Robert Sugden

Robert Jacob Sugden is the son of Jack and Pat Sugden, brother of Jackie Merrick, half-brother of Tommy Merrick, Sandie Merrick and Victoria Sugden and adoptive brother of Andy Sugden.

1986-2001: Early life
Robert is born on 22nd April 1986 to Jack and Pat Sugden. He has three older siblings Jackie, Tommy and Sandie Merrick. When Robert was four months old, his mother was killed in a car crash and his brother, Jackie, was killed in a shooting accident when he was three. Shortly after this, Sandie leaves the village and Robert loses contact with his maternal family. Robert stays with his father who brings him up alone for the next two years but gets a new mother figure in Sarah Connolly, whom Jack starts dating in 1988 and later marries in May 1994. Robert's half-sister, Victoria is born the same year.

In 1996, Robert befriends Andy Hopwood, a boy the same age in the care of the local authority whilst his father Billy is in prison for robbery and manslaughter. Robert takes Andy to a local quarry where Andy traps his foot under a rock. Robert runs to get help and Biff Fowler rescues Andy. When Andy's grandmother dies, Jack and Sarah foster him so he moves in with the Sugdens. Robert begins to resent Andy's presence and is unhappy at having to share his home and belongings. Despite this, Robert defends Andy when they are bullied by Donna Windsor and punches her. Donna tries to blame Robert for the bullying but no one believes her so she is suspended from school. After leading Donna astray, Robert and Andy take her joyriding in Leeds, causing a feud between the Sugden and Windsor families.

Robert's life is rocked when he discovers that his father is having an affair with Rachel Hughes in 1997. Robert catches Jack and Rachel kissing. Horrified, Jack ends it but Sarah finds out anyway. Robert's life seems to be back on track, but in 2000, Sarah has an affair with Richie Carter, and leaves Jack for Richie, taking Victoria with her. Robert sides with Sarah over his father but Jack wins custody as Sarah is not his biological mother. Robert stays with Kathy Glover and tells her that he intends to leave home when he is sixteen. On 16th November 2000, Robert returns to the farm to collect some belongings and discovers the barn is on fire. Sarah is inside and subsequently dies, devastating him. Jack is arrested and stands trial for her murder but is acquitted. Robert discovers that Andy started the fire and disgusted by this, he goes to Spain in May 2001 to stay with his grandmother Annie Brearly, and her husband Amos.

2001-2005: Feud with Andy
Robert, returns in August 2001. Wanting rid of Andy, Robert starts taunting him about his love life. He tries to cause problems between Andy and his girlfriend Katie Addyman but is unsuccessful. In September 2001, Robert and Andy go on a night out in Leeds with Katie, Donna, Ollie and Marc Reynolds, and Eve Birch. When Andy is refused entry to a nightclub, the teenagers miss their bus home and Andy steals a car to drive home. On their way back, they run over and kill their headmistress Barbara Strickland. Robert suggests they cover their tracks and subsequently burn the car. However, the truth eventually comes out. Marc is jailed and the other teenagers receive community service.

After Andy taunts him over not having a girlfriend, Robert loses his virginity to Nicola Blackstock, a 24-year-old woman, shortly after his sixteenth birthday. Nicola dumps him the following day when she invites him round to her house in order for him to discover her having sex with Syd Woolfe.

After leaving school, Robert gets a job working as a mechanic at Scott Windsor's garage. After having sex with her in the back of his car, Robert starts dating Scott's sister, Donna. Feeling he is in need of more excitement in his life, he also starts secretly dating Elaine Marsden. However, Donna finds out about Robert's cheating and dumps him. Robert continues his romance with Elaine, but in September 2003, he and Elaine are in a car accident while Robert is driving. Panicking, Robert flees the scene, leaving Elaine unconscious in the car. Robert manages to lie his way out of trouble as Elaine has no memory of how the accident happened. She later realizes the truth when she sees bruising from the seat belt across his chest, which suggests that Robert was driving, not her as Robert told everyone. In December 2003, Elaine and her family leave the village. Robert and Donna reconcile that month. Despite this, Robert still wants excitement in his life and begins an affair with Katie, now Andy's fiance. Robert and Katie are caught by Andy's half-brother, Daz Eden, in January 2004 when he sees them kissing in the garage. Katie threatens Daz, telling him he will be put into care if he says anything. Daz tells Andy but Katie convinces him that Daz is lying and is too much for them to cope with so he is returned to foster care. Victoria, also catches them together. Robert swears her to secrecy and Katie threatens her so she becomes too scared to talk and uses a puppet to speak through instead.

Feeling guilty, Katie ends the affair the day before her wedding to Andy in February 2004, leaving him devastated. However, they resume the affair after the wedding, despite Robert's reconciliation with Donna. They intend to run away together but Robert insists they tell Andy the truth when he finds Katie's farewell note, leaving him distraught. Donna is also devastated by the revelation and feels betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend. The aftermath of the affair leads to Andy waiting in Robert's caravan with a shotgun, planning to kill them both. However, he accidentally shoots Jack instead, leaving him fighting for his life. Robert initially refuses to forgive Andy but when he realizes that he is responsible for the situation, they reconcile and embrace in the hospital. Jack survives the gunshot wound but disowns Andy and he returns alone to Butler's Farm. Robert also continues his relationship with Katie.

In early 2005, Robert proposes to Katie and she accepts, and the pair plan to marry later that year. However, Robert is seduced by Sadie King, a woman sixteen years his senior. Robert and Sadie have an affair and Robert thinks he will get away with it. However, Daz sees Robert kissing Sadie and he tells Andy who confronts Robert in the garage and attacks him. He tries to force Robert to tell Katie about his affair with Sadie, but Robert insists that Andy is lying. Katie eventually learns the truth when she finds erotic text messages on Robert's phone from Sadie. Katie ends the relationship and Andy comforts her, leading to them sleeping together. Robert vows to get revenge on Andy, and helps Jimmy King and Cain Dingle, set fire to the barn at Butler's Farm. Robert sees Jimmy and Cain beat up Andy and stops them. Daz accidentally stabs Jimmy with a pitchfork while trying to protect Andy. Robert and Cain take Jimmy away and Jimmy's brother, Max, patches him up at the vets. However, the truth soon comes out and Jack throws Robert out, disowning him and calls him a traitor.

