Emmerdale fans are bracing themselves for one of the soap’s darkest and most emotional episodes yet, as Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) becomes entangled in a new murder shock that threatens to shatter everything he has rebuilt since his release from prison.

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Robert’s Life After Prison Takes a Grim Turn

After years behind bars for the murder of Lee Posner, Robert was finally released earlier this year when an appeal overturned his conviction. New evidence revealed that Lee’s brother Luke may have caused the fatal brain injury before Robert’s attack, meaning Robert’s sentence was unjust.

But while he’s technically a free man, Robert’s return to the Dales has been anything but peaceful. His failed attempt to stop Aaron Dingle’s (Danny Miller) marriage to John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) spiraled into chaos — including a kidnapping, a cliff-edge confrontation, and lasting emotional scars.

Now, just as the dust begins to settle, Robert is confronted with another devastating secret from his time in prison — one that could change everything.

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A Visit from Kev Townsend Changes Everything

In the upcoming episode, Robert receives an unexpected visit from his former prison ally Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill). While Kev once helped Robert survive his darkest moments behind bars, his return to the village brings with it a horrifying revelation.

The details of Kev’s news are being kept tightly under wraps — ITV has confirmed that the full truth will only be revealed in tonight’s episode on ITVX — but insiders promise a shocking development tied to a murder inside the prison.

The revelation leaves Robert visibly shaken and emotional. Later, he confides in Aaron, admitting that he has been hiding a painful secret about his prison years — including his transfer back to Hotten during the pandemic and the true nature of his relationship with Kev.

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Flashback Episode to Reveal the Truth

Tomorrow’s Emmerdale will take an unprecedented step, focusing entirely on Robert’s time behind bars. The special flashback episode will dive into the trauma, violence, and unspoken bonds that defined his prison experience — and the deadly event that still haunts him.

Actor Ryan Hawley teased the emotional episode, revealing it contains a twist even the cast didn’t expect:

“When I read the script, I was like, ‘whoa.’ It’s massively pivotal — something that happened that no one knows about. It’s huge, and it will definitely lead to things later down the line.”

The storyline promises to explore the psychological toll of incarceration and the blurred lines between loyalty and survival.

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What Lies Ahead for Robertand Aaron?

With Kev’s return dredging up buried secrets and guilt, fans are speculating whether Robert’s release could soon be jeopardized. Did he cover up a crime inside the prison? Is Kev’s visit a warning — or a threat?

Whatever the truth, this revelation is set to rock Emmerdale to its core and reshape Robert’s future forever.