Emmerdale fans are in uproar this week following the latest developments in the dramatic storyline involving Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), as many characters, particularly Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) and Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins), are conveniently forgetting Robert’s past sacrifices and painting him as the villain once again.
The outrage began after Robert was arrested for attempted murder following a harrowing sequence of events in which Aaron Dingle was nearly killed. Viewers watched in disbelief as John, Robert’s estranged brother, not only called the police but also blamed Robert for the situation, despite being the one to literally pull Aaron off a cliff.
To make matters worse, Chas and Victoria have shown little to no support for Robert, seemingly jumping on the bandwagon and accepting the worst about him. And fans have had enough.
In recent episodes, Emmerdale has leaned heavily into the fallout of Aaron’s near-death experience. Both Aaron and John were shown unconscious in the hospital, recovering in separate beds, while Mackenzie Boyd, another victim in the saga, remains trapped underground in a bunker.
But rather than supporting Robert during what’s clearly another emotionally devastating chapter in his life, his so-called family members have turned their backs.
Fans took to social media in droves to share their frustration, with one writing:
Many fans believe the show has glossed over or ignored important pieces of history in order to push this new narrative, particularly Robert’s original prison sentence, which he took on for his family. Back in 2019, Robert was imprisoned after attacking Lee Posner, the man who raped Victoria. His actions, while violent, were in defence of his sister, a fact that fans say Victoria seems to have conveniently forgotten.
‘Victoria would be dead if Robert hadn’t done what he did,’ one user tweeted. ‘I hope Robert never forgives these people ever again when John is exposed.’ Another wrote.
Similarly, Chas, who once fought tooth and nail for Aaron’s happiness, now seems far more willing to believe Robert is capable of such calculated violence.
Fans have shared their outrage online with comments like: ‘Between Vic & Chas, I don’t know who I hate more right now!’ And, ‘Victoria doesn’t deserve Robert as her brother.’
The fallout has sparked an outcry from fans who are demanding a course correction. There’s growing sentiment online that Robert deserves a redemption arc, or at the very least, a fairer treatment from his family.
Some are even calling for Robert and Aaron’s long-awaited reunion, a ‘Robron’ reconciliation, as a way to heal the fractures left by years of trauma and separation.
‘We need Robron back. That’s the story the fans want. Enough of this slander.’
Others have pointed to Paddy Kirk as the one character who could have helped clarify things but stayed silent.
As the storyline continues to unfold, Emmerdale has successfully ignited conversation, and controversy around some of its most iconic characters. But the treatment of Robert Sugden has clearly hit a nerve with longtime fans.
Many feel this is more than just a plot twist; it’s a betrayal of character history, legacy, and relationships that fans have invested in for years.
Whether Robert will be vindicated or made into the scapegoat remains to be seen. But for now, fans are clear: justice for Robert is long overdue.