Robert and Andy's feud is reignited by this, leading Katie to leave the village in June 2005, so Robert starts dating Debbie Dingle, the mother of Andy's daughter, Sarah. Robert and Debbie plan to go to London, along with Max King who was leaving the village after poisoning cows belonging to the Briggs family for his father, Tom. However, on the day that they plan to leave in October 2005, Andy finds out about Robert and Debbie's plan and forces her to tell him where she is going to meet Robert, he goes there and confronts him, and they start fighting. Max is forced to separate them and Robert tells Debbie that he doesn't care about her and was only interested in her because of Sarah and wanted to hurt Andy by taking his daughter away. Debbie leaves and returns to the village, heartbroken. Max decides not to go with Robert and asks Andy to drive him to the railway station. Filled with rage, Robert turns the car round and accelerates, driving straight at Andy's Land Rover. Max panics and grabs hold of the steering wheel. The Land Rover goes off the road and rolls onto its roof. Robert stops and rescues Andy but the Land Rover explodes before he can rescue Max. Max is killed and Jack arrives just after the accident and Robert tells him what happened. Jack calls an ambulance and tells Robert to leave so he won't be arrested. Jack insists that Andy tell the police that he swerved to avoid a flock of sheep. Robert gets into his car and drives away. Robert is last seen at a service station, ordering some food and tells the waitress that he intends on travelling whichever direction his car is pointing.

2009: Jack's funeral
Four years later, Robert returns on 10th February 2009, the day of his father's funeral, with his grandmother. Robert visits Butler's Farm, and meets Natasha Wylde, who is on her horse and thinks Robert is an intruder. He explains that his father's funeral is taking place and watches from a distance, and Andy sees him. Andy tries to persuade Robert to stay and run the farm, but Robert tells Andy that he doesn't belong there any more, before driving off. Robert returns to the cemetery after nightfall, and lays a rose upon it, before leaving. After they go to the grave to say a final farewell to Jack, Andy sees the rose and tells Victoria that if Robert could have been at the funeral, he would have come.

2014-2015: Robert's return; affair with Aaron Livesy
Robert returns to Emmerdale on 23rd October 2014 with his fiancée Chrissie White and her family (father Lawrence and son Lachlan). The Whites plan to buy Home Farm. Robert runs into Andy and Katie while visiting the Farm. The two brothers clash immediately. Lawrence White also isn't to keen on his future son-in-law, so he tries to get Katie and Andy's help to get rid of Robert altogether. He even fakes a heart attack during the Sugdens memorial for their mother. Robert tries to make himself look good by staging a raid at homefarm, enlisting the help of Ross Barton and Aaron Livesy. The plan is for Aaron and Ross to raid the farm and for Robert to play the hero by overpowering them. It all goes wrong when Chrissie comes home early. Aaron and Ross manage to escape, but Lawrence ends up having a real heart attack. Chrissie notices that her mothers ring was stolen during the raid. So Robert confronts Aaron about it, who manages to get the ring back from Ross.

Soon after that, Robert finds out that Aaron is gay. After failing to reconnect with him after the raid, he claims to have broken down and calls for Aaron to help. Just when Aaron's about to leave, after he found out that there's nothing wrong the car, Robert makes a move on Aaron and the pair passionately kiss, but Robert pulls away before things can go any further. He returns home to Chrissie to make up with her, but goes to see Aaron later that night. They meet at the garage and Robert apologises for pulling away earlier and they have sex in the back of a car. They continue their affair.

2015: Deaths, coverups and shootings
Robert continues to feel resentment towards Andy and is jealous of him and Katie as they are due to remarry. At Andy's stag night on Christmas Eve, Robert goads him in the pub and they get into a confrontation in the village churchyard by Jack's grave. Robert makes a cruel remark about his father, saying that he is glad Jack is dead and that with him gone he will stay in the village as long as he wants. He also taunts Andy about his and Katie's affair. Andy punches Robert and a fight breaks out. Victoria and her friend Finn Barton separate them and Andy warns Robert to stay away from the wedding; but Robert is unfazed and tells Andy he will go where he wants and storms off. Robert tries to make amends, but forgets that he had ordered crude insults to be engraved in their wedding bands. Katie is furious, and while Andy and Robert mend fences soon after, she refuses to do the same, swearing she will get payback. She becomes sure he's having an affair, alienating herself from Andy as a result. Just as she's close to giving up, she gets a tip from Aaron, who wants to out Robert to force him to make a choice. On Robert's wedding day to Chrissie, Katie photographs Aaron and Robert kissing at Wylie's Farm after Aaron texted her to get there in order to finally blow the affair. Robert tells her to delete the photo. Robert and Katie argue. Katie threatens Robert with telling Chrissie, but Robert pushes Katie to the floor twice; the second time, the floor caves in and Katie is killed.

Later, Robert and Chrissie marry, and a few hours later, Andy finds Katie's body. Robert tries to help Andy, even stopping him from committing suicide, but also makes sure Aaron keeps quiet about their involvement in her death, telling Aaron that he and Katie had just been talking and she wouldn't have died if not for Aaron telling her to go to the farm. He and Aaron become estranged, but when he learns Aaron has returned to self-harm, he tells him a partial truth to put some of the blame for Katie on himself. Aaron beats him up, but they soon resume their affair, only splitting up again when Aaron realises he will always be second best in Robert's life.

After Chrissie refuses to pay Ross for a job he bungled, he tells her about the raid. A furious Chrissie throws Robert out of the house and begins divorce proceedings. Aaron, knowing he won't be able to resist Robert if he continues to be at the pub instead of Home Farm, tries to convince her to take him back. She nearly does, but then overhears him boasting about the plan to Aaron. She then locks Robert in a small building on the estate and threatens to set it on fire as he begs her to stop. Robert works with Lachlan to make it seem as if Robert has saved Lachlan from suicide. Chrissie decides to give Robert another chance.

