Emmerdale Star Teases Shock Kev and Robert ‘Twist’ in Special Prison Flashback Episode
Emmerdale fans are in for a major treat this week as the ITV soap airs a special standalone flashback episode uncovering Robert Sugden’s secret past with Kev Townsend — and according to the cast, a huge twist is about to change everything.
The episode, airing Wednesday, November 5, will take viewers back to Robert’s time behind bars, finally revealing what really happened during his six-year prison sentence and how his unexpected romance with Kev first began.
Robert and Kev’s Prison Past Exposed
The one-off episode promises to fill in the missing years of Robert’s life while serving a 14-year sentence for killing Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie).
Fans already know that since his surprise return to the village, Robert (Ryan Hawley) has been caught in a messy love triangle with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) — his ex-husband and soulmate — and Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill), the man he secretly married while in prison.
But this flashback episode will finally shed light on the origins of Robert and Kev’s complex relationship — and reveal the truth behind their unlikely connection.
“I Didn’t Know I Had a Husband!”
Speaking to OK! and other outlets, Ryan Hawley admitted he had no idea about Robert’s secret marriage until filming began.
“I didn’t know I had a husband in prison,” Ryan laughed. “Someone on set just said, ‘Yeah, so your husband is coming into it,’ and I was like, what! To have this flashback is lovely — it gives us the chance to tell that whole story.”
Both Ryan and co-star Chris Coghill confirmed that a major plot twist takes place during the flashback that neither actor was aware of when they first received their scripts.
“There’s one particularly nice little twist that neither of us knew about until we read it,” Ryan revealed. “I remember thinking, whoa, because no one had told me. It’s massively pivotal in their relationship.”
“It Explains Everything”
Chris Coghill hinted that the episode will reframe Kev’s behaviour and motivations in current episodes.
“It explains a lot,” he said. “It makes sense of my thinking — what I expect from Robert, and why our relationship is the way it is.”
He also teased that the flashback links directly to an upcoming storyline, suggesting that the events of this episode will have major consequences later in the year.
Different Timelines, One Explosive Reveal
The episode will cover multiple time periods, showing Robert’s evolving life in prison between 2021 and the months before Aaron and John’s wedding.
Ryan added:
“There are different time periods throughout the episode. A couple of different hairstyles too — all me, no wigs!”
While the actors stayed tight-lipped about the episode’s ending, both promised something unforgettable.
“I think it’s leading to a climax,” Ryan teased, before Chris added with a grin, “Something very dramatic — but we can’t say what it is.”
What Does It Mean for Robert and Aaron?
With Robert’s past about to come to light and Kev’s true motives still unclear, the fallout could redefine Emmerdale’s most complicated love triangle.
Will the truth bring Robert and Aaron closer together — or tear them apart all over again?
One thing’s for sure: this special episode will change the Emmerdale landscape forever.