In the Dales currently, Aaron’s getting it on with John Sugden. And, we all know that this isn’t the first time that he’s gotten up close and personal with someone with that surname.
Yes, viewers will be well aware that Aaron was once part of one of the greatest soap love stories ever to exist, forming one half of Emmerdale couple Robron.
So, as Aaron gazes into the eyes of John, here’s why he’ll never be able to shake Robert from his memory.
Aaron loves a Sugden (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: John and Aaron – From enemies to friends (with benefits)
John first arrived on screen as he met up with Aaron, with his van breaking down just before their online date.
Things soon escalated and they ended up having a passionate moment in the van, before John made off with the keys to Aaron’s (well, Pollard’s) car!
Aaron thought that he’d never see they guy again, but after Vic bumped into John at a funeral and realised that he might be her half brother, well it’s safe to say that Aaron’s seen a lot more of him that he expected.
Whilst initially being shocked at the fact that he’d slept with ANOTHER Sugden (a little icky considering he was married to a member of John’s family!), this didn’t stop Aaron from sleeping with John on more than one occasion.
But, last night (Monday, September 2), Aaron reassured Vic that what he had with John would never ever come close to the connection he shared with Robert. Phew. And, here’s why we’re agreeing!
Robron were the real deal (Credit: ITV)
The Sugden thing only works once
Well, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way, the whole John being a Sugden thing is a huge factor as to why the two wouldn’t work.
At one point, Aaron was basically a Sugden himself. A lot went down when Robert went to prison. He still has a good relationship with Vic, but Aaron’s tried to move on from that part of his life as much as he can. And, he soooo shouldn’t go back there (well not with anyone other than Robert anyway!)
Surely, Aaron would feel like he was betraying the actual love of his life by dating another member of his family, no?
And, even if we did just put that thought to one side for a moment, the chances of John and Aaron being a new Emmerdale Robron 2.0 are still super slim…
Nothing else compares (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Robron – A love that nobody can duplicate
John and Aaron clearly have a lot of lust for each other, but it’s extremely hard to see this developing into an actual romantic relationship.
That’s because Robert and Aaron were a power couple, totally in love with each other. They came as a package, with fans still shipping them to this day.
Robron went through soooo much together and developed such an emotional connection that will forever be unmatched as far as we’re concerned! The truth is… Aaron’s never quite gotten over Robert. It’s unclear if he ever will. That Robron split still breaks our hearts five years on!
And, as for John… does he even have a heart under that tough exterior? Hmmm…
Emmerdale: Too much baggage?
Both John and Aaron have a lot of baggage, with their personalities seeming to be a little too alike. There’s no denying that there’s sexual tension between these two (they can’t keep their hands off each other), but are they capable of letting each other in and connecting on a deeper level?
Can they really support each other through the tough times or is their compatibility only a physical one? We’ll have to see…
He scoops Chas up to stop her talking when he’s trying to tell her how he feels.
But then he drops her again and breaks her leg! OUCH!
In celebration of Carl’s disastrous proposal to Chas (which, let’s face it, is just a taster of how toxic their relationship will eventually become) here’s a round-up of the most awful Emmerdale proposals!
Dan proposed to Kerry and she wasn’t happy! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Dan Spencer and Kerry Wyatt – awful Emmerdale proposals
Kerry Wyatt was working out the best way to dump long-term love Dan Spencer when he dropped a surprise on her. He proposed in front of the drinkers in the Woolpack, with a delighted Amelia watching on.
Kerry accepted but she wasn’t impressed and instead when they got a moment to themselves she told him, they weren’t as solid as he thought – but in very different places.
Awww.
Charity hijacked someone else’s proposal for Vanessa (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Charity Dingle and Vanessa Woodfield
Fan fave Vanity got engaged in a rather unconventional way when Charity hijacked a rude and unpleasant client’s proposal.
The millionaire was so obnoxious to Charity when he hired Home Farm to propose to his own girlfriend, that she locked him in a cupboard! And then, seizing the moment, she nicked the proposal he’d planned – horse-drawn carriage and all. Vanessa wasn’t happy about it when she realised, but she soon forgave Charity, though the pair never actually made it down the aisle.
Robert was annoyed to find Lachlan White in the boot!
Robron
If we’re talking awful Emmerdale proposals then Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle have to be on the list! Robert planned to propose to boyfriend Aaron, but the pair were in the car bickering . What were they fighting about? Ah, well that would be the fact that Aaron had kidnapped Lachlan White and put him in the boot.
As the pair argued, Robert told Aaron that his plan to propose had been ruined! Surprised, Aaron glanced over to see Robert produce a wedding ring. But at that moment, his future husband yelled at him to look out, as they approached a pile-up ahead. Aaron swerved to avoid the chaos and the car ended up in a lake!
Luckily, both men lived to see another day, and did eventually tie the knot.
Read the room, David (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
David Metcalfe and Victoria Sugden
After overcoming some pretty big obstacles – including the wrath of serial killer Meena Jutla – to get together, David and Vic decided they were happy as they were.
At least, that’s what Victoria thought they’d decided. But David thought differently. He laid on a big romantic proposal, with fairy lights and cushions and all sorts, only to have Victoria turn him down – leaving him along in the rain in the middle of the woods!
Awks (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Frank Clayton and Megan Macey
When Megan realised her partner Frank was behaving oddly, she convinced herself he was cheating. And so, after some heavy-duty flirting from Graham Foster, she gave into temptation and cheated herself. Except Frank’s strange behaviour was because he was planning to propose – oops!
Guilty Megan rejected Frank’s offer of marriage though they rebuilt their relationship. But tragically Frank was killed in the factory fire (caused by Amy and Kerry) when he went back inside the burning building to get the engagement ring he planned on proposing with.