In July, Aaron, sick of Paddy Kirk and Chas Dingle interfering in his life, restarts his affair with Robert. Paddy writes a note to warn Chrissie that Robert is a cheater, making her suspicious. A drunken Robert sees Paddy has fallen in a grain pit at Butler's Farm and turns the auger on, watching as the pit fills and Paddy is knocked unconscious after an attempt to escape sends him crashing to the bottom. Robert moves to save him, but goes to hide when Andy appears. Paddy accuses Robert of trying to kill him, but Robert keeps him quiet by threatening to kill Paddy's stepson, Leo Goskirk. He and Aaron continue their relationship, but after Aaron threatens to cut Paddy out of his life after more interference, Paddy tells him about what Robert's done, and suggests he also murdered Katie. A furious Aaron plans to tape Robert during a lodge getaway, then go to the police with details about Katie's death. However, he can't control his anger, and begins fighting Robert, who knocks him out and soon discovers the recording device. He holds Aaron at gunpoint, with Aaron daring Robert to kill him. As he pulls the trigger, Paddy bursts into the room, and a distracted Robert accidentally shoots him. Paddy keeps him calm as Robert stitches him up, and agrees he and Aaron will stay quiet if Robert leaves them alone. Aaron, however, is too angry to let Robert off the hook, and tells Chrissie about the affair. Chrissie is devastated, and a few weeks later, after learning of his scheme with Lachlan, she sets his car on fire at the scrapyard, unaware of nearby gas or of a helicopter flying overhead. The ensuing carnage kills three people, including Ruby Haswell and Val Pollard. Robert, still wanting to stay in the business and family, tries to convince Chrissie to cover up her crime, but she confesses and demands that he leave her alone. He then sets Lawrence up to be accused of assault by Connor Jensen, who was applying for a job. Robert then convinces Connor to drop the charges, winning Lawrence's loyalty. Robert is soon revealed to have arranged the entire deal with Connor, who is a male escort.

In September, Andy, who has cut all ties to Robert after realising Katie had been right about an affair, becomes suspicious after finding Aaron's mobile number on Katie's last phone bill. Aaron lies that Katie was going to leave him, but Robert ultimately reveals everything to Andy, begging him to understand and swearing he'd never meant to kill Katie. When Robert refuses to let him go to the police and ignores his demands to leave, Andy beats him up. Aaron, with Chas as a backup to keep her son out of prison, join Robert in insisting to Diane and Victoria that Andy is wrong and Katie really was going to leave him. When Andy goes to the police, Robert convinces them that Andy is mentally unstable. Robert goes to talk to Aaron, but when Aaron expresses disgust that he isn't in jail, Robert tears into him for being weak and suicidal. Chrissie and Lawrence are sickened to learn about Katie, and when Lawrence tells him he's going to have him removed from the company, Robert humiliates him by revealing the truth to him about Connor. Chas orders Robert to leave town, but he swears he's not going anywhere, as his family needs him. Seconds later, he's shot near the heart by a mystery assailant.

Robert barely makes it through surgery, and spends the next month in a coma as various suspects are arrested and released. When Aaron is caught on video hiding the murder weapon, he's arrested, and due to his being on remand, kept in prison. Robert wakes up soon after, frightened that the shooter is still out there, as he does not believe Aaron pulled the trigger. After being released from hospital and needing to recover, he moves in with Victoria, one of the few people to stick by him. Still doubting his guilt, Robert went to Aaron's plea hearing to find out the truth, telling Victoria he would be able to tell by looking him in the eye. When Aaron pleads not guilty, Robert goads Aaron to tell the truth, only for Aaron to lash out and say he should have done everyone a favour and died, leaving Robert shaken. A few days later, Robert was left a voicemail by Ashley Thomas who phoned him in error, meaning to phone brother Andy. Robert heard Ashley say in the message that he wanted to know what deal Andy had made and that he couldn't let an innocent man to go down, leaving Robert suspicious of him. The next day, Robert confronted Andy, and after a car chase, Andy admitted to being involved in his shooting and that Aaron was innocent. After a heated and emotional argument, Robert and Andy drove their cars at each other much like they had ten years prior, only Robert had swerved leading both of them to crash. Robert then saved Andy from his burning car and went to the hospital after his stitches burst. While there, he asked Andy what he was going to do about Aaron, but once leaving him, phoned the police himself and later gave them a false description of the shooter to free Aaron. He and Andy then called a truce, although Andy reaffirmed he didn't trust him.

Once Aaron was released from prison, Robert met with him where Aaron accused him of playing with his head and told him he hated him and nothing he could do would change that, leaving Robert hurt.

On New Years Eve, Robert finds out Ross shot him as a result of his deal with Andy. Robert angrily confronts Ross with a gun until Debbie and Andy walk in. Robert tells Debbie what Ross did and she decides to leave the village the next day with the kids, leaving Andy and Ross devastated. Andy angrily confronts Robert, telling him he wins again. Robert, who had only wanted to get revenge on Ross, didn't think Andy would lose his kids as a result and feels guilty.

2016: Supporting Aaron and reunion
In January 2016, noticing that Aaron is feeling under pressure, Robert learns he is running away after learning about his parents Gordon and Chas reconciliation by reading the note left by Aaron. He chases and confronts Aaron when he is trying to get into a car to escape. Aaron collapses in Robert's arms and Robert anxiously rushes him to the hospital. Aaron develops sepsis, an infection in his self-harm wound. Robert tries to get through to Aaron to find out why he is self-harming again and Aaron lets slip that it is because of his father. Aaron refuses to explain the reasons why his dad has upset him.

Aaron goes missing from his ward while Robert is getting coffee for him. He questions Chas at the pub about  Aaron 's whereabouts, only to admit that he has spent the night before with  Aaron. Robert then finds  Aaron  hiding in Debbie's house shortly after. Robert is shocked when  Aaron  breaks down and reveals to him that Gordon raped him as a child. The next day, Robert comes face to face with Gordon in the pub. Still left disgusted following  Aaron 's confession, Robert furiously told Gordon he knows what he did to  Aaron  and threatening him to leave town or he will finish him off.

