‘Emmerdale’ newcomer Simon Lennon has reassured Robron fans his character is "in no way attempting to replace Robert".
Supporters of couple Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) were left devastated when Ryan departed the ITV soap last year after his character was sent to prison.
And while Aaron looks set to get a new Dales love interest with newcomer Ben, played by Simon, the ‘Our Girl’ actor admitted he loves the "amazing" Robron fanbase and is keen to win them round.
He said: "Even before being involved in the show, I knew of the Robron fans. It’s such an amazing fanbase. Knowing Danny, I was aware of the support for him and that relationship was always so big.
"For myself coming into it, Ben is a completely different person. I’m in no way attempting to replace Robert. The initial relationship between Aaron and Ben is one of just pure lust and attraction. There’s so much of that history that has to come into play.
"There needs to be a blossoming friendship before there’s anything that comes on top of that.
"You can see little moments between them, you can see that they’re attracted to each other. There is a chemistry and a buzzing undercurrent there."
Simon recently admitted he feels "so lucky" to have joined the soap.
He said: "I’m so excited to be joining the cast of ‘Emmerdale’.
"I feel so lucky to be a part of such an established, fantastic show.
"Everyone has been so welcoming, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds for Ben.
"Ben and Aaron Dingle have a lot of history and it will all come to the forefront when they’re reunited after a long time apart."