Just don’t, Kerry. Don’t. (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Kerry and Al Chapman
Less disastrous, more downright excruciatingly embarrassing! This awful Emmerdale proposal is a definite contender for most cringe-worthy. Besotted Kerry proposed to Al in the Woolie, through the medium of rap – bad enough, you’d think, but little did she know Al was cheating on her with Chas Dingle. All together now, “all I ask if I’m not a minger, is say yes, my love, and put a ring on me finger…”
John Sugden has arrived in Emmerdale and well and truly made his mark on everyone he’s come across.
But now it’s been revealed he might not be who he says he is. What?!
What is John hiding? (Credit: ITV)
Mystery man
In last night’s episode, Victoria found a box belonging to John in her son Harry’s room. When she handed it over to her new-found brother he opened it to reveal a dog tag.
He admitted he had been in the army but told Vic in no uncertain terms that he didn’t want to talk about that time in his life – it was over.
Fair enough.
Except what Victoria didn’t see was that the dog tag John was holding didn’t have his own name etched into it. Instead it said Aidan Moore.
John’s dog tag has the name Aidan Moore etched on it (Credit: ITV)
Who is Aidan Moore?
As if John’s prickly nature, feud with Mack and Aaron, and determination to leave Emmerdale as soon as he can weren’t enough to keep viewers gripped, now there’s another side to the newcomer’s mysterious character!
We’ve been sifting through the theories about who Aidan Moore could be – and why John has his dog tag!
Has Dawn got more to worry about? (Credit: ITV)
1. Links to a village villain?
Those of you with good memories will recall that Dawn’s evil ex – and dad to Clemmie and Lucas – was called Alex Moore. Could John have a link with him? Could this mean Alex returning to the village? (Let’s hope not, eh? Dawn’s got enough on her plate!).
John told Victoria he already had a dad in his life (Credit: ITV)
2. John’s stepdad
One of four things Aiden Moore could be in my opinion
His Ex
HIs wonderfully kind stepdad & it’s why he has no interest in the Sugden’s cause he had a guy that stepped up
His abusive stepdad & he is mad daddy dreariest left them in that position
One of the reasons John gave for never tracking down his biological dad Jack Sugden, was that he had a dad in his life. Could Aidan Moore be that stepdad – good or bad?
John’s single right now – at least we assume so! (Credit: ITV)
3. Ex-lover
Back with #Emmerdale tweets tomorrow. Who’s aiden moore? John ex lover or has he killed aiden and taken the dog tag?
John’s single now – at least we’re assuming so given his hook-up with Aaron in the back of his van – but could Aidan be an ex-lover? Possibly someone John lost during his time in the army?
Does John know Robert from prison? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
4. Robert’s cellmate
Is Aidan Moore John’s ex?? Husband? Dead?? Solider friend?? Dead?? Brother …Dead? 👀😬🤷ðŸ»â€â™‚ï¸
Or is John a conman who knew Robert in jail #emmerdale
Robert Sugden – John’s half-brother – is currently in jail, serving time for attacking Vic’s rapist (and dad to Harry) Lee Posner.
Some fans think it’s possible John – or Aidan – met Robert in prison and is a con man trying to worm his way into the Sugden family.
5. Stolen identity
My John Sugden theories:
– could he kill someone? I’m thinking possibly Mack (as Emmerdale are teasing a rivalry) OR Nate! Remember Nate has been confirmed to be leaving (and randomly appeared tonight)
– he has an army background, is he not the real John Sugden? #Emmerdale
Victoria has already commented that John is like their dad, Jack. And we reckon she’s right – John is definitely all Sugden. But are we being led down a dead-end? Some fans have been busy musing that John could BE Aidan Moore. “Is he not the real John Sugden?” said one fan.
Jack Sugden had a lot of women in his life. Are there more Sugdens out there? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
6. Another brother?
Hats off to the Emmerdale fan on Reddit who delved into the archives and discovered a character called Karen Moore who lived in Beckindale – as Emmerdale was called back then – in the 1980s. She had a fling with Jack AND Jack’s brother Joe and moved away in 1986. Could she be Aidan’s mum? And could Aidan be yet another Sugden brother?!
Aaron Dingle thought with his pants in this week’s Emmerdale when he bedded his internet date on the side of the road without even finding out his name. The guy then drove off with Aaron’s keys, wallet and beloved hoodie.
As if all that wasn’t bad enough, when Aaron did find out his name, it turned out to be John Sugden. And yes, he’s a real Sugden, half-brother of Aaron’s ex, Robert. Oops.
But it’s not the first time Aaron’s love-life has been complicated. Let’s take a look at his romantic history.
Victoria was Aaron’s first girlfriend (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Aaron and Victoria Sugden
Turns out, Robert and John aren’t the only Sugdens Aaron’s been with – he actually lost his virginity to Victoria. When Aaron first arrived in Emmerdale he hadn’t yet realised he was gay (or at least was trying to pretend he wasn’t). He and Victoria got together and had sex.
But when he found out she’d also slept with her foster brother, Daz Eden, Aaron dumped her.
He then turned his attentions to Holly Barton, but when he tried to blackmail her for sex it really put paid to any chance he might have had!
Aaron’s attraction to men first came to light when he and Adam Barton were involved in a car crash. Adam pulled away and Aaron immediately insisted Aaron had misunderstood and was imagining things. To prove it, he managed to get Holly to be his girlfriend after all.
Adam was not impressed given Holly was his sister. He tried to tell everyone what happened, but no one believed him. Angry Aaron confronted him about spreading rumours, but Adam insisted he wasn’t, he just didn’t want Aaron dating his sister when he’s gay. Holly and Aaron broke up soon after.
Jackson’s story ended tragically (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jackson Walsh: Aaron’s first love in Emmerdale
Jackson was Aaron’s first true love. The pair met at a gay bar in Hotten but Aaron was still struggling with his sexuality. When Paddy worked out what was really going on between Aaron and Jackson Aaron beat him to a pulp.
Still, Paddy stood by him and encouraged him to accept his sexuality. But Aaron would not. However he continued to see Jackson.
