Where is ITV Emmerdale’s Robert Sugden star now amid John Sugden mystery

Only recently on Emmerdale, Robert Sugden has been mentioned on the hit ITV soap thanks to the arrival of his long-lost brother John Sugden

Emmerdale has been full of dramatic scenes recently thanks to the arrival of newcomer John Sugden.

John, played by Oliver Farnworth, made his debut last month as the long-lost son of Jack Sugden and half-sibling of both Victoria and Robert Sugden. John has wasted no time in ruffling feathers in the village and even starting a romance with Aaron Dingle, where the two have a love-hate relationship.

However, at the start of their fling, neither of them knew he was the brother of his ex-husband Robert and John has since caused suspicion amongst viewers due to his mysterious behaviour in the village. Soap watchers have been left delighted over the mention of Robert recently with many hoping the character could return.

**Emmerdale has been full of dramatic scenes recently thanks to the arrival of newcomer John Sugden**

Viewers will recall that Robert left the show back in 2019 after being sent to prison over the death of Lee Posner. Robert accidentally caused Lee’s death after he attacked him, following Lee horrifically raping his sister Victoria. Robert faced up to his crime and cut all ties with the village and his loved ones as he was sentenced.

But viewers have long hoped he may return, especially after hints that Robert may not have caused his death. Lee obtained injuries to his head when he was punched, but it emerged Lee had also been hit by his brother Luke and that might have led to his death. And with Robert mentioned recently due to John’s debut, viewers are hoping he could make a return.

Actor Ryan Hawley, who played Robert from 2014 to 2019, has had a busy few years since leaving the hit ITV soap. Ryan, 38, appeared in Silent Witness in 2021 as Michael Robson before going on to star as Sid Crabtree in All Creatures Great and Small. Earlier this year, Ryan took on the role of Jamie Cleveland in Casualty.

**Ryan Hawley played Robert Sugden from 2014 to 2019** (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Meanwhile, longtime soap watchers will recall that Ryan wasn’t the only actor to play the legendary character as Karl Davies portrayed the role from 2001 until 2009. Karl, 42, has starred in a slew of popular TV shows since leaving the ITV soap with him best known for his role as Daniel Cawood in Happy Valley.

Other roles include Viktor Proskuryakov in Chernobyl, Ronald Mallen in Call the Midwife, Carl McGregor in The Bay and viewers can currently catch Karl in hit ITV drama The Tower, where he plays DCI Tim Bailie.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm.