They were considered one of the soap’s defining love stories.

But after six long years, Emmerdale fans have rejoiced as Robert Sugden made a surprise return to the village in Wednesday’s episode.

Aaron had been set to tie the knot with Robert’s brother John Sugden, unaware that he was a serial killer.

But as the pair prepared to exchange their vows, Aaron was stunned when his ex-husband Robert walked into the venue, with actor Ryan Hawley reprising his role.

This week, viewers have seen John struggle to hide his growing web of lies, terrorising his ex Aidan to death after he woke from his coma.

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Emmerdale fans rejoiced as Robert Sugden made a surprise return to the village in Wednesday’s episode

Aaron Dingle (left) had been set to tie the knot with Robert’s brother John Sugden, before Robert crashing the ceremony

While Aaron was originally prepared to call off the wedding, he had a change of heart and was ready to marry John, until Robert’s surprise return. 

The episode ended on a dramatic cliffhanger, with Robert turning to Aaron to ask whether he’s ‘missed him.’

Robert’s return sent die-hard soap fans into a frenzy, with many rejoicing that he and his ex Aaron could finally be reunited.

The pair’s marriage came to an abrupt end in 2019 when Robert was jailed for manslaughter after attacking his sister Victoria’s rapist Lee Posner.

Posts on X included: ‘Robron back in the year 2025 after six years I’ve never been f*****g happier;

‘I’m sorry, but to be gone six years and turn up looking this GORGEOUS?! HIS POWER!!!’

‘Robert: Miss me. Everyone: YES;’

‘ROBRON IS BACK IN THE YEAR 2025 ROBRON STANS HOW WE FEELING;

Robert’s return sent die-hard soap fans into a frenzy, with many rejoicing that he and his ex Aaron could finally be reunited

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It’s been a long six years but this is what #robron fans have been waiting for… Ryan Hawley returning to #emmerdale as Robert Sugden. We all hope that he returns to the show full time but so happy that he has come back. Let’s hope our favourite couple get a happy ending’

‘It’s been a very loooong six years but we FINALLY HAVE #ROBRON.’

Speaking about his return, Ryan hinted that it may not be Aaron that has led him back to the village.

He told The Mirror: ‘What’s Robert doing there, has he got ulterior motives, does he know something about John?

‘How has he even found out that this wedding was taking place? There’s a lot to unpick and so much to be revealed over the next few nights. It’s a great few episodes and I’m really excited to see them.’

The actor did hint that Aaron will be left with a ‘dilemma’ over who he loves when he’s reunited with his ex.

He added: It’s a mᴀssive dilemma for Aaron, who’s found John as a new love in his life and then he’s got Robert, who used to be the love of his life, turn up!

‘He’s got a mᴀssive decision to make. I guess all the weight is on Aaron’s shoulders.’ But all might not be as it seems, with it yet to be explained how Robert is out in the village and not still in prison where he’s been for the last six years.’

And while it had originally been reported that Ryan would only be returning for a short stint, in a new interview on Wednesday, he confirmed that Robert will be back in the village permanently.

He told The Mirror: ‘My character is returning permanently and not just for Aaron and John’s wedding. I am back for good, and I am so excited to be playing Robert again.’

Emmerdale continues on Thursday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.