Aaron then violently punched Jackson and got charged with assault when he thought Jackson was about to out him to the village. Aaron was sentenced to community service and eventually revealed he was gay. He and Jackson then got together properly.
Tragedy struck when Jackson told Aaron he loved him and then drove off, upset, when Aaron didn’t say it back. Aaron called him, Jackson tried to answer his phone and crashed. He got stuck on a railway line. He was horribly injured when a train hit a van which then smashed into his car.
Jackson was paralysed from the neck down. He and Aaron broke up briefly and Aaron went on dates with a man called Flynn Buchanan, but could not forget about Jackson. They reconciled and pledged their love for one another.
However, Jackson could not come to terms with his new state. He made the difficult decision to end his life. Reluctantly, Aaron and Jackson’s mum, Hazel, agreed to help. Hazel brought the drugs to Jackson, but couldn’t give them to her son. So instead, Aaron was the one who handed them over. Jackson took the pills and passed away.
In a video message, played at his funeral, he told the mourners that his death was his own choice. That meant Aaron and Hazel didn’t get into trouble for it.
Romance blossomed with Ed (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Ed Roberts – the man Aaron left Emmerdale with
Rugby player Ed brought a minibus to the garage for Aaron to fix. After confusion over Aaron and Adam’s relationship, Ed and Aaron shared a kiss. However their first date was soured when Ed discovered Aaron helped Jackson to die.
Ed left, but later let Aaron explain himself. Aaron also showed him his self-harming scars. The couple spent the night together.
But things moved very fast for the pair when Ed revealed he was signed to a French rugby team and was leaving in four weeks. He asked Aaron to go with him.
At first Aaron said no, reluctant to leave his family. However after Adam started a fire at the garage, Aaron took the blame for his mate and fled to France with Ed in 2012 to escape prison.
When Aaron returned to Emmerdale in 2014, he and Ed had split up, but remained on good terms. And that’s when he met Robert Sugden.
It was toxic, but fans loved Robron! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Robert Sugden – Aaron’s true love?
At first, their relationship was horribly toxic. Robert was engaged to Chrissie White when he called Aaron to a layby to fix his car and then kissed him passionately. Robert later visited him at the garage and they had sex. However, Robert then firmly told Aaron he was straight!
Robert refused to leave Chrissie, but continued his affair with Aaron. Katie Sugden then got suspicious and Aaron, angry at Robert’s lack of commitment, engineered it so she would catch them kissing. However, the set-up led to Katie’s death.
Things got incredibly difficult between them after that. They were off and then on again and then off and then on, Aaron began over-exercising, running himself into the ground, and at one point Robert held him hostage and pointed a gun at him.
But after Robert was shot by Ross Barton things changed. It was Robert who got Aaron to confess his sexual abuse from his dad as a child. And Robert stood by him during the trial. He also helped Aaron get to know half-sister Liv Flaherty.
Though the pair still had their ups and downs – not least Aaron going to prison and Robert having a one-night stand with Rebecca White which resulted in him becoming a dad to little Seb – they married and settled down.
But their life together came to an end when Robert’s sister Victoria was raped by Lee Posner. Robert attacked her rapist, who died. Robert was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2019 and divorced Aaron to ‘set him free’. Robron were no more.
Lee’s brother Luke later confessed that he also attacked Lee on the same day he died, and Victoria thought that would be enough to see Robert free. But sadly, Rob decided not to pursue the case and he’s still in prison.
Ben was easily forgiving (Credit: ITV)
Aaron’s next love: Ben Tucker
Aaron began hooking up with random guys on dating apps in order to blot out the pain of the split. But by late 2020 Aaron was almost ready to move on. Coincidentally that’s when he reconnected with old school friend Ben Tucker. We say ‘friend’ but actually Aaron had bullied Ben and waged a campaign of homophobic abuse against him, so they weren’t really friends.
However, Ben forgave his former bully and the pair started a romance.
Liv – Aaron’s sister – caused a few troubles for the couple. Ben’s dad was an alcoholic and when Liv was struggling with drink, Ben didn’t want to be around her.
And the romance ended in tragedy when Ben became a victim of Emmerdale serial killer Meena.
John and Aaron wasted no time (Credit: ITV)
Aaron and John Sugden in Emmerdale – a replacement Robert?
On Wednesday (August 7), Aaron went off to meet an internet date. But he was stopped in a layby – incidentally the same layby he first hooked up with Robert in – by a man with a broken down van.
Talk about coincidence, the guy was only Aaron’s date! So rather than go to the hotel, the pair just got down and dirty in the van by the side of the road, without even knowing each other’s name.
He certainly seems to be Aaron’s type – moody, brooding, somewhat aggressive, oh, and he’s also a Sugden! That’s Aaron completing the Sugden hattrick then!
John Sugden is the half-brother of Victoria and Robert – and this makes things really rather awkward indeed.
However, even when Aaron confronted John and asked what he was playing at, and then got a punch in the stomach for it, it seemed pretty clear there was plenty of sexual tension between them. So how long before they can’t fight that attraction any more – and this becomes very complicated indeed?
Emmerdale fans have been treated to the arrival of John Sugden this week and after a pretty busy first few episodes they think they already have his card marked.
Sure his arrival and hook-up with Aaron was not a coincidence, one has now suggested this is all to do with Aaron’s ex, and John’s half-brother, Robert.
So how does it all work?
Aaron was immediately attracted to John – and then robbed by him! (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden arrives in Emmerdale
On Wednesday night (August 7) Aaron had a date at a hotel, but was flagged down on his way by a breakdown. It was John Sugden, but Aaron didn’t know him – nor did he know John was actually his date. Aaron had never seen his face and didn’t know his name either.
As Aaron fixed his van, it wasn’t long before the pair started kissing. Then they fell into the back and did the deed. Afterwards Aaron wanted an immediate repeat performance, but while he went for a wee in a bush John drove off – with Aaron’s keys, wallet and hoodie in the back of his van!