In February 2016, Robert is worried for  Aaron  after learning from Adam that Chas has kicked him out. He goes to the pub and tells Chas that  Aaron  is in an exceptionally bad state and that she needs to talk to him. After speaking to Cain, Chas visits him, he tells her that  Aaron  has been cutting himself because of Gordon but refused to tell her what Gordon did to  Aaron. Later, Robert finds out that  Aaron  has finally told Chas about his sexual abuse but refuses to go to the police. Then Cain also finds out about  Aaron 's abuse after Chas tells him. After Cain tells the Dingles, Moira, Paddy and Adam about  Aaron 's ordeal, Adam tells Robert that  Aaron  has gone to the police. While  Aaron  took time away from the village to get his head together, Robert helps out at the scrapyard. Chas enlists Robert's help to speed things up but grows impatient and vandalises Gordon's car by spraying "Paedo" on it. Robert explains that this is not helping and takes her home. Aaron  returns and overhears Diane and Doug talking, Robert is forced to tell  Aaron  what has happened during his absence. Aaron  gives Chas an ultimatum but this backfires when Chas blurts out the whole thing to everyone in the pub. Robert manages to track down Aaron's stepmother Sandra Livesy who has changed her name to Flaherty. He and Aaron go to see if she can help. Arriving there, Aaron needs some time to pluck up the courage to say what he needs so he and Robert talk a walk which leads to them reconnecting, but they agree to take things slow. A young thief tries to make off with Aaron's wallet and Robert gives chase, earning him a knee to the groin. They later learn that the thief is Aaron's half-sister Liv Flaherty. Aaron pleads with Sandra to help him, and after initially feigning ignorance, Aaron works out that she knows about the abuse the entire time. He grows angry with his former stepmother, but she still refuses to help him. He tearfully informs his sister what kind of person their dad is. Back at the Woolpack, Aaron is fearful that he has ruined his chances of convicting his father.

The next day, the police inform  Aaron  that another male victim has come forward. It is revealed that Robert is paying Gordon's neighbour Ryan to lie to the police and say Gordon has abused him as well. After Gordon accuses Chas of paying Ryan, Robert confesses to Chas, he is the person who asked Ryan to help in  Aaron 's case. Two days later, Ryan arrives at the pub to see Robert, he wants to be out of the deal but Robert explains he is helping to put Gordon in the jail. Robert hands him some cash. Aaron walks in and sees Robert and Ryan. Robert tries to lie to Aaron about Ryan but is forced to admit Ryan is the second 'victim'. Hours later, Chas confesses to Aaron that Robert has paid Ryan to lie to the police. Robert tries to explain to Aaron that he did it for him get justice, but Aaron is left upset and furious. Aaron tells him if the case falls apart, he will blame it on him.

A couple of weeks later, Robert goes to Gordon's plea hearing to support Aaron. Gordon turns up, pretends to be ill and then collapses with Aaron, Robert, Lisa, Belle and Chas witnessing in horror. Later, Robert meets Aaron on the bridge, who is struggling after the day's events. Robert reminds Aaron of how strong he is and then hugs him, unaware that Liv was watching them from the shadows.

Liv comes to stay with Aaron for a while and Robert gets suspicious when Liv questions him about the other witness. Robert arrives at the pub and tells Aaron about her questioning about Ryan, Aaron puts it down to curiosity and he brings up that Robert paid him. Robert finds out from Aaron that Liv recorded them talking about Ryan. Robert blames himself and is prepared to hand himself into the police but Aaron tells him he doesn't want him going to prison for trying to help him. DS Wise visits the pub to find Aaron, but asks Robert and Chas if they know anything about the other witness being paid to lie to the police as Gordon has told them. As Robert is about to confess Chas covers for him by saying that this is another one of Gordon's lies.

While this is going on, Robert learns that Chrissie has begun a relationship with his brother Andy. This riles Robert, but also irritates Aaron as Robert's attentions are elsewhere, when he needs him the most. A week later, Aaron told Robert don't go to the trial but the next day, Robert went to court as he stood as a witness. Robert insists Aaron wouldn't lie about something of this magnitude and admits to court of his feelings for him. The next day, Robert arrived to the court to support Aaron and watched Gordon and Liv take to the stand. Later, Robert arrived at the pub to see Aaron. Robert tells Aaron he is over Andy and Chrissie and he is changed man. When Robert was about to leave, Aaron asks him to stay to have a drink. While they are alone, Robert insists to Aaron that he will keep trying to be better. Aaron wants to be able to trust Robert again. Robert promises he will not let Aaron down and they share a tender kiss. The next day, Gordon found guilty of rape by the jury. At the village, Robert comforts Aaron who is worried that Gordon going to prison won't help him to forget what he did but Robert encourages him to be happy.

Robert is seen staying over at the Woolpack with Aaron. After the first night he stays, Chas seems elated to see him at breakfast the following morning, and him and Aaron discuss taking a trip somewhere to get away from it all. He later turns up with two tickets for them to go to Barcelona for the weekend and is disheartened when they can't go due to Liv turning up, wanting to stay at the Woolpack with Aaron.

When Pete Barton is released from prison, he gives Robert a letter to Aaron from Gordon. Robert tells Adam about the letter and he suggests that Robert gives it to Aaron. But Robert burns the letter after Aaron says he wants nothing more to do with Gordon. Robert discovers Liv has skipped school to go to Gordon's sentencing and he goes to court to find her. Robert also calls Aaron, who turns up and decides to stay to see Gordon get 18 years imprisonment. Robert panics when Gordon tells Aaron about the letter, but he quickly rushing Aaron and Liv out of the court. Later, Aaron asked about the letter but Robert says Gordon was lying. However, Aaron discovers Robert got rid of Gordon's letter. Aaron and Liv are informed that Gordon was found dead in his prison cell. Aaron blames Robert for not giving him the letter. Robert tells Aaron that Gordon was going to commit suicide. Aaron, Chas and Cain believe Robert was involved in Gordon's death, but DS Wise informs them that Gordon hung himself. Aaron apologises to Robert, who explains that he was trying to protect him. Robert suggests Aaron visits Gordon's body in the mortuary. The next day, Gordon left Aaron and Liv £250,000 each in his will. Aaron and Liv refused to have Gordon's money. Robert and Charity talk about Aaron's decision to walk away from Gordon's money, unaware that Aaron was listening. Aaron walks in and angrily confronts Robert, calling him manipulative and controlling. Robert tried to apologise but Aaron refused to listen, telling Robert that he will never change and orders him to stay away from him. Devastated, Robert leaves. However, the next day, Robert came to see Aaron, telling him he'll never stop looking out for him and Liv. He asserts that the inheritance will be useful for Liv's future. Aaron later convinces Liv to accept her share.

A couple of weeks later, Liv accused Robert of sending cruel messages posing as Gordon but Robert denied it, upset that she thought he'd want to hurt her like that. Later, Liv overheard Robert telling Aaron that he will be there for both him and Liv as she is his family too. Later, they attended Gordon's funeral but unable to handle it, Liv ran off and Robert went after her. Robert tells Liv about how he watched his own dad's funeral from a distance and gently tells her it's ok to be sad. They finally bond and agree to get on for Aaron's sake. Later, at the pub, Robert was arrested for perverting the course of justice after Liv offered to Ryan to go to the police about Robert paying him. Liv tells Aaron she tried to call off the deal but it was too late. The next day, Robert returned and admits to Aaron that his fears about going to prison and wonders who got Ryan to tell the police and quickly realises it was Liv. Robert is furious to learn Aaron already knew. Aaron tried to explain that he only found out after Robert was arrested. Robert left upset, reasoning that Aaron had effectively chose Liv over him.

Robert later found out Liv had left when Aaron was not around. When he found her, Liv later explained that she tried to stop Ryan from going to the police, but it was too late. Robert told her he might go to prison but he attributed that to the karma for his wrongdoings. Liv and Robert decided to put their differences aside and patch up.

Robert accidentally saw Noah's phone messages and realised that Noah was Liv's online bully. Robert jokingly threatened Noah to stop his actions or he will pay for it, to which Noah agreed. It was later revealed by Liv that her bully's account had been taken down. Robert and Aaron decide to take Liv on a holiday to Wales.

In July 2016, after being caught in the shower by Charity, Aaron, fed up about the lack of privacy living in an overcrowded pub, asks Robert if he would like to get a place together. Robert tells him he'll think about it, leaving Aaron disappointed. However, Victoria steps in and reminds Robert just how much he loves Aaron and that he should take this step forward in their relationship but just as he's about to call Aaron and make amends, Ryan returns and wanting money from Robert, threatens to lie and report him to the police for assaulting him otherwise. Robert kidnaps Ryan and locks him in the boot of his car for the night. The next day, Robert lets Ryan go, unaware that Aaron has been watching him. Robert gives Ryan the money and tells him to stay away from him, Aaron and Liv. Ryan leaves with Robert's money. Robert is shocked to discover that Aaron had seen everything. Robert tries to explain to Aaron that he was scaring off Ryan to protect himself, him and Liv but Aaron walks off, upset at Robert. The next day, Liv texts Robert, using Aaron's phone. Robert tells Liv the real reason why him and Aaron fell out was because Aaron saw him letting Ryan out of his boot. Liv asks Finn Barton an advice on how to get Aaron and Robert back together. Liv tricks Aaron and Robert to be in the back of The Woolpack at the same time and leave them to sort things out. While in the living room, Robert tells Aaron that he matters to him and he'll try to change for the better for him, but maintains that this is who he is, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect those he cares about. They reconcile, and Robert agrees to move in. As Aaron and Robert share a kiss, Liv enthuses to Finn about how doing the opposite of what he advised worked.

Robert finally tells Aaron that it was Ross who shot him because of the deal he made with Andy. Aaron is upset that the truth was kept from him but Robert begs Aaron to leave it. Later, Aaron sees Andy with Chrissie and unable to contain his anger, punches him in the face before telling Chrissie what Andy did.

2016: Fighting to clear Andy's name over Lawrence's shooting
In the weeks following Andy's arrest for Lawrence's shooting, Robert vows to help his brother out. He visits Andy in prison and offers to help him but Andy thinks he's just there to gloat and rejects his offer. However, after Andy escapes from prison, he is rescued by Robert and tells him that Chrissie framed him out of revenge for sleeping with Bernice. Robert is shocked by his ex wife's vindictiveness and swears to Andy that they will make her pay. The next day, Robert visits Andy at his hideout and provides him with food, clothes and a fake passport. He returns to the village at Andy's request to get some pictures of his kids. While at the Woolpack, he sees Chrissie faking concern about Andy around Diane and Victoria, which incenses him. Aaron, noticing his tense reaction around his ex wife, catches Robert looking through Diane's bag for keys to the B&B. He asks him what he's doing and Robert tells him the truth about Chrissie's revenge plot and his subsequent plan to get Andy out of the country. Aaron warns Robert of the dangers of being a fugitive and begs him not to get involved. Robert brings Andy the photos and the two brothers finally put their differences aside and share an emotional goodbye, saying that they always loved each other underneath and Andy asks Robert to look after Diane, Vic and Aaron, saying that he makes him a better person. Fighting back tears, they embrace and Robert then watches his brother drive away for good. The next day, despite his earlier reservations, Aaron agrees to help Robert clear Andy's name and get revenge on Chrissie. They agree that Lachlan is the weak link so Robert starts sending him emails, posing as Lachlan's absent father, Donny.

A couple of weeks later, Robert is still sending Lachlan messages. It seems Lachlan is about to confess but he and Chrissie eventually realise that Robert is posing as Donny. They angrily confront Robert and Aaron at the pub but Robert warns them he doesn't really need evidence and the police will come for Lachlan. The next day, Lachlan confronts Robert at the scrapyard and attempts to threaten him but Robert laughs in his face and tells him he should be more worried about the lies Chrissie has been telling him. He then proceeds to tell Lachlan about Chrissie setting Donny up the previous year and the reason why he disappeared, leaving the teen shaken. Later on, Lachlan lashes out and calls Liv a charity case which upsets both Aaron and Robert. Robert convinces Aaron they need to fight the Whites head on.

Aaron is invited to attend a course in France for a few weeks. Due to Liv's unruly behaviour at school Robert offers to stay behind in the village to keep an eye on her. In a bid to humiliate Chrissie, Robert tampers with the zip line at the new adventure park and encourages her to be the first to try it out at the grand opening. However, Robert is stricken to overhear Victoria agreeing at the last minute to take Chrissie's place because the former is actually afraid of heights. Robert rushes back to repair the damage but ends up getting his foot caught in the rope, leaving him suspended in midair and helpless. He manages to phone Victoria who helps him down but demands to know why he tried to sabotage Chrissie. Robert finally tells his sister the truth about Chrissie framing Andy. Vic is furious and agrees to help Robert get revenge for their brother.

