Emmerdale star 'reveals' why Robert Sugden's really back - and it's not for Aaron

Robert Sugden's return might not be what fans are expecting, actor Ryan Hawley has revealed.

After his exit in 2019 it was thought Ryan would never play Robert again, despite calls from both fans and co-stars for him to rejoin the show. In a major twist on Wednesday night to the soap.

But speaking about Robert's comeback and his motives after six years away, Ryan may have teased he's not back for Aaron Dingle. Despite him gatecrashing ex-husband Aaron's wedding to new flame John Sugden, who happens to be Robert's half-brother who he has never met, Robert could have an unexpected motive for heading to the village.

Teasing it could be John that Robert is there for and that he "might have something" on him, Ryan spilled: "What's Robert doing there, has he got ulterior motives, does he know something about John?

"How has he even found out that this wedding was taking place? There's a lot to unpick and so much to be revealed over the next few nights. It's a great few episodes and I’m really excited to see them."

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But Ryan did tease much of Robert's return would resolve around Aaron and their relationship, and Aaron's "dilemma" over who he loves. He said: "It's a massive dilemma for Aaron, who's found John as a new love in his life and then he's got Robert, who used to be the love of his life, turn up!

"He's got a massive decision to make. I guess all the weight is on Aaron's shoulders." But all might not be as it seems, with it yet to be explained how Robert is out in the village and not still in prison where he's been for the last six years.

He teased: "Well Ryan is back, but Robert is still technically in prison so we shall have to wait and see how that works out!" Ryan is thrilled to be back on the soap with his former co-stars, and promised "drama and conflict" over the next few episodes.

He shared: "Rejoining the cast of Emmerdale feels fantastic. I've been having so much fun being back here. Oddly, more fun than I thought it was going to be, in a good way.

"We've been filming some great stuff, there’s a lot more to Robert's return than just the value of opening the door. I've been having so much fun, everyone's been lovely, and there are a lot of familiar faces and loads of really positive energy about the place. There's lots of drama, lots of conflict.

"There’s the dilemma for Aaron and John and also his return affects so many other people in the village."

Might Ryan be tempted to return for a full-time stint as fans and his co-stars have called for for years?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , , and .