What Emmerdale needs to do next with Robert Sugden after major turning point

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The latest episode of Emmerdale featured a major development for Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), which could significantly impact the popular character’s storyline.

Okay, so as a huge fan of this storyline, let me break it down. Robert’s sister, Victoria, found herself in a really tough spot. She was blackmailed by Joe Tate because she accidentally killed their other half-brother, John. To keep that secret hidden, she ended up having to give up her ownership of Butler’s Farm to him – it was a total power play and a really heartbreaking situation for her.

Following a candid conversation with her fiancé, Aaron Dingle, Vic realized Robert had always felt like he didn’t quite fit in and apologized for treating him harshly.

Robert was heartbroken when Vic decided to move to Portugal with his stepmother, Diane. However, his mood lifted when he unexpectedly found an old stone from Emmerdale Farm while walking through the field his late grandmother, Annie, used to own. Inspired, he made a promise to restore the land to its former glory.

The Sugdens were the original family in Emmerdale, but their history hasn’t been prominently featured lately. Hopefully, this touching scene signals a return to focusing on their story.

Those who have followed the story for a while might remember that Robert’s father, Jack (played by Andrew Burt and Clive Hornby), once refused his inheritance. Robert later made the same decision when his father passed away.

By 2025, after serving a long prison sentence and gaining a new outlook on life, Robert happily started farming, enjoying a return to simpler times. However, John’s bullying and Joe’s troublesome actions soon disrupted his peaceful new beginning.

Recent changes have made Robert a tenant farmer, and now is the perfect time to explore the history of the Sugdens and bring their family’s reputation back to what it once was.

Since nearly all of his family are gone, Robert feels it’s essential to restore the Sugden family’s prominence.

Sarah’s only close family member is her aunt, Katie Hill. When Sarah discovers her surrogate, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), is actually the baby’s mother, it would be nice to see Robert offer support and build a relationship with Sarah at the same time.

Christmas disruptions prevented Robert from making arrangements to see his son, Seb, and the issue hasn’t been addressed since. Seb has been living with a great-aunt since his mother, Rebecca White, passed away, but he really belongs back in the village with Robert and Aaron, where he can learn about his family history.

But beyond re-energising the Sugdens, I have more on my wish list for Robert.

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I’m eager to see him become the hero and prove Moira Dingle’s (Natalie J Robb) innocence. He’ll need to use all his cunning and trickery to finally defeat Joe.

I really want to see Robert take charge and finally turn things around. Whether he does that by getting rid of that damaging video, cleverly getting Joe to admit he’s framing Moira, or coming up with a plan nobody sees coming – even us watching – it’s time he fought back and won. I’m rooting for him!

The Sugden and Tate families have a history together that goes back a long time. Robert’s uncle, Joe, was the stepfather of young Joe’s mother, Rachel, and they were very close – she even named her son after him.

No one has mentioned their shared history since Robert publicly revealed Rachel’s affair with her step-uncle Jack during their old argument. I think it would be great if Robert brought that up again to unsettle Joe.

Robert still needs to finalize his divorce from Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill). While it’s uncertain if Kev will return, Robert deserves some peace, and he and Aaron seem like a strong couple who will stay together.

Emmerdale should continue to portray Aaron as a reliable source of support for Robert, as they did so effectively this week. Robert still hasn’t dealt with the trauma he experienced in prison, and that storyline hasn’t been revisited since a special episode showed the abuse he suffered.

Now, Aaron needs to be the one to support Robert in getting help – something Robert hasn’t been able to consider before.

I love the relationship between Robert and Aaron, but Robert really needs a broader support system right now, and he doesn’t have anyone else to rely on.

I enjoyed the complicated relationship between Robert and his former business partner, Jimmy King, and I always felt Robert could have benefited from a closer, ongoing friendship with Vanessa Woodfield during his last time on the show.

A surprising connection could form between Paula and Ross Barton, despite his history of shooting Robert. While it seems unlikely, anything is possible in the world of soap operas, and they might team up for Seb’s benefit.

Robert needs to earn Cain Dingle’s trust. If he can, he might be able to team up with Cain and Caleb Miligan. Otherwise, he can always stick to chatting and enjoying drinks with Ruby!

Now the last of the Sugdens left in Emmerdale, Robert is determined to carry on the family name, and he deserves support to do so.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

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Authors

Laura DenbyFreelance Writer

Laura Denby writes about the latest happenings in popular British soap operas – like those set in the Dales, on the Cobbles, and in the East End – for TopMob. She’s a dedicated fan of these shows, especially when they combine humor and drama, and has also contributed to Digital Spy, Metro UK, and Yahoo UK.

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2026-02-13 00:05