Emmerdale's Ryan Hawley reveals real reason he's returned to the soap after secretly moving abroad
EMMERDALE star Ryan Hawley has revealed the real reason for his soap return - after secretly moving abroad.
The actor has reprised his popular role as Robert Sugden for the first time since 2019.
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His dramatic return to the soap came amid his ex Aaron about to get married.
Speaking to press, Ryan has shared the real reason behind his big Emmerdale comeback.
The actor said: "I have been able to do some cool stuff while I have been away.
"I've got to do things like All Creatures Great and Small, Miss Scarlet, Casualty and Silent Witness.
'I wasn't as busy as I would have liked, but that meant I got to be around my kids a lot, so I was very lucky.'
Meanwhile, he had also moved to Brazil with his wife and young children.
Ryan added: 'It was great and such a nice life experience."
The Sun exclusively revealed Ryan would be reprising his role as Robert for a brief stint.
A source speaking at the time said: 'Ryan has a lot of respect for the show and its fans and he really wanted to give them a treat so he agreed to come back for a brief stint.
'It's going to be a huge surprise for fans especially the Robron fans who have missed Robert desperately since Ryan quit.
Emmerdale fans work out explosive twist as John Sugden arrives in the village - and they aren't happy
'Nothing was seen as being too extreme to keep the secret with fake names on scripts, smuggling him in and out of the studios and keeping everything very tight.'
Aaron Dingle's biggest storylines
The character Aaron Dingle (formerly Livesy) made his Emmerdale debut all the way back in 2003. Current actor Danny Miller took on the role in 2008. Here are some of Aaron's biggest soap storylines over the years.
McFarlane family: After Aaron returns to the village in 2008, he is arrested by Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson) for possession of drugs. His mother Chas ' (Lucy Pargeter) family later learn he is a drug courier for the McFarlanes.
Coming to terms with his homosexuality: Initially, Aaron questioned and struggled to come to terms with his homosexuality. He ultimately confided in friend and guardian Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).
Romantic advance towards Adam Barton: At one point, Aaron begins dating Holly Barton (Sophie Powles) and befriends her brother Adam (Adam Thomas). Aaron tries to kiss Adam after they are involved in a run-off road collision. Embarrassed, he tells Adam that he misunderstood the situation. Aaron sleeps with Holly, however, Adam informs his family that he thinks Aaron is gay. Aaron denies it but Holly ends the relationship.
Child sexual abuse: In 2015, it was revealed Aaron had been sexually abused by his father Gordon (Gary Mavers) when he was from the age of 8 before Gordon kicked him out. Ultimately, Gordon was imprisoned years later - but took his own life while in prison.
Relationship with Jackson Walsh: Aaron and Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock) started dating after a tumultuous start to knowing each other. Their story ultimately ended in heartbreak, as Jackson died by assisted suicide.
Suicide attempt: A harrowing storyline from 2010 saw a then-teenage Aaron attempt to take his own life.
Relationship with Robert Sugden: Aaron and long-standing character Robert Sugden were romantically linked following the latter's return in 2014. Nicknamed "Robron", the pair married in 2018, however, Robert exited the soap in 2019.
The star - who played scheming Robert between 2014 and 2019 in the ITV soap - agreed to return as a one-off treat for fans as ex-husband Aaron Dingle prepares to marry Robert ' s killer brother John Sugden.
ITV pulled the episode from its streaming service ITVX ahead of its usual 7am broadcast in an effort to maintain the surprise for fans.
Which Sugden brother will Aaron choose to be with?
Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
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