Robert and Aaron support Adam and Victoria in the wake of Holly Barton's death. Robert asks Chrissie's sister, Rebecca to come to the village in order to help him with his vendetta against Chrissie. She sends a DNA test off to prove that Lawrence is her biological father. When the topic of marriage comes up between Aaron and Robert at Holly's wake, Aaron is left feeling embarrassed when Robert jokingly dismisses the idea. However, the next day after rejecting Rebecca when she attempts to seduce him, Robert realises he is ready to commit and confides in Victoria that he's going to propose to Aaron. He looks at the engagement ring he's bought and muses how everything is about to change. He then finds Aaron at the bar and pulls him in for a passionate kiss.

2016 to present: Hotten Bypass car accident and engagement to Aaron
The next day, Robert goes to Paddy and asks for his blessing to marry Aaron. Paddy is incredulous and tells Robert although he promised he wouldn't interfere in their relationship, he stands by his opinion that Robert isn't good enough for Aaron and he will be left to pick up the pieces when it all goes wrong which prompts Robert to remind Paddy that he wasn't there for him as much as he should have been through Aaron's ordeal with Gordon before walking away. Rebecca meets Robert at the scrapyard to apologise for coming on to him and admits defeat. Robert reiterates to her how lucky he is to have Aaron. Lachlan overhears their conversation and threatens Robert that he will make false allegations to the police that Robert abused him, wondering out loud how long Gordon got for abusing Aaron. Aaron suddenly appears and outraged by Lachlan's threats drags him into the yard, shoves his head into a barrel of water and warns him to stay away from Robert. Later, Robert practices his proposal to Victoria in the barn before Aaron turns up and reveals he has Lachlan tied up in the boot of his car. Robert reprimands Aaron for his actions, reminding him of how he reacted when he kidnapped Ryan but when Lachlan escapes, they are forced to give chase and stop just before falling over the edge of a very steep cliff. Lachlan blurts out that Robert slept with Rebecca, forcing Robert to admit to Aaron the truth regarding his past with her. They had an affair 4 years ago but when it got serious with Chrissie, Robert ended their fling. This leads to a heated discussion between the couple in which Robert finally admits he is bisexual. Leaving Lachlan in the boot, they take a walk through a nearby forest where Robert opens up about his relationship with Jack, and how his father caught him with a boy when he was 15. Robert insists Jack didn't want a son like him so he buried his feelings, but now he just wants to be himself. Aaron tearfully assures Robert he is amazing and tells him he loves him to which Robert replies "Finally". They share a tender kiss and Robert is about to propose before remembering he left the ring in the car. They head back and there is a nervous moment when a police car shows up curious about their parked car. Luckily for them, he is called away to another emergency, looking for someone who has been reported to be "driving erratically", before he has a chance to search their car and possibly find Lachlan in the boot. The officer sends Aaron and Robert on their way. While driving, Aaron admits to Robert that despite everything he's just told him he feels he will never be enough for him which frustrates Robert and forces him to blurt out he was going to ask Aaron to marry him. There is silence between them before Robert sees something coming their way and yells at Aaron to watch out. Aaron manages to steer away from the devastating motorway collision caused by Emma Barton but loses control of the car and crashes into a water filled quarry.

Robert comes round first and he pleads with Aaron to wake up. Aaron is terrified as he realises his leg is stuck and the water levels are rapidly beginning to rise inside the car. Robert tries to keep himself and Aaron calm and makes several attempts to free him but Aaron tearfully begs Robert to go and tells him he loves him before slipping under the water. Robert screams in horror and refuses to give up, going under the water to give Aaron air before making a final attempt to free him. Adam and Victoria arrive at the scene to see Robert dragging Aaron to the surface. He administers CPR and manages to resuscitate Aaron just as a paramedic arrives. Robert then dives back into the lake to save Lachlan, unaware that the teen had already freed himself from the boot and is watching from a distance. Adam goes in the ambulance with Aaron while Vic stays behind to wait for Robert. When Robert emerges from the water again, he desperately asks Vic how Aaron is. She tells him Adam went with him to the hospital and it didn't look good. Robert suddenly sees Lachlan on the bankside and is furious that his former stepson just stood there while he risked his own life going in after him. Robert threatens Lachlan that if Aaron dies, he'll come for him. Robert then heads to the hospital with Victoria. When they arrive, Adam informs Robert that Aaron is in surgery for his liver. As they wait, Vic asks Robert about the proposal; dejected, Robert tells her he never got the chance to ask properly. Chas and Liv arrive and Robert abruptly leaves much to Liv's dismay. He heads back to the quarry to retrieve the ring. After Robert arrives back at hospital Chas hugs him and she is pleasantly surprised to discover that he was planning to propose to Aaron. Robert is moved by Chas' acceptance of him and laughs as she and Liv jokingly plan the wedding. As they keep vigil at his bedside, Aaron comes round and accepts Robert's proposal. Robert gently slips the ring onto Aaron's finger but his eyes suddenly close and he flatlines. Chas runs to get help and Robert and Liv watch on in fear as Aaron fights for his life which he later survives.

Robert spends the night by Aaron's bedside and is relieved when he wakes up. They discuss the aftermath of the crash, including Lachlan's escape and James' death. Aaron notices the engagement ring on his finger and asks Robert if marriage is definitely what he wants. Robert responds by tenderly touching the scars on Aaron's arm, reminding Aaron that he almost lost him, that he couldn't bear the thought of it happening again and he wants to be with him forever. Moved by this, Aaron asks Robert to marry him and he accepts. Adam and Vic drop by the hospital and Vic gives Aaron the second engagement ring which he gives to Robert, making their engagement official. Chas and Liv also visit to celebrate the good news. Later, at the pub, Robert runs into Rebecca and lets her know that Lachlan knows about their past affair. Rebecca promises to help by finding evidence against Chrissie and Lachlan to secure Andy's freedom and also offers Robert shares of her inheritance, which he accepts as he has a wedding to plan. The next day, Lachlan tells Chrissie about Robert and Rebecca in front of the entire pub. Robert assures Liv that Aaron already knows. Two days later, still reeling from the bombshell of Rebecca and Robert's fling, Chrissie confronts Robert in the pub and after winding up his ex wife about Rebecca and her reasons for returning to the village, Robert promises he will make her life hell for what she did to Andy.

