Emmerdale airs deception towards oblivious Robert Sugden in early ITVX release

Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) thinks he has the upper hand in Emmerdale - but it couldn't be further from the truth.

The character is currently on a mission to expand the Sugden Empire. This began by becoming tenant farmer of the land his grandmother Annie owned, and renaming it Emmerdale Farm.

Robert then manipulated Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) into selling The Hide restaurant to him, though when she discovered his underhand tactics, decided to get her own back. She'd originally agreed to remain as licensee until he could obtain the correct operational certificates, though decided to cancel them and sell the fixtures and fittings.

With no money to actually get the business running, he held a poker night to try and recover some cash. His winnings were stolen by Woolpack landlady Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), though after being caught by her granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), she returned them.

Now, Charity has another plan.

Earlier this week, Robert could see that Woolie chef Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) was stressed and followed him into the kitchen to make an offer.

He said that, given his sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) was reluctant to return to the village and was instead choosing to remain in Portugal, he was looking for someone to take charge of his new Smokehouse's kitchen. Marlon was reluctant, though upon hearing that the role was actually as "creative director", there could be a hefty wage incentive.

In today's episode, Charity caught Marlon and Mary Goskirk (Louise Jameson) admiring a new set of kitchen knives that Robert had bought. She questioned where they'd come from, and Marlon tried to pretend that he'd made some money from online influencing.

Charity wasn't convinced, and after finding a business card, realised that it was Robert's doing.

Later, after Marlon accepted the job offer, on the condition that Mary was taken on as his sous chef. Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) was worried whether they'd be able to afford them, though upon the ultimatum that it was both of them or nothing, Robert was forced to accept.

An explosive confrontation with Charity then broke out in the pub. She barred Robert and Aaron, before also lashing out towards Marlon and Mary.

But it was all an act.

Charity has asked the pair to go up to the Smokehouse and sabotage the venture on opening night, leaving Robert high and dry at the most important time.

Will Robert rumble their plan?

Read more:

• 5 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Belle Dingle confronts evil Tom King and Robert Sugden’s shock hire
• Emmerdale airs surprise and unannounced return of legendary character eight months after exit in early ITVX release
• Emmerdale star teases "rocky road" for Sarah Sugden - and reveals hopes for Debbie Dingle return

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

Add Emmerdale to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.