Then on Thursday August 8 Victoria kindly drove Pollard to a funeral. They were chatting to the son of the deceased and he introduced himself as John Sugden. Vic looked shocked and Pollard confirmed he could well be her half-brother.
When Vic introduced herself to John, he said he knew Jack was his dad and made it clear he wanted nothing to do with the Sugdens. He left and Victoria was totally baffled.
John later broke down again and Mack was called to tow him back to Emmerdale – where Aaron was waiting. Turned out John hadn’t officially robbed him, he’d just driven off without giving his things back.
Victoria was thrilled to see him again. She immediately revealed Aaron was Robert’s ex-husband and took her new sibling to her place for the night.
But, Aaron was convinced John was up to something. “You’re not telling me this happened by chance?” he questioned. And he got a punch in the stomach for his trouble.
John made it clear he wasn’t a man to be messed with (Credit: ITV)
What is John up to in Emmerdale?
Well, fans agree with Aaron, something is going on. In an exchange about the character on social media, several viewers started to discuss exactly what.
“Awkward, more to this John character than he is letting on. Mmm seems coincidence that a secret Sugden suddenly springs up. Something about him, can’t figure out yet,”mused one.
A second replied: “I have a theory that he’s actually been to prison and knew Robert. Robert shared his entire life story to John and Robert somehow [bleeped] John off and now he’s going to go after everyone Robert loves as revenge.”
Someone else agreed: “I was thinking the exact same thing, maybe Robert’s revenge?”
“My thinking is that John is going to take out his revenge on Robert by hurting the people Robert loves. Aaron and Victoria. But the only way this story could work is if they intend to bring Robert back at some point. So maybe recast the role if Ryan Hawley doesn’t want to return?!?!? With that said, I’m probably way off, but it would be a cool storyline if that’s the direction,” said one more.
Aaron was devastated when Robert was given 14 years in prison (Credit: ITV)
Is Robert returning to Emmerdale?
There are no current plans to bring Robert Sugden back to the Dales. He’s currently serving 14 years in prison for killing Victoria’s rapist. Meanwhile, actor Ryan Hawley is starring in Casualty right now.
Danny Miller, who plays Aaron, has previously said he was trying to persuade Ryan to return.
He told Inside Soap: “Every day I still get messages from people saying, ‘Bring back Robron!’
“I’d love to work with Ryan again but it’s just a case of whether I can talk him round…”
The Sugdens are Emmerdale’s longest-running family and have been there since the very beginning.
Created by Kevin Laffan – the writer who dreamt up the idea of Emmerdale – the Sugdens were introduced during the first episode and quickly established themselves as the show’s central family.
In fact during the first two decades of Emmerdale being on air, the majority of storylines were focused around them.
The family was originally made up of widowed farmer Annie Sugden and her three grown up children, Jack Sugden, Peggy Skilbeck and Joe Sugden.
The clan came from a generation of agricultural workers. They resided in Emmerdale Farm, which was located on the outskirts of the village, then called Beckindale.
The size of the family has changed a lot since then. Now only three Sugdens remain in Emmerdale – Victoria, her son Harry and niece Sarah. However, John Sugden is on his way!
Here’s a look at the Sugdens past and present and the part they’ve played in village life.
She put up with a lot, did Annie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Annie and Jacob Sugden – heads of the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Annie Sugden was Emmerdale’s first matriarch and branded by many as a ‘heroine’.
The popular character was played by actress Sheila Mercier. She remains the longest-serving female character in the soap’s history.
Annie was the long-suffering wife of farmer Jacob Sugden, who she married in 1945.
Jacob died in 1972 from liver failure, and his funeral took place in the first episode.
By all accounts Jacob was a neglectful alcoholic who’d left Annie to juggle the responsibilities of looking after the farm with raising a young family.
Annie and Jacob had three children – Jack, Peggy and Joe – and tragically, she outlived them all.
During her life Annie overcame financial woes, an addiction to painkillers, and was left in a coma for three months after being injured in the 1993 Emmerdale plane crash – which also claimed the life of her second husband, Leonard Kempinski.
In July 1994, Annie left the Dales to start a new life in Spain. The following year she married her old friend and former Woolpack landlord Amos Brearly.
Annie popped back several times over the years. She was last seen on screen in February 2009 when she attended the funeral of her son, Jack.
She remained living in Spain until her death in August 2020, aged 100.
He was quite the ladies’man, Jack! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jack Sugden
John Jacob ‘Jack’ Sugden was the son of Annie and Jacob Sugden.
One of Emmerdale’s original characters, Jack was first played by actor Andrew Burt, before Clive Hornby took over the role in 1980.
Jack was the father of Jackie Merrick, Robert and Victoria Sugden and adoptive dad to Andy Sugden.
He was a valued member of the community, and probably best remembered for his love of plaid shirts and flat caps.
Growing up, Jack had little interest in following in his parents’ farming footsteps and moved to London to pursue a career as an author.
He returned on the day of his father’s funeral in October 1972 to claim his inheritance, but was met with opposition from his siblings, Joe and Peggy.
Jack’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Jack lived in Italy between 1976 and 1980 before returning to live permanently in the village.
In the years that followed he discovered he’d fathered a son – Jackie – with childhood sweetheart Ruth Harker, who went by the name of Pat.
Jack and Pat went on to marry and welcomed son Robert in April 1986. But tragedy struck four months later when she died in a car crash. Three years later, Jack was dealt another crushing loss when Jackie was killed in a shooting accident.
Jack eventually married librarian Sarah Connolly. They had a daughter, Victoria.
The couple adopted troubled youngster Andy Sugden and moved their family to a new farm, but affairs tore their marriage and family unit apart.
After Sarah died in a fire that was started by son Andy, Jack started a romance with Woolpack landlady, Diane Blackstock. The couple got hitched in 2004 and remained together until Jack’s sudden death.
Jack passed away in February 2009 while visiting mum Annie in Spain. His body was brought back to England and he was laid to rest in the village cemetery.
