Emmerdale fans declare ‘best surprise ever’ as they respond to unexpected ‘return from dead’
Viewers of the ITV soap were delighted about the appearance as the truth about Robert Sugden’s prison stint was revealed
Robert Sugden and Faith Dingle in Emmerdale(Image: ITV)
Emmerdale fans have declared that the ‘best surprise ever’ took place during the latest episode as the truth about Robert Sugden’s prison stint was revealed.
Fans of the ITV soap were preparing for a special episode focusing on the character’s time behind bars – and how he came to know, and be married to, Kev Towsend.
Viewers saw Robert return to the village earlier this year, after six years away, just as his ex, Aaron Dingle, was marrying John Sugden, a secret killer who just so happened to be Robert’s long-lost half-brother.
He was sentenced in 2019 for the death of Lee Posner, and soon decided it would be best to cut off all contact with sister Victoria Sugden and ex-husband.
While he didn’t stop the wedding, John was eventually exposed for the murderer he is. But just as Aaron hoped that him and Robert could start again, another obstacle was thrown into the mix. That obstacle being Robert’s prison husband, Kev.
Earlier this week, Kev told Robert about the death of a prisoner at the hands of Jez, the man who tormented him in prison and made his life a misery.
Triggering his own memories, in an emotional episode of Emmerdale on Wednesday night (November 12), Robert, played by Ryan Hawley, finally opened up about his life in prison to Aaron, portrayed by Danny Miller, and Victoria, played by Isabel Hodgins.
Robert explained his complicated relationship with Kev (Chris Coghill) and how his friendship developed into something more. Robert describes how his wedding to Kev made him accept prison life instead of pursuing an appeal, until he got an unexpected visitor….
Faith’s appearance came as a surprise to Emmerdale viewers(Image: ITV)
A flashback then revealed that the now deceased Faith visited Robert before her death, to tell him how bad things had got for Aaron, and how he might be the only person who could save him.
Robert was clearly deeply concerned for his soulmate and Faith’s words finally forced Robert to confront his feelings for Aaron as she urged him to appeal his case and save his one true love.
And Faith’s return sparked an outpouring of comments from delighted fans on social media, with actress Sally Dextor reprising the role following her exit in 2022.
@LouiseMacAllis2 said: “Best surprise ever! Thank you Faith Dingle! #Robron #Emmerdale.” @cosmictradegy commented: “Faith dingle coming to save the day you are so missed diva #Emmerdale #Robron.”
@rsudgenoutfits wrote: “Faith Dingle the woman you areeee Let’s raise a glass to this incredible woman!!! #emmerdale #robron #faithdingle.” @AnnieSugden75 posted: “Sometimes you just need to have a little Faith… that things will work out The absolute legend that is Faith Dingle. I bloody miss her. Fantastic work Emmerdale #robron #emmerdale.”
@PinksweetheartX shared: “I was absolutely not expecting the surprise visitor to be Faith, but I’m so glad now that it was. She really is the reason Robert started his appeal. And that instant concern in his face when he hears about Aaron #robertsugden #robron #emmerdale.” @Claudettestea added: “Is Faith Dingle ever on the wrong side of history? Nope she is always right my queen #Emmerdale.”
