with Robert.

“NOOO WE ALL WANT ROBERT,” one fan said on Instagram. Another added: “I don’t like Aaron with John, it will always be Robert and Aaron!! Please come back Robert!!”

“No one will compare to Robert,” a third fan wrote, with a fourth writing: “Aaron belongs to Robert. You need to bring them back together for good!”

A fifth fan said: “I wish Robert would come back. Aaron and Robert were perfect together!,” with another writing: “John is no Robert!! Bring back Robert in 2025, Aaron belongs to Robert.”

Is a comeback for Robert possible?

Although, it’s only been 5 years since he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, this is soap land where anything is possible. Viewers may also remember that back in 2021, Lee’s brother Luke revealed to their mum Wendy that on the day Lee was attacked by Robert, Lee had beaten Luke up after discovering he was in a relationship with a man.

Luke said he fought back, resulting in Lee falling down and hitting his head. Hours later he was attacked by Robert. If Luke’s confession becomes known, Robert could potentially get out of jail on appeal.

Robert’s name has cropped up a lot lately, with fans hoping it means he’s on his way back. One theory is that John isn’t really who he says he is. Fans have speculated that he could have been in prison with Robert. Could Robert be the key to unlocking the truth about John Sugden and Aidan Moore?

In addition, Ross Barton made a return to the village recently after six years away and he revealed that Rebecca White had died. Rebecca was the mother of Robert’s son Seb – another reason for Robert to come back.

The most recent Robert was played by Ryan Hawley, who has starred in All Creatures Great and Small, Silent Witness and Casualty since leaving Emmerdale.

Read more: The Sugden family tree in Emmerdale

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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