Emmerdale viewers are speculating more will be revealed about Robert Sugden’s time in prison, with his experience clearly affecting him with him struggling to cope
07:45, 08 Aug 2025Updated 07:49, 08 Aug 2025
Emmerdale viewers are speculating more will be revealed about Robert Sugden’s time in prison(Image: ITV)
Robert Sugden has sparked concern recently on Emmerdale with it clear that spending the past six years in prison has affected his mental health. With him suffering nightmares and lashing out, Robert will continue to spiral in coming episodes.
But amid hints that what he faced in prison has changed him, with his sister Victoria Sugden urging him to seek help, fans are wondering if at some point we may find out a bit more. Fans think a flashback special could be on the cards that may delve into what went on in prison.
It comes as fans speculated that mystery new character Kev could be linked to Robert and his time in prison. Viewers now believe we will see flashbacks or even Robert admitting to someone what he faced while locked up, and it could spark a storyline for him.
READ MORE: EastEnders fans ‘figure out’ Ben Mitchell twist as pictures confirm returnREAD MORE: EastEnders character set to die with scenes already filmed – but bigger twists ahead
Robert Sugden has sparked concern recently on Emmerdale with it clear that spending the past six years in prison has affected his mental health(Image: ITV)
Many viewers are predicting that Robert is experiencing PTSD after his time in prison, and possibly down to something specific that happened to him. Other fans wondered if he was targeted and bullied, after he confessed to his sister that he had to get used to sleeping with one eye open.
Robert having nightmares where he shouts out and lashes out has left fans sure someone hurt him, and they are hoping the ITV soap will explore this and show Robert dealing with it. Taking to social media, one theory said: “I think he has PTSD from bullying, but obviously being prison, the relentless, brutal, physical AND psychological kind of bullying.
“Robert’s yelling in his sleep, seems terrified to go back to prison (running away after attacking John, literally begging him not to say anything). I can’t wait to find out though! I feel like soaps don’t really explore the effects of prison on people so it will be an interesting watch.”
Robert will continue to spiral in coming episodes(Image: ITV)
Another fan agreed: “It seems like he’s got PTSD which will interesting to see play out. Especially bcos the character was so headstrong and unbreakable before prison.”
A third fan commented: “He was definitely bullied by fellow inmates, maybe due to his sexuality? I’m also interested to see the storyline unfold.”
This was echoed by another theory that read: “I feel like they’ll have made him do some jobs for people to get them off his back but it didn’t work and he was a punching bag either way. It’s also Robert so he never shut his mouth and would defo say a comment or two and get another punch.”
As for how it might be revealed, some fans called for a flashback episode or a two hander. One suggestion read: “I would bet money on there being a flashback episode of his time in prison, we know how much Emmerdale seems to love a flashback lol.”
Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group
As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you’ll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone.
Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group.
We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .