ITV Emmerdale Robert Sugden star unrecognisable as he shares exciting news with fans

Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley looks worlds away from his days as Robert Sugden in his latest social media post.

Fans of the ITV1 soap will recall that the 38-year-old actor left the serial drama back in 2019 after his character was sent to prison over the death of Lee Posner.

Robert accidentally caused Lee’s death after he attacked him, following Lee horrifically raping his sister Victoria Sugden. Robert faced up to his crime and cut all ties with the village and his loved ones as he was sentenced,

However, fans have been hopeful for his return, especially following hints that Robert may not have been responsible for Lee’s death. Lee sustained head injuries from Robert’s punch, but it was later revealed that he had also been hit by his brother Luke, which could have caused his death.

Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley played Robert Sugden from 2014 until 2019

However, there is yet to be any confirmation that Robert will be returning to the village anytime soon and Ryan has been keeping busy since his departure five years ago.

He recently played Sid Crabtree in All Creatures Great and Small and he’ll be returning to the role once again very soon. Taking to Instagram, Ryan shared two selfies sporting a beard.

The soap star penned alongside the snap: “Throwback Thursday to the looks that didn’t make the cut. Season 5 starts next week.” Unsurprisingly, his post sent fans into meltdown, with some social media users begging for him tor return to Emmerdale.

The actor has been keeping busy since his departure from the ITV soap five years ago. ( Image: Instagram)

Another added: “A great series is All Creatures Great and Small. After this could you go back to Emmerdale and get Robert to sort out John Sugden and make the Mill a family home for Aaron and Robert plus get rid of the spiral staircase lol.”

A third person said: “Please come Back to Emmerdale Aaron and Robert are my favourite couple.” Someone else said: “The floppy hair looks good, it suits you. Will be watching the show when your on”

Ryan looked completely different with a beard ( Image: Instagram)

As well as appearing in All Creatures Great And Small, Ryan appeared in Silent Witness in 2021 as Michael Robson and more recently, he took on the role of Jamie Cleveland in Casualty.

Long-term soap fans will remember that Ryan isn’t the only actor to portray Robert Sugden. Karl Davies also played the role from 2001 until 2009.