Matt’s wife Peggy also met a tragic end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
She was played by Jo Kendall and the first character to speak a line of dialogue in Emmerdale.
Peggy worked as an accountant for her family’s farm, in which she also had shares.
She was married to labourer Matt Skilbeck, but had dreams of quitting the countryside for suburbia. Peggy fell pregnant in 1972 and gave birth to twins Sam and Sally in the April of the following year.
Sadly, just months after giving birth, Peggy collapsed and died from a brain haemorrhage. She was buried in the village churchyard next to her father, Jacob.
After Peggy’s death, Matt sent Sam and Sally to live with his aunt Beattie Dowton. But in January 1976, the children and Beattie were killed when a train struck their car on a level crossing.
The youngest Sugden sibling (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Joe Sugden
Joseph Sugden was the youngest of Annie and Jacob Sugden’s children.
He was played by actor Frazer Hines and appeared in over 1500 episodes of the soap.
Despite an often tricky relationship with his brother Jack, Joe was incredibly loyal to the Sugdens and had worked tirelessly to keep Emmerdale Farm going when it fell on hard times as a result of Jacob’s alcoholism.
He was briefly married to Christine Sharp and then set up home with old friend, Kathy Gimbel – a move which was considered something of a scandal in 1977.
After a period living in France, Joe returned to Emmerdale in 1986 and beat local businessman Alan Turner to the post of regional manager for NY Estates.
In 1988, Joe became the co-owner of Home Farm with Alan, but the pair were conned out of the property by bent businessman Denis Rigg.
Joe went on to marry divorcee Kate Hughes, and took on her two teenagers Rachel and Mark as his own. The marriage turned sour in 1991 and Kate left, but Joe remained close to his stepchildren.
Mark’s death in a car crash broke Joe’s heart. He fled to Spain to see mum, Annie.
He was killed in a road traffic accident the following year.
The Sugden family in Emmerdale: Jack’s family
Jack’s first wife was also actor Clive Hornby’s real-life wife (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pat Sugden
Jack’s first wife, Pat was also known by her middle name of Ruth. Her maiden name was Harker. Pat was Jack’s ex and he had no idea he was the father of her son, Jackie Merrick.
When Pat and Jack reconnected in 1972, she was married to alcoholic Tom Merrick. who was violent towards her. But as she grew closer to Jack again, she knew she had to leave and the Merrick family moved away.
But Pat and Tom divorced and in 1980 she and her children returned to Emmerdale. She and Jack were married and their relationship was fiery to say the least. Jack even had an affair with Karen Moore.
In real life Jack actor Clive Hornby married Pat actress Helen Weir and she fell pregnant. So they wrote the pregnancy into the storylines and Robert was born.
However Helen had a dispute with producers over her real-life son playing her on-screen son. She didn’t want to call him by another name, but as he was called Thomas, the name of her abusive ex, show bosses couldn’t agree. Helen decided to leave the show.
Pat was killed in a car accident when Robert was just four months old.
Jackie didn’t even know he was Jack’s son for years (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jackie Merrick
John Jacob ‘Jackie’ Merrick was the son of Pat Merrick (originally Ruth Harker) and Jack Sugden.
He was played by Ian Sharrock and featured in over 700 episodes.
Jackie was the half-brother of Robert and Victoria Sugden.
Jackie had grown up believing his dad was Ruth’s husband Tom Merrick. He was 17 when he discovered Jack was actually his biological father. He didn’t take the news well and it was a good five years before Jackie acknowledged Jack as being part of his life.
Jackie moved back to the village with his mum Pat and sister Sandie in 1980 and took up a job as a farm labourer, before becoming a gamekeeper’s assistant. Jackie possessed a rebellious streak and set fire to a caravan, which put paid to his dream of pursuing a career in the army.
The character settled down in 1988 and married Kathy Bates, but the couple didn’t even make it to their first wedding anniversary.
Jackie died the following year in a freak accident when he accidentally shot himself with his own gun. The last mention of him was in 2005 when Jack remarked to Tom King about his dead son.
Troublemaker Robert was forced to flee (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Robert Sugden
Robert Jacob Sugden is the son of the late Jack and Pat Sugden, adoptive son of Sarah Sugden, and brother of Jackie, Tommy and Sandie Merrick, Victoria Sugden and adoptive brother of Andy Sugden.
He’s also the estranged husband of Aaron Dingle and father of Sebastian White.
The character has been played by four different actors over the years, most recently Ryan Hawley.
Ruthless, charming, cunning and manipulative, Robert remains to this day one of Emmerdale’s most complex characters.
The brothers’ feud resulted in the death of Max King. Robert fled the village to avoid being arrested.
Robert and Aaron’s love story is an Emmerdale fan favourite (Credit: ITV)
Robert’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale
He returned five years later, engaged to wealthy Chrissie White, the heiress of Home Farm. Robert soon began an explosive affair with Aaron Dingle, and they were dubbed ‘Robron’ by their adoring fanbase.
All hell broke loose when the truth about Robron’s affair was exposed, and weeks later Robert was shot by Ross Barton (on the orders of Andy) – but survived.
In 2017, Robert and Aaron married in an unofficial ceremony before Aaron was sent to prison on a GBH charge. Whilst Aaron was behind bars, Robert cheated with Chrissie’s half-sister Rebecca White. She then fell pregnant with son Sebastian.
Aaron was devastated, but eventually forgave Robert and the couple legally wed in 2019.
However, their happy ever after wasn’t to be.
When Robert discovered his sister Victoria had been the victim of rape, he set out to get revenge on her attacker, Lee Posner. He killed him in a fit of rage. Robert pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Jack’s second wife, Sarah Sugden (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sarah Sugden
The second wife of Jack, mother to Victoria and adoptive mother of Robert and Andy Sugden, Sarah was played by Madeleine Howard from 1988-1994 and then Alyson Spiro from 1994 to 2000.
Librarian Sarah fell for Jack and eventually he decided he liked her to. By January 1994 Jack proposed to her and she gave birth to their daughter Victoria in March of the same year. They married in May.
