‘Emmerdale’ bosses have hinted Robert Sugden-Dingle could be killed off this summer.
Producer Laura Shaw has confirmed Ryan Hawley – who plays the character – is departing the Dales after five years, and she dropped a huge hint that he may meet his maker while attempting to wreak revenge on his sister Victoria Sugden’s (Isabel Hodgins) rapist Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie).
She said: "Ryan Hawley is leaving the show – it’s been a fantastic five years with him and we will miss him dearly.
"There is some time left with him on screen yet but in time, it does mean that our beloved Robron are going to be parted.
"Robert is intent on getting his revenge at any cost, even if it kills him."
Robert – whose relationship with Aaron Sugden-Dingle (Danny Miller) led to fans dubbing the pair "Robron" – will be "pushed to the very edge" as he goes up against evil Lee.
Laura added: "Victoria’s evil rapist Lee is still pursuing her, so Victoria decides that the only way that she’s ever going to live happily and peacefully with the baby, is if she leaves the village forever.
"As her brother finds this out, he’s obviously devastated. He doesn’t want his sister to leave at all and as Lee piles the pressure on both of them, Robert is pushed to the very edge."
What’s more, Tracy Metcalfe’s (Amy Walsh) life could also hang in the balance when she is trapped in the Sharmas’ factory when a fire breaks out.
Laura said: "Will Tracy get out in time? It’s safe to say there are heart-breaking scenes ahead for the villagers and that Tracy’s life will never be the same again."