Emmerdale fans are convinced that Robert Sugden's new restaurant, Sugden's Smokehouse, will be set on fire, with many naming Gabby Thomas as the likely culprit.
Robert (Ryan Hawley) has been expanding his business empire, recently acquiring the failed Hide restaurant from Gabby (Rosie Bentham). After winning £100,000 in a high-stakes poker night, he manipulated Gabby into selling the Hide amid her financial and personal struggles, buying it with the cash alongside Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).
Robert's ruthless tactics spark speculation
Robert's business methods have caused friction. After Gabby discovered his tactics, she stripped the place of all its equipment and chairs before handing it over. This month, he also attempted to poach Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Mary Goskirk (Louise Jameson) from The Woolpack, leaving owner Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) fuming. Charity responded with a counter-deception involving Marlon and Mark.
This week, Robert transformed the Hide into Sugden's Smokehouse, unveiling the new sign to loved ones including Aaron and Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy).
Viewers point to Gabby as firestarter
On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, viewers speculated the restaurant name hints at a fire, with several pointing to Gabby. One said, "Got a funny feeling the Smokehouse will end up on fire," and another agreed, "Exactly my thoughts." A third predicted, "Looked like Gabby wasn't too happy. She will be up to something?" Another fan wrote, "I think Gabby will set it on fire," while a fifth added, "Will deffo be a smoke house."
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
