Robert Sugden’s Shocking Return: Is He Really Leaving Emmerdale?
Robert Sugden—the name never leaves the Emmerdale fandom, does it? After years of drama, heartbreak, and more twists than the Dales’ country roads, Robert’s status is once again a hot topic. Rumors, returns, exits, and near-miss weddings... fans want to know: is Robert Sugden leaving Emmerdale again, and what exactly is happening to him lately?
Who Plays Robert Sugden in Emmerdale
First, let’s knock out the basics. Robert Sugden is currently played by Ryan Hawley. He took over the role in 2014, following earlier actors Richard Smith, Christopher Smith, and Karl Davies. Hawley is well-known for his intense, layered take on the character—which is why his appearances and absence are always such a big deal. After stepping away from the show in 2019, Hawley’s comeback in May 2025 sent social media into meltdown when he literally interrupted Aaron’s wedding. The actor has since confirmed that his latest stint is permanent.
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Is Robert Sugden Leaving Emmerdale? Latest 2025 Update
For everyone burning up Twitter and Facebook looking for answers—no, Robert Sugden is not leaving Emmerdale anytime soon. After making what was advertised as a three-episode guest spot in May 2025, it was quickly revealed that Robert is back full-time.
Hawley himself shared with fans and news outlets he’s thrilled for this permanent return to the Dales. Of course, all the drama had to kick off right away: his reappearance at Aaron and John’s wedding was peak soap energy, and fans freaked out on X (Twitter), with #RobertSugden trending for days in late May.
On X/Twitter, @PinksweetheartX, "Robert is desperately pleading with everyone to believe in him and trust him, asking Vic not to give up on him. My heart can’t handle this."
On another X/Twitter: @SarahRobron
What Happens To Robert In Emmerdale 2025
This year’s storyline has been wild—even by Emmerdale standards. Robert’s return was anything but quiet: he disrupted his ex Aaron Dingle’s wedding to his own half-brother John, reigniting long-buried feelings and Dingle family chaos. Aaron chose to go through with the wedding to John, pushing Robert to the emotional brink. His attempt to win back Aaron and a heated showdown with John led to Robert violating his bail terms—he missed his probation meeting and was spotted fighting at the wedding, earning himself a trip back behind bars.
Just when you thought he might fade into the background, the soap made clear his story isn’t done. Even from prison, Robert managed to stir up more drama, with Aaron, John, and Victoria all visiting and encouraging him to stay away from the village. But Robert wouldn’t be Robert if he took advice—on release, he made a beeline for Aaron to declare he wasn’t leaving. Instead, he’s now staying with his sister Victoria and (for now) promising to leave Aaron be and look for work, but honestly, who thinks he’ll keep that promise?
Meanwhile, plotlines have him scheming with classic villain Kim Tate and butting heads with John, who is embroiled in his own criminal mess.
Robert Sugden’s Future: Will He Stick Around?
If you’re worried this is just a nostalgia cameo, the evidence says no. Reports and interviews indicate Hawley’s Robert is sticking around for major summer and autumn storylines. Expect plenty more high-stakes schemes, emotionally charged scenes with Aaron, and that lingering feud with John to drive Emmerdale’s drama for months.