Robert and Aaron gather with the rest of the village to pay their final respects to James. During the burial, Aaron takes Robert's hand for comfort. At the wake, Victoria is unimpressed with Rebecca offering to buy everyone drinks to gain some popularity. Robert assures her Rebecca is on their side.

Rebecca finds evidence from the shooting which was used to frame Andy and shows it to Robert. He wants to go to the police with it but she tells him she wants to do it her way. Later, Robert and Aaron go to the Home Farm bonfire night where Rebecca publicly accuses Chrissie of framing Andy. Diane is horrified when she learns the truth and is angry with Robert for keeping it from her. Robert is upset that even if they can clear Andy's name, he has no way of letting him know. Rebecca arrives at the pub with an incriminating video of Lachlan which Diane hopes will be evidence enough to make Chrissie and Lachlan pay. The next day, Diane and Robert wait for news from the police regarding the video footage of Lachlan. Robert voices his concerns it might not be enough but Diane reminds him that she promised Jack she would look after his children. She later goes to Home Farm and warns the Whites they won't get away with what they did to Andy. Robert is livid when Lawrence threatens to evict Diane after she stages a protest outside Home Farm. Later, Rebecca comes to apologise for her father and Robert instructs her to get back her family's trust so they can carry out their revenge plan against them. Robert is left reeling when Diane is arrested for hitting Lachlan.

Robert thanks Rebecca for getting Lawrence to change his mind about evicting Diane. Aaron is jealous when he spots them together and despite Robert's protestations that his involvement with Rebecca is strictly business and purely to get Andy home, Aaron believes she has other motives and tells Robert to stay away from her. Later, at the pub, as they reminisce, Rebecca kisses Robert. He gently pushes her back and reminds her they need to stick to their plan. It's not about them - it's not even about Andy - it's about Home Farm, at which point Diane walks in with a darkened expression on her face leaving Robert worried about what she may have overheard. The next day, Robert lays flowers on his mum's grave as Aaron supports him. Diane then arrives and voices her disapproval of Robert scheming with Rebecca to get their hands on Home Farm. Robert defends his actions, saying Chrissie deserves to lose everything after what she did to Andy but Diane coldly informs her stepson that Sarah would have been heartbroken to see what he's become, leaving Robert stunned and hurt. After some coercion from Rebecca, Lachlan decides to hand him himself into the police where he is charged with attempted murder and perverting the course of justice. Robert excitedly tells Diane the news and they hope it will finally get Andy exonerated.

Robert and Aaron prepare for Lachlan's plea hearing, discussing the possibility of finally clearing Andy's name as well as their wedding plans. Robert receives a text from Rebecca saying she needs to see him urgently. Aaron asks why they can't be done with her and Robert reminds him of their Home Farm deal and insists the extra money will be useful. Diane comes to see Robert and apologises for the comments she made a few weeks ago about Sarah. Robert reiterates to her that even though his underhand tactics against Chrissie may not be agreeable, all he really wants is to get Andy home. Rebecca meets Robert at the pub and blackmails him into breaking Lachlan out of prison, saying she'll tell Aaron about their recent kiss if he doesn't comply. They arrive at court where Rebecca sets off the alarm, causing the building to be evacuated but before Robert can get to Lachlan, he suddenly gets a call from Aaron and coming to his senses, decides to abandon the plan, telling Rebecca he was just using her and that the only person he wants to be with is Aaron, leaving her devastated. Back at the pub, Aaron informs Robert that Lachlan pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. Robert is satisfied with the result and tells Aaron the deal with Rebecca is off. The next day, Robert brushes Rebecca off when she comes to see him, saying they have nothing to talk about anymore. Rebecca then turns her attentions to Aaron and tells him about the kiss but is shocked when he calmly calls her bluff, saying he already knew about Robert playing her before telling her she isn't a threat and to get over herself. Humiliated, Rebecca walks off in tears. In the back room, Robert assures Aaron he was indeed playing Rebecca all along in order to help Andy and also tells him about the failed breakout attempt for Lachlan. Aaron is incredulous but Robert promises him he changed his mind because he couldn't risk losing him. Frustrated, Aaron keeps trying to leave the room but Robert passionately defends himself, reiterating what he said a month ago - being bisexual doesn't mean he will cheat and it's because he's changed out of his love for Aaron. The next day, things are still tense between them and Charity and Chas moan about the couple's constant bickering as well as how overcrowded the pub is which prompts Liv to ask Aaron and Robert why they can't get their own place. Later that evening, Robert learns that The Mill is up for auction. Liv offers to chip in using her inheritance but Aaron flat out refuses to use Gordon's money. Robert tells Aaron that having some security is just what Liv needs and the move would be good for them all. They bring up their argument from the previous day and have an honest discussion about everything. Robert assures Aaron of his feelings for him and they make up.

Robert agrees to help Rebecca secure a business deal in return for a percentage of the profits so he can help Aaron get a deposit for a house. He is delighted when Aaron, who earlier that day reached a mutual understanding with Rebecca, decides to use the inheritance money to buy The Mill. Robert enjoys his first Christmas with Aaron, Liv and the rest of the Dingles.

2017 - Buildup to the wedding

With Rebecca's help, Robert plans a surprise trip to Vegas for Aaron's birthday. He meets Aaron at the pub but Chrissie attempts to ruin the mood by reminding Aaron of Robert's past infidelity and warns it will happen again. Robert tells his ex wife she is bitter and pathetic then takes Aaron into the back room which he has decorated in the theme of Vegas and excitedly tells him about their trip. Sensing Aaron is a little shaken after Chrissie's comments, Robert assures him he loves him but is upset when Aaron lets slip that he already knew about the trip after confronting Rebecca, thinking Robert was cheating on him. Robert tells Aaron they can't keep having the same argument about trust and asks him to believe in him. Robert then tells him that in exchange for the trip to Vegas, Rebecca needs his help at Home Farm during Lawrence's absence which requires an overnight stay to negotiate a business deal. Panicking, Aaron tells Robert he booked a weekend away in Manchester for them both and offers to cancel it but Robert instantly forgos his business deal in order to be with him.

