Emmerdale viewers are convinced that a shocking incest storyline is on the horizon for two characters.
The popular ITV soap, which first aired in 1972, has never shied away from tackling controversial topics. Over the decades, it’s delivered a plethora of dramatic and pioneering storylines – ranging from health struggles and breathtaking stunts to domestic violence and heart-wrenching child abduction.
Not forgetting, of course, the numerous affairs and murders that have rocked the iconic village. Now, however, it’s suggested that two family members in the ITV drama could be heading towards a contentious incest plot.
As fans will remember, Robert Sugden (played by Ryan Hawley) made his triumphant return recently after a six-year absence. He was incarcerated in 2019 for the murder of Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie), who sexually assaulted his sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins), reports Belfast Live.
Previously wed to Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), Robert’s ex-spouse has since moved on and tied the knot with his half-brother, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).
John – who was introduced last year – is harbouring many secrets, including the fact that he murdered much-loved resident Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) and disposed of his body in a nearby river.
However, Robert has now returned to the village permanently and moved in with his sister Victoria, in an attempt to rebuild his life. Convinced that John is concealing something, Robert is also hell-bent on unmasking the secret murderer, while endeavouring to rekindle his romance with his ex-partner Aaron.
This week’s drama had Emmerdale fans gasping for breath as Robert was rescued by John from a disastrous date gone wrong, where he was drugged and nearly taken advantage of. John swooped in just in the nick of time and saved dazed Robert, who although finding the situation less than ideal, couldn’t help expressing his thanks.
But now, viewers are buzzing with predictions that something totally unexpected might happen – could love be in the air for John and Robert?
On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, the speculation is rampant. One fan speculated: “Biggest plot twist of all would be John sacks Aaron off and starts dating John!” Another chimed in hilariously: “Wouldn’t put it past the writers at this stage.”
And yet another voiced their dismay: “Oh ffs I’ll stop watching if that happens.”
After all, we know Emmerdale doesn’t shy away from engaging in taboo topics, like incestuous relationships, which have been portrayed before within the Dingle clan. Mandy Dingle famously tied the knot with her cousin Butch back in the day, and Cain Dingle’s steamy fling with cousin Charity gave us Debbie Dingle.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm