Emmerdale fans are growing increasingly worried about Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) as his behaviour takes a darker, more fragile turn amid the chaos of the Kev and Aaron love triangle. Viewers have been quick to notice that Robert’s spark — once sharp and calculating — now seems extinguished, and many believe he’s heading for a complete breakdown.

A Shadow of His Former Self

After six years away from the Dales, Robert returned earlier this year in one of Emmerdale’s most dramatic comebacks. Having served time for the death of Lee Posner, Robert cut off all contact with his sister Victoria Sugden and ex-husband Aaron Dingle.

His unexpected return wasn’t just about redemption — it was about stopping Aaron from marrying his half-brother John Sugden. But that plan ended in tragedy when John’s crimes were exposed, including murdering Nate Robinson, kidnapping Mackenzie Boyd, and framing Robert for a fake murder-suicide plot.

Now, with John gone and Aaron trying to rebuild his life, a new problem has emerged — Robert’s prison husband, Kev Townsend.

A Dangerous Love Triangle

Kev, who is terminally ill, was released to visit Robert, reigniting old wounds and sparking fierce jealousy from Aaron. But instead of the fiery Robert fans remember, viewers have been stunned to see a man worn down by years in prison — cautious, detached, and subdued.

When Kev issued Aaron a chilling death threat on Monday’s episode, fans expected Robert to fight back. Instead, he seemed defeated.

On social media, viewers expressed their concern:

“The old Robert would’ve gone crazy mad at Kev for threatening Aaron,” one fan wrote. “He would’ve schemed to get his own back, to have the last laugh. But our Robert now just hasn’t got the energy anymore. He’s got no fight left in him.”

Another added:

“He’s a ticking time bomb. He’s going to break soon, I think.”

The Calm Before the Explosion

On Tuesday night, Robert confronted Kev about the threat — but quickly backed down when Kev denied it. The encounter left fans unsettled. Has prison broken Robert’s spirit, or is he simply biding his time before he explodes?

A special standalone episode airing this autumn is set to reveal what really happened during Robert’s six years behind bars — and may explain the trauma shaping his new, subdued demeanour.

Ryan Hawley Teases Darker Days Ahead

Speaking about Robert’s future and his complicated bond with Aaron, actor Ryan Hawley hinted that peace isn’t on the cards for the fan-favourite couple known as “Robron.”

“It would be pretty boring if it was just plain sailing,” he teased. “There has to be conflict and obstacles for the characters to overcome — to test their relationship and see them triumph against adversity.”

Meanwhile, Chris Gordon, who plays Kev, described his character’s dynamic with Robert as “twisted but genuine.”

“Kev is unhinged,” he admitted. “There are some real feelings there, but they’re not what they should be.”

What’s Next for Robert Sugden?

As the tension builds and Robert’s emotional cracks deepen, fans are bracing for another explosive chapter in his story. Whether it ends in redemption or destruction remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: Robert Sugden is far from done with drama.