Robert’s Secrets Begin to Unravel

Robert Sugden’s past comes crashing into his present this week in Emmerdale’s early ITVX episode, as his carefully constructed lies spiral dangerously out of control. After rekindling his relationship with Aaron Dingle, Robert receives an unexpected visit from Kev Townsend — his husband, and a man who knows far too much about the darkest chapter of Robert’s life.

The two met in prison when Robert was attacked by inmates for his sexuality. In need of protection, he turned to Kev, who later became his confidant and eventual partner. Believing he would serve a long sentence, Robert built a new identity behind bars — one that included marrying Kev. What he never planned for was freedom, or the messy tangle that followed.

Kev’s Release Changes Everything

When Robert visits Kev in prison, he expects a routine check-in. Instead, Kev drops a life-changing bombshell. Due to his terminal illness and low risk to others, Kev is being released early. The news leaves Robert stunned. Worse still, Kev will be moving into the village under an outreach programme with Charles and Claudette Anderson.

For Robert, the nightmare couldn’t be worse. He must continue his marriage to Kev while hiding the truth from Aaron, who believes their reunion marks a fresh start. As Vic reminds him yet again that he needs to end things with Kev, Robert feels the walls closing in.

A Dangerous Game of Deception

After a night at Aaron’s flat, where the pair bonded over memories of Liv, Robert promises to honour her memory — only to lie about his visit to the prison the next day. As he rushes to see Kev, his web of deceit grows. Soon, Robert finds himself juggling two relationships, two homes, and a mounting sense of guilt that threatens to crush him.

But his secret won’t stay buried for long. Upcoming scenes will see Robert and Kev share a kiss outside The Woolpack — and Aaron will witness everything.

“It’s Going to Be Explosive”

Speaking about the storyline, Ryan Hawley teased the fallout to come:
“It’s going to be explosive. Aaron thinks he and Robert are finally on the path they were always meant to be on. Then suddenly this man appears — his old cellmate — and the next thing Aaron sees is them kissing round the back of The Woolpack. So not only has he been lied to, but by multiple people he trusts.”

Hawley also hinted at Kev’s unpredictable presence in the village:
“He’s dangerous in a reactionary way — not calculated like John was. He’s volatile, but there’s also something tragic about him. You can see why Robert can’t just walk away.”

Trouble Ahead for All Three

With Kev’s release just days away, Robert’s double life is reaching breaking point. His loyalty to Aaron collides with his complex feelings for Kev — gratitude, guilt, and something much deeper. When the truth finally surfaces, the emotional fallout could destroy all three men.