Jack had an affair with Rachel Hughes and Sarah threw him out. But eventually she forgave him and they gave their marriage another shot.
Financial struggles caused problems between the pair with Sarah reluctant to work on the farm. Jack sold her car without her consent and when she was involved in a bus crash, it left her bed-bound for several weeks.
During this time she started to confide her marriage woes in lodger Richie Carter. They had an affair and eventually she left Jack and moved in with Richie. But they had problems as he wasn’t interested in her children, and money also became an issue.
She considered going back to Jack. When she and Richie were in a barn discussing their relationship, Andy set fire to it, in order to claim on the insurance. But he had no idea Sarah was in there.
Richie escaped, but Sarah was killed. Jack was arrested for her murder, but was found not guilty at the trial and was free to return to his family.
Jack and Sarah had one daughter together (Credit: ITV)
Victoria Sugden
Victoria Sugden is the only daughter of the late Jack and Sarah Sugden, and sister to Jackie Merrick, Robert Sugden and adoptive sister of Andy Sugden.
She is Emmerdale’s current on-screen longest-serving female character, having been part of the show since her birth in March 1994, and is played by actress Isobel Hodgins.
Victoria has been through a lot in her 30 years!
As a baby she had to undergo life-saving surgery when it was discovered she had a hole in her heart and dealt with the heartbreaking loss of her mum when she was just six years old.
Following Sarah’s untimely demise, Victoria was raised by dad Jack and his wife Diane, who Vic considered a mother figure.
The character’s other storylines include being bullied at school, a stint in psychiatric care, nearly drowning after falling through an icy lake, and causing a near-fatal explosion.
Victoria had a childhood romance with troublemaker Daz Eden. She then found love with famers’ son Adam Barton, who she married in 2015. Adam fled the country three years later after taking the rap for a murder he didn’t commit, which left Victoria completely distraught.
But worse was to come in April 2019 when Victoria became the victim of rape. Her horrific attack resulted in pregnancy. Victoria gave birth to her son Harry in 2020.
She’s currently juggling motherhood with her busy job at the HOP.
Love-life wise, Victoria recently raised a few eyebrows by embarking on a romance with Jacob Gallagher, who is the stepson of her former lover, David Metcalfe. However they split up when Vic realised Jacob was putting his life on hold for her.
Things weren’t always easy for Andy though he was a good guy at heart (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Andy Sugden
Andrew ‘Andy’ Sugden (previously Hopwood) is the adoptive son of Jack and Sarah Sugden, adoptive brother of Robert and Victoria and half-brother of Darren ‘Daz’ Eden. He was played by actor Kelvin Fletcher from 1996 to 2016.
Andy’s upbringing was dysfunctional and difficult. His birth mum, Trisha died when he was little and he was placed in the care of his grandmother while his dad Billy was serving time in Strangeways Prison.
After his grandmother’s death, Andy was fostered – and later adopted in 2000 – by Jack and Sarah Sugden.
When his parents’ marriage and the family farm ran into trouble, Andy set fire to a barn to claim on the insurance. However, he accidentally killed Sarah in the blaze.
But that wasn’t the only time Andy committed manslaughter.
After discovering Robert had been having an affair with his wife, Katie, Andy plotted to have his revenge. He lay in wait with gun, but unwittingly pulled the trigger on Jack, almost killing him.
After his split from Katie, Andy moved on with Debbie Dingle, who fell pregnant with his daughter, Sarah. They went on to have another child, Jack, seven years later.
Andy’s crimes did finally catch up with him. He was sentenced to three years in prison for Sarah’s murder, but was released after only a few weeks.
He married second wife, Jo Stiles, but subjected her to terrible abuse and she eventually left him. After suffering a complete mental breakdown, Andy was forced to sell his beloved farm to the Barton family.
The beginning of the end for Andy
By 2014, Andy was back with his first love, Katie and the couple got married. Months later, Katie was accidentally killed by Robert after she threatened to expose his affair with Aaron. When Andy discovered the truth he arranged for Ross Barton to shoot Robert – but he lived to tell the tale.
Andy’s time in the village came to a dramatic end when he was framed for shooting Lawrence White. Forced to go on the run, Andy fled with the help of Robert and former flame Bernice Blackstock.
Still a fugitive, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Jack’s widow has since moved to Portugal (Credit: ITV)
The character, played by Elizabeth Estensen, starred in over 2800 episodes of Emmerdale between 1999 and 2021, and was landlady of The Woolpack pub.
Diane was a tower of strength for Jack as she helped him come to terms with the death of his wife, Sarah. The pair’s friendship eventually blossomed into romance.
The couple married on September 21 2004. But a dark shadow loomed over their big day as Diane was diagnosed with cancer just weeks before.
She went on to make a full recovery. However, she found her new life as stepmum to Robert, Andy and Victoria was rather more demanding than she’d anticipated.
The strain of managing their rowdy brood led Diane and Jack to temporarily split up.
They reconciled, but tragedy struck in 2009 when Jack passed away while visiting his mum, Annie, in Spain.
Diane stayed living in the village for another 13 years and continued to play an important part in the Sugden kids’ lives.
She finally bid farewell to the Dales in October 2021 and has only popped back once since – for the show’s 50th anniversary episodes in 2022.
Named after her adoptive gran, Sarah Sugden Jr (Credit: ITV)
Sarah Sugden Jr
Sarah Sugden is the daughter of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and the older sister of Jack Sugden.
Born in June 2005, she was named after Andy’s late adoptive mother, who had died five years earlier.
Debbie and Andy split up when she was only a month old, and struggled with the responsibility of parenthood, which meant Sarah spent the first few years of her life being pushed from pillar to post.
In 2009, Debbie was awarded full custody of her daughter and they moved to Jersey.
Two years later Sarah came home to the village and was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia – a rare genetic disorder which required a bone marrow transplant to save her life.
No one was a match so Debbie and Andy made the decision to conceive a saviour sibling for Sarah. Her baby brother Jack – who was thankfully a match – was born in October 2012, and Sarah underwent a successful bone marrow transplant the following month.
Four years later, Debbie made the decision to take Sarah and Jack to live with her in France. Whilst there, Sarah was diagnosed with throat cancer. She came back to the Dales and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, followed by a heart transplant.
When Debbie made the decision to move to Scotland, Sarah opted to stay behind in the village.
She’s been kept under the watchful eye of her grandparents Charity and Cain. But that hasn’t stopped Sarah rebelling, getting mixed up in the wrong crowd and dabbling in drugs.
With those difficult teenage years now behind her, Sarah seems to have finally settled down. She has just started working as Barton and Dingle Automotives new apprentice mechanic.
Jack Sugden Jr
Jack Sugden Jr is the son of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and was named after his grandfather, the late Jack Sugden.
He was conceived as a saviour sibling for his sister Sarah, who was diagnosed with rare blood disease Fanconi anaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant.
Jack was born on October 17 2012 and was a match for Sarah, enabling doctors to harvest cells from his bone marrow and transplant them to Sarah.
The character, who was played by actor Seth Bell, was last seen in August 2019 when he left the village with Debbie to start a new life in Scotland.
Sebastian White
Robert’s child with Rebecca White, Sebastian was born as the result of an affair between the two while Aaron was in prison. Aaron accepted Sebastian and became like a father to him as well.
However, when Robert was sentenced to 14 years, Rebecca decided it would be better if Seb no longer saw Aaron. He was devastated.
Sebastian lives in Liverpool with mum Rebecca and her partner Ross Barton.
Harry Sugden – the newest member of the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Harry is Victoria’s son, conceived after she was raped in 2019. Despite the trauma of how she fell pregnant, Vic had always wanted to be a mum and decided to keep the baby.
Newcomer John is a secret Sugden (Credit: ITV)
So how does John fit into the Sugden family in Emmerdale?
Newcomer John was first seen on screen on Wednesday August 8. He met Aaron on a roadside where he had broken down. It turned out the two were actually supposed to be going on a date after meeting online.
It wasn’t long before they were ripping each other’s clothes off, but then John drove off with Aaron’s keys, wallet and hoodie. Aaron hadn’t even got his name, so had no idea he is John Sugden, half brother of his imprisoned husband!
Victoria meets John on Thursday August 8. She drives Eric Pollard to a funeral and ends up chatting to the son of the dead woman. He then introduces himself as John Sugden and Eric explains how the whole thing fits together.
So John is the son of Jack, who had a fling with his mum some years ago. It makes him the half-brother of Victoria, Robert and Jackie and adoptive half-brother of Andy.
When his van breaks down again, John will end up in the village. But something tells us he’s going to cause a whole lot more trouble!
John proved to be quite the charmer when he bedded Aaron then robbed him. Tonight (Thursday August 8) Victoria will meet John and find out he’s her half-brother.
But as the Sugdens are beefed up, could other brother Robert also return to cement the clan’s iconic status in the village? And what would this mean for Aaron and John?
Aaron was immediately attracted to John (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden arrives in Emmerdale
Last night (Wednesday August 9) Aaron headed off for a date he’d met online. He didn’t know the guy’s name, nor had he seen his face, only his torso. So when he stopped to a broken down van at the side of the road, Aaron had no idea who it was.
It turned out this was his date and although Aaron never found out his name, viewers recognised him as John Sugden. Aaron wasted very little time in getting jiggy with John. He requested a repeat performance, went to relieve himself in a bush, and then was stunned as John drove off with his keys, wallet and, most shockingly, his favourite black hoodie.
So John has robbed Aaron – which some might call justice after Aaron robbed Robert the first time they met on a roadside too.
Tonight Victoria – and Aaron – will discover who John really is. Vic attends a funeral with Eric and is stunned when the bereaved son introduces himself as John Sugden. Eric confesses he is probably Victoria’s half-brother. And when John’s van breaks down he is forced to head to the village after calling Mack’s breakdown service.
So how will Aaron react when he sees John again? Is he out for revenge? Or will they get together?
A Robert comeback would through Aaron’s world upside down (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans predict Robert return
Plenty of Emmerdale viewers have decided it’s the latter – and then Robert will return. After all, what’s the point of bringing in Robert’s half-brother if Robert himself isn’t coming back to square up to him? And getting him together with Robert’s husband? It’s just too perfect – isn’t it?
“If this new storyline isn’t setting up for a Robert return, then I don’t want it. The whole scene was as dry as the Sahara. Even Danny’s acting chops couldn’t make up for it,” declared one fan.
Another added: “Yes! Bring on the messy and complicated Aaron and John storyline! I’m guessing they couldn’t get Ryan Hawley back so they went this direction. I’m totally fine with it because Aaron is best when his life gets messy and complicated. With any luck…Robert will return in a year or so and then we will have a very messy and complicated love triangle. John/Aaron/Robert.”
“Ha I totally see a Robert/Aaron/John triangle by the beginning of 2025,”said a third.
A fourth agreed: “He’s out to set up Aaron…haven’t even seen it yet but anyone can see they’re gonna throw a spanner in and then Robert will magically reappear to mess Aaron up!”
Aaron was devastated when Robert was given 14 years in prison (Credit: ITV)
Where is Robert in Emmerdale?
Currently Robert is serving 14 years in prison for manslaughter. He attacked sister Victoria’s rapist Lee Posner, who died. Robert pleaded guilty, was sent down and cut all ties with Aaron.
It was later discovered Robert might not have been responsible after Lee’s brother Luke confessed he had also hit his sibling. But for some reason, everyone decided it would be too hard to prove, so let Robert rot inside! However, if they did want to bring Robert back, the story is there for the taking.
Should Emmerdale bring Robert back? It would certainly make an epic love triangle, that’s for sure!
