Emmerdale is set for a dramatic twist as a major character is set to make a surprise comeback – and their first scenes have already been filmed.

In a move that’s sure to thrill soap fans, Robert Sugden is reportedly returning to the village in a storyline packed with emotional tension and family drama.

Six years have pᴀssed since Ryan Hawley bowed out of the ITV soap, leaving viewers heartbroken when his character was written out in 2019. 

Now, according to The Sun, the actor has stepped back into Robert’s shoes for a short stint, with his return set to air next month.

He is believed to be returning for ex-husband Aaron Dingle’s wedding to his killer brother John Sugden. 

An insider told the publication: ‘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.

In a move that’s sure to thrill soap fans, Robert Sugden is reportedly returning to the village in a storyline packed with emotional tension and family drama (played by Ryan Hawley)

Six years have pᴀssed since Ryan bowed out of the ITV soap, leaving viewers heartbroken when his character was written out in 2019

‘It’s going to be a huge surprise for fans especially the Robron fans who have missed Robert desperately since Ryan quit.

‘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 тιԍнт.’

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.

Ryan is the fourth actor to have played Robert, taking up the role in 2014 and following in the footsteps of Richard Smith, Christopher Smith and Karl Davies.

In one of his most explosive storylines, he accidentally killed sister-in-law Katie after she took a pH๏τo of him and Aaron kissing whilst he was engaged to Chrissie White.

During his time in the role, Ryan has won various awards, including a Tric Award for Soap Actor last year and the gong for Best Soap Actor at the TV Choice Awards the year before.

He also bagged Best Partnership with Danny Miller at the Inside Soap Awards back in 2016 and Best Newcomer at the same awards ceremony in 2015.

In June 2019, Ryan quit his role on the soap after five years of playing the much-loved character.

He is believed to be returning for ex-husband Aaron Dingle’s wedding to his killer brother John Sugden (pictured in 2018)

Aaron is unaware he is marrying a serial killer but can Robert save the day? Fans will have to wait and see

Read More Emmerdale legend looks unrecognisable as he shows off striking new look for TV return

The actor reportedly decided to leave the long-running soap to pursue ‘other projects’.

An insider told The Sun in 2019: ‘Emmerdale fans have loved every minute of RobRon’s story, and what Ryan has brought to playing Robert.

‘But he has decided to take a break from the show for the foreseeable future and try other projects.

Since his departure from the Dales, Ryan has been gracing other television shows with his presence. 

He made an appearance on Casualty last year as Jamie Cleveland, and stunned fans with a dramatic new look featuring a long hairstyle and beard in Silent Witness.

The actor has also been part of Channel 5’s revival of All Creatures Great & Small as Sid Crabtree.