Emmerdale fans are convinced that village favourite Robert Sugden could soon make a return to the Dales after the long running ITV soap teased a sentencing plot twist.
In recent scenes viewers saw Victoria discover a loophole in the legal text that could have set her brother free early, however, his husband, Aaron Dingle chose not to pursue it as he was keen to move on with his new partner Ben, Daily Star reports.
Actor, Ryan Hawley, reunited with his co-stars recently at Isobel Steele's leaving do after her on-screen character, Liv Dingle, was killed off in Emmerdale's 50th anniversary and ever since fans have been begging to see him return to his role as Robert.
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But how exactly could that happen, here are the fan theories on how Robert Sugden could make a return.
Sentencing twist
Though the loophole theory was dismissed by Aaron, some fans think it could soon resurface to put Robert back in the picture as lawyer Ethan rises up the ranks.
Robert was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison for the murder of Victoria’s rapist, Lee Posner. But now fans are certain we could see him out a lot sooner.
Taking to Reddit, one eagle-eyed user suggested: “I remember they had that whole mini story of potentially getting Robert out of prison a bit earlier.
“Ethan shot it down but they can spin anything. Of course I don't expect him back full time but maybe even seeing him for a conversation where they bring that back up again or something?”
While someone else said: “How bizarre I have also been wondering this recently! But unfortunately I do not see a loophole in a storyline in which he may return in such short notice.
"But he may be a surprise return in which have not been released to any spoiler outlets? Would be incredible to see especially as it wouldn't be expected.”
Prison break
Some think Robert could go a step further and stage a full-on prison escape to reunite with his hubby Aaron. Frenzied Twitter users were eager for the prison break to take place during October’s 50th anniversary month, but it could instead be a big storyline for 2023.
Taking to social media with their theories, one fan begged: “Looks like Robert Sugden has escaped prison and is now on the run." Another wondered: “Will Aaron call Robert in prison and tell him that Liv has died? Probably wouldn’t see Robert, but would be an emotional way to make him part of the soap [again].”
As a third said: “I hope #emmerdale realise we will not like Aaron with anyone else but Robert?" Someone else chimed in: Here's an idea. Aaron breaks Robert out of prison. #Robron are together, decide to leave #Emmerdale & settle down in literally any other soap city on the planet!”
Cast reunion
In October, actor Ryan Hawley was spotted getting cosy with his on-screen husband Danny Miller at a dinner party to celebrate Isobel Steele’s exit from the soap. Looking dapper in a dark green jumper, Ryan posed with his arm partially around Danny Miller as the pair of them took a selfie with Isobel.
Inside the restaurant, Ryan could be seen sitting beside Danny as they caught up after years not working together. It marks a big change for Emmerdale fans, as Ryan is very rarely seen out and about – and hardly ever with his soap co-stars.
Some were certain it could herald a return to work for the actor. One fan commented on the snaps: “THAT PIC… pretending Liv, Aaron and Robert got a happy ending together! You’ll be missed. Liv was so loved!”
“Nice to see Ryan back with everyone!” someone else said.
Danny Miller speaks out
Even Aaron star Danny Miller has admitted it would be “nice” to see Robert back home where he belongs. He told press earlier this year: “I kind of imagined there'd be some crazy action thing just to really step outside – that it would be some action-packed thing where maybe Aaron could turn up and kidnap Robert out of prison.
“It was just stupid talk, I was actually telling Ryan [Hawley] about it! But no, it would’ve been really nice to have him back but it’s near impossible."
But the star admitted there is “always a ways and a means” to get characters back together despite the obstacles.
Fan fury
Eager Emmerdale fans are so desperate for a Robron reunion that some have even signed a Change.org petition to bring Ryan Hawley back. One petition currently has 210 signatures with a goal of 500.
It explains: “Ryan Hawley did a fantastic job at playing Robert Sugden and fans were gutted when he left in 2019. Not only are fans missing the character in the show, but they are missing the on screen chemistry with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). Robron is the biggest soap ship paring ever and fans loved their relationship.”
The petition creator added: “Unfortunately an Emmerdale spokesperson stated that there are currently no plans for Robert to return. Therefore this petition has been set up!
“Help gain the signatures and see if we can get a much loved character and actor to return!”
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