Emmerdale legend who was killed off back in 2022 returned for an emotional scene
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
20:00, 12 Nov 2025
Emmerdale’s Robert Sugden featured in a throwback episode(Image: ITV)
Emmerdale has aired a shock return of a soap icon as Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) detailed his time in prison.
The thrilling episode of the ITV soap aired on Wednesday (November 12) and delved into the backstory between Robert and his husband, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill).
The flashbacks covered Robert’s six-year stint in prison, where he was serving a 14-year sentence for the murder of Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie), as the truth about what transpired while he was behind bars is finally exposed.
Robert’s ex-husband, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), had been under the impression that he was in prison on the Isle of Wight, however, Robert has now confessed he was moved back to Hotten during the pandemic.
The ITV soap aired a gripping flashback episode detailing Robert and Kev Townsend’s time in prison (Image: ITV)
During the episode, Robert grew closer to cellmate Kev, and the pair agreed to marry, which diverted Robert’s attention from seeking parole.
Robert was visited by the late Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter), who urged him to sort out his relationship with her grandson, Aaron.
Faith confirmed that she was dying after stopping all treatment for cancer, and encouraged Robert to apply for release after new evidence proved that Lee could have died of a brain injury caused by his brother.
Faith said: “The family doesn’t know yet, but I have decided to stop treatment, which is what has led me to you. I came here to make a deal. I won’t tell Aaron about you being so close if you start your appeal.”
After Robert shared his confusion, Faith added, “He has run off somewhere, doesn’t look like he’s ever coming back. Sweehtheart, there has been all sorts going on, I won’t sugarcoat it – it’s been bad, really bad.”
Faith then urged Robert to get in contact with Aaron to bring him back to the village, as Robert admitted he still loved Aaron.
Who was Faith Dingle in Emmerdale?
Faith Dingle appeared in Emmerdale between 2000 and 2022
Faith was the ex-wife of Shadrach Dingle (Andy Devine) and the mother of Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), Caleb Miligan (William Ash), and Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter).
When Faith was 16 years old, she cheated on Shadrach with his brother Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) and fell pregnant with Cain. The couple always assumed Cain was Shadrach’s son until he was revealed to be biologically Zak’s some years later.
Faith first appeared on-screen in 2000 and had recurring roles until her on-screen death in 2022.
How did Faith Dingle die in Emmerdale?
Emmerdale fans were stunned as Faith returned to the ITV soap
Faith died in October 2022, taking her last breaths in the arms of her beloved son, Cain, following a terminal breast cancer diagnosis only months before.
Her illness began to progress at a rapid rate, and she confided in daughter-in-law Moira (Natalie J Robb) that she planned to take her own life rather than let the cancer take control.
Moira agreed to be by her side when the time came, and, unaware, Cain organised a special day for his mum, bringing the seaside to the village.
Faith had a blissful time and later decided to bring her tragic plan forward to the following day.
Cain Dingle said goodbye to his mum as she took her final breath in 2022(Image: ITV)
Viewers saw Faith share a touching moment with daughter Chas, who Faith sent off for a spa treat at a posh hotel.
She was then visited by great-granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), before asking Cain to fetch her a stick of rock from their favourite holiday destination. As she leaned in for a hug, Cain held her close, overwhelmed with sadness.
When Moira heard from Sarah that Faith had given the teen the sentimental necklace she’d promised her after her death, she realised that something was wrong and immediately found Cain.
Faith and Zack Dingle are the parents of Cain(Image: Andrew Boyce)
The pair rushed to the Woolpack, and as they walked into Faith’s bedroom, Cain found evidence that Faith had taken a fatal dose.
But she was still alive, and as Cain demanded that Moira should call an ambulance, Faith breathlessly begged them not to call for help.
Moira went to tell Paddy (Dominic Brunt) to call Chas, while Cain stayed with his mum as he tearfully held her in his arms.
Cain told Faith he loved her before talking over the happy events of the previous day. Eventually, Faith passed away as Cain placed a final kiss on her head.
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX
