Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley has teased more "ruthless" scenes ahead for his character Robert Sugden, suggesting his true intentions may not be what they seem. The actor hinted that while some of Robert's schemes become clear, his real agenda remains ambiguous.
Robert's plans for The Hide and Nicola
Robert has convinced Gabby Thomas to sell The Hide to him, with big plans in mind. He has suggested to Gabby that he can help her make it up to Nicola King, following her connection to the death of her late husband Jimmy King. On the surface, Robert appears to be looking out for Nicola, but Hawley hinted this may not be the case.
Hawley teased: "I think it's kind of ambiguous. Maybe not all is as it seems. And maybe he's going to be completely ruthless, or maybe he's going to have a softer side. We'll see."
Playing a darker Robert
The actor also revealed he has enjoyed playing the darker side of Robert, with more schemes potentially on the way. He explained: "He's certainly more devious in the last couple of weeks and months, and scheming, and underhand, which can be more fun to play. So it's been a lot of fun lately."
However, Hawley noted that Robert's partner Aaron Dingle will always be there to keep him on the right path. He said: "Aaron anchors Robert with the moral compass, with a more a kind of more everyday man moral compass. I think it's good for him to have to kind of keep him in check. Aaron being Aaron, kind of dissuades Robert from going too far, maybe, with it."
Working with Patsy Kensit and future storylines
Hawley also discussed Robert's relationship with Sadie King, following their recent scheming. He shared: "It's been so interesting picking up from where another actor's portrayal of the character that I play left off. I've absolutely loved working with Sadie/Patsy [Kensit]. She's been a lot of fun. We've had a great time together on set and in our scenes. Their relationship, it was just weird because you're kind of having to remember someone else's memories, almost, and think about someone else's relationship and pretend it was your own. So that's been a bit of a challenge, but we've both enjoyed it."
Hawley hopes the show continues to put the Sugdens front and centre, saying: "It's more to do, it's more things, more possible storylines, more people to work with. Not that I don't like working with the people I regularly work with, but it's just more things going on, and that's great 'cause it means you're busy, with more challenges, and more fun."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
