EMMERDALE fans are convinced soap legend Ryan Hawley is returning to the Dales as Robert Sugden after almost five years away.
Fans are reading into a series of spoiler pictures posted by the soap’s X account, which they believe confirms his return.
Robert could be set to reunite with his husband Aaron Dingle, played by Danny Miller, later this year.
The couple – nicknamed Robron by Emmerdale fans – were torn apart in 2019 when Robert was moved to a prison on the Isle of Wight after being convicted of killing his sister Victoria’s rapist.
Robert was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum sentence of 14 years and has not been seen since.
However, ITV fans think this is all about to change because the soap has invested a lot of time and money into creating a new set – the Mill flat — which is Aaron’s home.
The Emmerdale X account tweeted: “First look at The Mill flat!” along with pictures depicting the inside of Aaron’s home, which is tastefully decorated.
Viewers think the new set has something to do with Robert and a possible reunion between him and Aaron.
Commenting on the pictures, one fan made their case, saying: “Evidence that Robert is returning to Emmerdale – Random mentions when he hasn’t been talked about for years.”
They continued: “[And] they built a whole new set for the small Mill flat which hasn’t been shown on screen for 7 years despite multiple characters living there. Who lives there now? Aaron.”
Another fan said that the flat is a big nod to Robert because he decorated it years earlier. “Robert decorated it and it is still intact!” they praised.
“Aaron will live there with Robert when he comes back,” a third suggested.
While a fourth fan is praying for Robert’s return: “I want him back and I’m willing it into existence.”
A return could be on the cards, as this is not the first mention of Robert since his departure.
Aaron has never stopped loving his husband and in an episode in December, his feelings for Robert were brought up during a chat with Robert’s sister in the pub.
During the conversation, Victoria makes reference to Robert being “the one” for Aaron, but the conversation is too painful for him and he quickly shuts it down.
Fans believe that the multiple references to Robert mean he will soon be returning to the Dales. Could he be getting out of prison sooner than expected?
Back in October, Danny shared his own hopes that co-star Ryan would return as Robert at some point.
He told Inside Soap: “I’d love to work with Ryan again, but it’s just a case of whether I can talk him round…”
So, perhaps he’s finally managed it?