In Classic Emmerdale on ITV3 on Wednesday July 16, Jack makes a dramatic ultimatum to Robert and Alice’s terrifying health scare brings a whirlwind of emotions. These episodes originally aired on October 3 and 4 2005.
Tom talks to Jimmy at the hospital (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Classic Emmerdale: Jack is furious
Jack Sugden heads to the scene of the terrible accident, discovering the grim reality involving his sons, Robert and Andy. Furious and desperate to protect his family, Jack immediately goes into clean-up mode.
He demands Robert leave the village to avoid manslaughter charges. He then suggests Andy says he swerved to avoid a flock of sheep.
Meanwhile, the police deliver devastating news to Tom and Jimmy King about Max’s untimely death. Tom, wracked with guilt, reflects with Jimmy at the hospital, believing he is to blame as he thinks he cursed Max.
Alice is fearful for her unborn child (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Alice’s terrifying health news
Elsewhere in the Dales, Alice Wilson faces a terrifying prospect. Dr. Adam Forsythe expresses his concern over Alice’s elevated white blood cell count, hinting at the possibility of cancer.
The fear of losing her unborn child grips Alice, yet she refuses to let Sam Dingle in on her fears. Adam begs her to let Sam in, but resolute Alice insists he can’t know anything. The secrecy adds to the tension, with Alice struggling to keep her composure amid the looming uncertainty.
Classic Emmerdale: Ashley’s dilemma
In light of the village’s recent tragedies, Ashley Thomas contemplates cancelling his working trip to Israel. Ethan Blake and Laurel Potts manage to persuade him to go, attempting to bring some semblance of normality back to the chaotic village life.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Emmerdale newcomer John Sugden is certain to ruffle a few feathers when he rocks up in August – and actor Danny Miller has hinted his alter ego Aaron Dingle could be right in the mix of those feathers!
Although John’s arrival will at first affect Victoria Sugden – his only remaining relative in the village, it doesn’t look like it’ll be long before Aaron is involved too. And given his history with the Sugdens – namely, Victoria’s brother Robert – how will John’s arrival go down?
Aaron’s certainly not had much luck moving on from Robert (Credit: ITV)
‘Interesting’ new Sugden coming to Emmerdale, reveals Danny Miller
Danny Miller dropped a few hints about what to expect from John at this year’s Radio Times Soap Awards. He told The Mirror: “There’s a Sugden coming in.
“With the history that Aaron has with Robert, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with them. It’ll be an interesting few months for sure.”
Hmm, sounds… interesting!
Of course, Aaron was married to Robert Sugden and the pair – known as Robron to the fans – were deemed soulmates. With Robert in prison after he attacked Victoria’s rapist, Lee Posner, who subsequently died, he told Aaron to move on.
Aaron has tried, but most of his romances since have ended tragically, including that with his lover Ben who was murdered by Meena Jutla. But will John’s arrival spell new love for Aaron? And would that not be super-duper weird? But then again, Aaron is a Dingle, a little bit of husband and wife swapping is nothing new to them!
‘Brooding and mysterious’ – just Aaron’s type! (Credit: ITV)
Who is John Sugden?
Newcomer John is described as ‘brooding and mysterious’ (aren’t they all?) and he will become ‘deeply entwined with the rich history of the Sugden family’. Sounds, er, fun…
However, John will also have his secrets… (Of course he will). He’s set for romance, when he catches “the eye of an unsuspecting resident, enriching the drama around his arrival.” So is that Aaron? And how will that complicate things?
John is played by former Coronation Street actor Oliver Farnworth, who says: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.
“The show has such a rich history, and the Sugden family is integral to that. I’m looking forward to bringing my character to life and working with such a talented and dedicated team.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
In Classic Emmerdale on Tuesday July 16 on ITV3, drama heats up with Jack’s attempts to drive Robert out of the village, resulting in shocking consequences. Meanwhile, Debbie’s plan to elope takes a dangerous twist. These episodes originally aired on September 30 and October 2, 2005.
Classic Emmerdale: Jack pushes Robert out
In a bid to rid Emmerdale of Robert, Jack Sugden’s determination knows no bounds. Jack’s offer to buy the garage forces Robert into a corner.
In a heartfelt plea, Robert confides in Debbie, declaring his love and persuading her to leave the village with him and Sarah. Their passionate reunion sways Debbie, but will she actually leave with him?
Emily talks Debbie out of leaving with her daughter (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Escape plans unravel
Robert and Max’s resolve to flee the village intensifies following a heated argument with Jack. However, their plan is thwarted when Andy intercepts Debbie and Sarah en route, convincing Emily to intervene.
Emily’s refusal to let Debbie take Sarah leads to Debbie reluctantly deciding to leave without her daughter, much to Robert’s dismay.
Classic Emmerdale: Robert causes a deadly collision
The drama peaks when Robert, infuriated by Debbie refusing to bring Sarah tells her she’s nothing without the baby. It results in a violent confrontation between Andy and Robert. Max’s attempt to mediate only escalates the chaos.
In a fit of rage, Robert speeds off in his car, recklessly driving towards Andy and Max in Andy’s Land Rover. The inevitable crash sees Andy’s vehicle smashing through a wall and flipping over. As the wreckage smokes, Robert’s desperate rescue attempt is thwarted by an imminent explosion.
Though he manages to save Andy, he tragically fails to reach Max before the car erupts in flames, leaving viewers in shock.
Could Robert’s actions turn deadly? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Max and Tom’s confrontation
Elsewhere, Max King’s patience wears thin as he clashes with his father, Tom, over yet another dodgy scheme. Despite his frustration, Max agrees to bribe Councillor Ledbetter for planning permission, setting in motion a chain of events that will have far-reaching implications.
Classic Emmerdale: Dawn’s makeover mishap
Delilah Dingle decides to give Dawn Woods a complete makeover, gifting her a homemade dress for her lunch date with Danny. However, Paul and Danny’s mocking laughter at Rodney’s dateless state causes trouble when Delilah arrives with Dawn for her date and is asked out by Rodney!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
