Emmerdale viewers think a recent scene involving Robert Sugden ahead of actor Ryan Hawley’s full-time return to the ITV soap could allude to a sad health storyline

Emmerdale viewers think a recent scene involving Robert Sugden ahead of actor Ryan Hawley’s full-time return to the ITV soap could allude to a sad health storyline(Image: ITV)

Robert Sugden’s recent scenes have left Emmerdale fans fearing the worst, amid hopes of a reunion with Aaron Dingle.

Ryan Hawley reprised his role in a shocking twist just weeks ago, six years after he left the ITV soap. His character Robert was sent to prison in 2019 over the death of Lee Posner, with it not thought he would ever come back.

But just weeks ago he turned up in the village to stop his ex Aaron marrying new flame, and Robert’s mysterious half-brother, John Sugden. More is to come out about Robert’s return and what’s been going on since he left, with scenes next week seeing Robert and Aaron have a heart-to-heart.

We know that Robert was released early, with it suggested this was down to him finally appealing his conviction after new evidence suggested he may not have caused Lee’s death, or at least his actions alone. He came to get Aaron back and return to life in the village having initially decided he wanted none of that.

But now some fans are fearing there could be more to it, and his sudden desire to come back to the village and be with Aaron. He’d learned about the truth about Lee’s death a while back, but only chose to appeal this year.

Robert Sugden’s recent scenes have left Emmerdale fans fearing the worst(Image: ITV)

Then a scene with brother John in a recent episode saw him punched in the stomach after a fight broke out. Robert had swung a punch to hurt John but completely missed, only to then be hit by John.

Robert was clearly in pain and crouched over clutching his stomach. The camera focussed in on his face and his reaction to the punch, and it seemed it really hurt.

Some fans noticed this and wondered if it was almost an overreaction to the hit, and they worried if the pain was caused by something else. They were also shocked by Robert’s clumsy attack on John, with fans predicting there could be a health storyline on the cards.

While there is nothing in spoilers to suggest so, viewers are starting to fear over his real reason for leaving prison now and returning to the village after so long. They questioned if a sad health storyline could be on the way and that Robert could be sick.

One fan posted on X: “Not to write the scripts myself but it’s interesting Robert missed the punch that poorly and John’s punch to his gut really hurt him that he had to recover. Comparing it to how he used to always pick fights. Is Ryan finally getting a big health storyline?”

Robert fought with his brother John Sugden over Aaron Dingle(Image: ITV)

Another fan responded: “THIS IS WHAT IM SAYINGGGGGG,” as a third agreed: “I’m pretty certain he’ll have a mental health journey and possibly a drinking problem.” A fourth viewer commented: “Was it discussed why he was released early? Because his health being bad could be a reason why?”

A further comment read: “I kept noticing how they focused on his face. I have a theory that his early release could have been the unsafe conviction plus compassionate release for illness.”

Another post said: “I thought I was the only person to notice after the punch something seemed off. I feel this big secret is a health issue.” This was echoed by another viewer who said: “I thought that too. I think maybe something happened to Robert in prison. I think there’s a story to be told here.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .