Emmerdale fans have been clinging to hope for Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle’s reunion. Tonight’s episode finally delivered an answer—though not the one many expected.

A Painful Return

Fresh out of the hospital, Aaron tried to keep his head down in the café, only to overhear Nicola stirring gossip about John’s mysterious disappearance. Unable to bear the whispers, he stormed out, leaving Robert watching silently.

Robert later found him at the scrapyard, torching John’s belongings—photos, keepsakes, even his wedding ring. “I just want him gone,” Aaron spat as the flames roared, his anger giving way to exhaustion.

An Offer of Support

Despite Aaron’s attempts to push him away, Robert insisted on helping. “I’m not leaving you here alone,” he told him, offering company at his house—“just as mates, no pressure.”

At Robert’s place, Aaron broke down. He admitted he feared he’d never escape John’s shadow. “All you’ve done is try to help me, and I just pushed you away,” he confessed. Robert’s response was simple but heartfelt: “I still care about ya. A lot.”

A Tender Moment Interrupted

When Aaron leaned in for a kiss, Robert stopped him. “Not now, not like this,” he said, explaining that Aaron was vulnerable and reeling from trauma. The refusal stung, especially when Robert revealed Chas had asked him to keep his distance. Feeling betrayed, Aaron lashed out at his mum before cooling off and reconciling with Robert.

For now, the two agreed to remain friends while Aaron heals. But the flame between them clearly hasn’t gone out.

A New Threat Emerges

Just as the dust settled, Robert received a text from “K”—later revealed as Kev—warning him to stop ignoring him. With Kev set to arrive in the village next week, Robert’s carefully guarded secrets may finally explode into the open.

The question remains: will this new twist bring Robert and Aaron closer together—or tear them apart once again?