Robert Sugden’s return to Emmerdale has been confirmed by the ITV soap – but fans are already disappointed

Emmerdale fans think they know how Robert will really return (Image: ITV)

Emmerdale fans reckon they have worked out the ‘truth’ behind Robert Sugden’s impending return – but it’s not good news. Ryan Hawley was confirmed to be returning to ITV Soapland for a “brief stint” after much cajoling from fans who want to see a Robron reprise – but his ex-husband Aaron Dingle has already moved on with his half-brother John, and is set to marry him this week.

The Sun reported Hawley’s return earlier this year after six years away from the Dales, with a source telling the publication: “It’s the biggest secret in Soapland but Robert is returning to Emmerdale.

“Ryan has a lot of respect for the show and its fans and he really wanted to give them a treat so he agreed to come back for a brief stint. It’s going to be a huge surprise for fans especially the Robron fans who have missed Robert desperately since Ryan quit.”

Fans think Robert will return as part of Aaron’s latest storyline (Image: ITV)

They added: “Nothing was seen as being too extreme to keep the secret with fake names on scripts, smuggling him in and out of the studios and keeping everything very tight.”

Taking to Reddit to share their theories, one fan asked: “With Robert returning for a brief stint next month, what are your theories about how he could return? How do you think they are going to write him into the script? Also could this temporary return mean there could be a chance for a permanent return?”

Sadly, one viewer thinks the return confirmation is all a bit of a red herring – and Robert will only appear in a dream. They penned: “I don’t think Ryan is interested in returning sadly, and I saw some people theorising John could have a nightmare where Robert shows up and sasses him, and is all ‘I’m so much better than you in every way, and Aaron loves me.’ Which I think could be funny.”

Another agreed: “Yes – I think the idea that Robert crops up in one of John’s nightmares is plausible, given the spoilers for next week. So it wouldn’t necessarily set up a permanent return (unless Ryan Hawley loved being back on set so much that he decides he is ready to make a comeback).”

A third fan responded: “I think he’ll return during the wedding. If it’s a ‘brief stint’ he might just appear in one of John’s nightmare scenarios. If it’s a permanent return – or a setup for one – then I think he’ll try to stop the wedding. That wouldn’t be my choice for his return, but it seems like the soap thing to do.”