Robert attends Lachlan's trial with Diane, Victoria and Bernice where they express their disgust at Chrissie for not admitting to framing Andy and letting her son take the fall for everything. Lachlan is acquitted of attempted murder but the judge reminds the teen that he had already pleaded guilty to perjury and is therefore remanded in custody until his sentencing, leaving the Whites in shock and the Sugdens delighted with the result.

Following a suggestion from Charity, Robert and Aaron decide to have a secret wedding in Vegas. However, the next day, Robert is celebrating a business deal with Rebecca when Aaron bursts in. Fed up with his insecurity and jealousy, this leads to a heated argument between the pair, after which Robert tells Aaron he can't do this anymore and removes his engagement ring. Later that night, after a chat with Vic, Robert tells Aaron he doesn't want to give up on them but they are interrupted by the police. To Robert's dismay, Aaron is arrested for attacking Kasim. The next day, Robert is angry to learn it was Finn who called the police on Aaron. Aaron is released on bail and offers Robert the chance to walk away for good but Robert promises to stick by him.

Robert admits to Chas about his and Aaron's plans to elope before Aaron got arrested. Later, Aaron returns from the police station after giving a second interview and informs Robert of his impending court date. Robert promises to support him no matter what happens. Their argument from before is forgotten about and they make up.

Robert attends Lachlan's sentencing where the teen is given 5 months in prison, leaving the Sugdens hopeful that they are one step closer to getting Andy home. After Chrissie bitterly blames the Sugdens for Lachlan's predicament, Victoria finally snaps and tells Chrissie that because of her, Andy doesn't know his daughter, Sarah has cancer, leaving her and Lawrence shaken. Later, at Home Farm, Robert finds Rebecca standing over Chrissie's unconcious body after they had a confrontation and Chrissie fell over the banister onto a glass table. Robert advises Rebecca to lie about what happened but she refuses and calls an ambulance. At the hospital, Chrissie threatens to have Rebecca arrested but after receiving a few home truths from Lawrence, she backs down.

Robert is concerned about Aaron when he suffers a panic attack brought on by stress of his upcoming trial. After confiding in Chas, Robert wants to make sure Aaron and Liv feel more secure and decides he wants to marry Aaron the next day.

Wedding to Aaron and Prison

The next morning, with the help of his family, Liv and the rest of the Dingles, Robert sets up the wedding in the Woolpack. Aaron is thrilled when Robert springs the surprise on him but just as the service gets underway, the police turn up looking for Faith. Upset, Robert walks off and Aaron follows him to the garage. Robert laments that he wanted this day to be perfect but Aaron assures him it doesn't matter and produces the rings. They exchange their vows in private and then return to the pub where they are congratulated by their family and friends. Later that night, Aaron slips away from the party and apologises to Robert for messing up and having to leave him; Robert understands Aaron's fears of going to prison and gently assures him however long he's gone for, it'll pass and he'll wait for him. The next day, Aaron is sentenced to 12 months in prison. Robert is devastated and swears to appeal. Paddy soon comes to see him and the two men finally reach an understanding over their mutual love for Aaron. When Liv later asks Robert if he's going to send her away to her mum in Ireland, Robert gently assures her she's not going anywhere and hugs her close.

Robert visits Aaron in prison where the pair struggle to hide their true feelings for eachother. They make small talk and Robert gently squeezes Aaron's leg under the table which is unfortunately seen by Aaron's homophobic inmate Jason. Later, Robert tells Charity about Aaron being forced to hide his sexuality but she reminds him that in prison it's survival of the fittest and he'll need to do whatever it takes. The next day, Robert is dismayed to learn from Chas that the other inmates have worked out Aaron's sexuality after their intimate moment was spotted. Robert and Chas try to convince themselves that Aaron is tough and he can handle it. Robert visits Aaron again and apologises for the trouble he caused but Aaron assures him he's fine. Later that evening Robert reports back to Chas that Aaron seems to be handling things and per his advice, tells her to visit Sarah in Prague assuring his mother in law he can handle things while she's away.

Robert is furious to discover someone has vandalised The Mill with cruel slurs about Aaron. After some coercion from Vic, Robert admits he's been spending his nights on the Woolpack sofa because he can't face sleeping in the bed without Aaron. Vic advises her brother to share his problems with his husband when he calls. Later, Liv and Robert get a phonecall from Aaron but Robert finds himself unable to open up. The next day, after taking Liv to visit Aaron, Robert is worried when Paddy tells him that Aaron has been fighting and that an argument occurred between the two siblings. Robert gently tries to get Liv to open up to him but she assures him everythings fine.

Quotes
"Why don't you just get back to your pathetic little farm, Andy! Where are you gonna be in ten years, eh? Twenty years? Scratching about for a living on your own except for your half dozen kids by as many thick girls, who are still too smart to put up with you for the rest of their life. You might as well top yourself now, save hanging round."

"I'll never forget you." - Final line spoken by Karl Davies as Robert, as he placed a rose on his dad's grave.

"Diane. Victoria. Miss me?" - First line spoken by Ryan Hawley as Robert.

"You're not going anywhere!" - To Katie right before accidentally killing her.

"No matter what you do, no matter what I do, you're my brother. This is where my family is. I can't leave" - To Andy after their confrontation at Wilsons Field.

"He's the sort of person you want to be... and to be with" - To the jury about Aaron during Gordon's trial.

"When something matters to me, I lie, I cheat, I do whatever it takes. And you matter to me. So, however much I'm trying to change for you, I can't swear something like that will never happen again. What I can swear is that I'll keep fighting it, and I'll keeping trying to change for you, for the better. But is that enough?" - To Aaron when discussing their relationship.

"What is it about you and me and country roads, eh?" - To Andy after he rescues him.

"I'll see you, brother" - To Andy, ending their lifelong feud before Andy leaves for good.

"I just wanna be myself now, with you" - To Aaron, as Robert finally opens up about his bisexuality.

"I didn't go looking for you. I met you and you changed everything" - To Aaron, before admitting he was going to propose.

"I don't want easy. I want messed up... with you... forever" - To Aaron, as they discuss their future.

"I, Robert Jacob Sugden, take you, Aaron Dingle to be my wedded husband"- To Aaron, as he marries him in the garage where they first slept together.

"I promise to be faithful, to put you first, to make you happy, to keep trying to be better for you because you deserve it" - Robert's wedding vows