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5 reasons why Emmerdale needs Robert Sugden more than ever

If there’s one former Emmerdale character we’re dying to hear about, it’s Robert Sugden (played by Ryan Hawley), and his name has had reason to come up again in recent weeks.

Ross Barton (Michael Parr) revealed the off-screen death of Rebecca White (Emily Head), which sent her and Robert’s young son, Seb, to live with her aunt.

This all came as a shock to Robert’s sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) and his ex-husband Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). Although the latter is currently in a relationship with Vic and Robert’s new half-brother John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), Aaron couldn’t help reminiscing about happier times with Robert and Seb.

John felt like an outsider and Victoria encouraged him to talk to Aaron. This did not go well, as Aaron was reluctant to talk about Robert.

He eventually started to open up, but claimed he no longer loved Robert. However, John’s judgment of Robert’s murderous actions led Aaron to say that John had no idea what he was talking about before throwing him out of the house.

John doesn’t know that Robert actually killed the man who raped Victoria. Although Robert is serving a fourteen-year prison sentence, he has already served five years, and in the realm of soap country, it is certainly credible that he will be released early.

Here at RadioTimes.com we’ve explored exactly why Emmerdale needs Robert back. So join us as we imagine what the iconic character could bring to the village all these years later.

5 reasons why Emmerdale needs Robert Sugden more than ever

1. Challenging John Sugden

Oliver Farnworth as John Sugden for Emmerdale, looking into the camera in a white T-shirt and brown jacket

Oliver Farnworth as John Sugden for Emmerdale. ITV

We’ve already considered that John might not be who he says he is. After all, there has been no outside evidence that he is actually the son of the late Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby).

While it wasn’t unusual for womanizer Jack to have another falling out, we’re not entirely convinced about John – even though he has now apparently explained who Aidan Moore is.

He could still be lying, whether it be about his identity or his true intentions, and Robert would be the perfect person to expose the truth!

We also can’t ignore that John has been following an uncanny pattern, with events duplicating Aaron’s memorable relationship with Robert; from that rendezvous on a country road to hiding in the shed – and more parallels will follow.

Was John somehow already aware of Aaron and Robert’s colorful history together, or is the repetitive story just a coincidence?

Whatever it is, something isn’t quite right with John, and Robert is exactly the person we want to see take action!

2. Reuniting with Aaron Dingle

Ryan Hawley as Robert Sugden and Danny Miller as Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale.

Ryan Hawley as Robert Sugden and Danny Miller as Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale. ITV

Emmerdale had one of soapland’s greatest love stories with ‘Robron’, and the affection for the couple is still alive and well.

Although Robert and Aaron started out as a truly toxic affair, Robert later redeemed himself and Aaron sought help for his mental health, creating a stable and loving family unit.

Just as the couple had settled into a happy marriage, it came time for Robert to bow out, and of course, realistically, they had to be torn apart.

But Aaron’s romances since then no longer have the depth and soulmate status that he had with Robert – because, of course, they are the loves of each other’s lives.

If Robert were to make his comeback, a possible reunion with Aaron would have to come into play.

The collaboration between Miller and Hawley certainly deserves to be revisited RadioTimes.com Readers even voted Robron the best soap couple of all time!

3. Raising son Seb White

Seb now lives in Bristol, and Robert approved the move shortly after Rebecca’s death. Victoria and Aaron were sad that they weren’t involved, and it seemed strange that Vic had at least not been notified or asked to help care for Seb.

But when Robert returned and secured custody of Seb, order could be restored and the little boy could still remain connected to Rebecca’s side of the family through regular visits to his great-aunt and step-grandmother Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen). ) in Portugal.

Seb is an old character and it is a shame for him that he is not part of the village life to keep the family name alive. This can only happen full time if Robert can raise Seb.

4. Reconnecting with sister Victoria Sugden

Victoria looks at Jacob in Emmerdale in confusion

Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale. ITV

Let’s face it, Victoria has been quite a lost soul these past few years! Her short-lived romance with Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) was a pointless plot, and despite finding another sibling in John (or is he?) she continues to be sidelined.

John just isn’t interested in all the family history that Vic wants to share, but she had a strong bond with Robert that is sorely missed.

Victoria was at her best when she mischievously interfered in Robert’s life and had regular heart-to-hearts with him, and she needs that extra stability in Robert’s presence.

Even when He was not stable, Victoria kept him on the ground; and these days, Victoria needs more fun in her lackluster life.

5. Revive the Sugden dynasty

A concerned Diane and Robert look at Victoria, who is sporting a pixie haircut

Diane, Robert and Victoria Sugden. ITV

Between the strangeness of John’s presence, Victoria’s lack of screen time, and niece Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) barely acknowledging that she’s a member of Emmerdale’s original clan, the show clearly needs Robert back to restore the Sugdens to their former glory.

At this point it’s hard not to wonder what the point was in bringing John into the group, and whether he’s actually doing it is Jack’s son needs more than Victoria around him.

Somehow, Robert could rekindle what made the Sugdens so beloved in the first place, with those powerful family ties that were sadly lacking.

Read more:

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 7.30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more information about TV’s biggest stars, listen to the Radio Times Podcast.

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