EMMERDALE fans were left devastated after Robert Sugden split with Aaron Dingle in Ryan Hawley’s last appearance on the soap.
Robert and Aaron’s relationship was at threat already after Robert was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 14 years before parole.
But things got worse in tonight’s episode when a prison officer informed him that he was being moved to a prison on the Isle of Wight.
This would make it much more difficult for his family and friends to see him.
In order to spare them over a decade of pain, Robert decides to break it off with his husband in heartbreaking scenes in the prison visitation area.
At first things seemed to be okay as Aaron joked about being in prison.
Then as Robert was about to say the words, he was cut off by Aaron – and looked as if he wasn’t going to go through with it.
“We can do this you know.”
Robert begins to say it, with: “It’s just, I hate seeing you in here. It’s just so hard when we’ve always been so free and now, I can’t even touch you. Not really.”
Aaron replies: “It’s better than not seeing you at all. Isn’t it?”
“You don’t get it, you shouldn’t have to do this,” Robert replies.
After some back and forth Aaron says: “I’m going nowhere, and let’s be honest, neither are you. Seeing you today – it’s all I care about. Stop saying sorry, it is what it is. It’s me and you now.”
Robert replies: “Always. You’re strong. I know you can get through anything.”
However, it becomes clear that their relationship is over without Aaron even knowing about it – as Robert hands over his wedding ring and breaks down.
Robert says: “I love you, so, so much.”
“I love you too,” Aaron replies.
Robert says: “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Promise me you’ll never forget.”
Aaron, not knowing this is the end, writes: “I’ll see you soon, yeah.”
All Robert replies with is: “Goodbye Aaron.”
They ended with a montage of their relationship over the years.
The scenes left people sad as the fan-favourite relationship came to an end.
One person said: “I am not exaggerating when I say I am fully sobbing right now. I’m not recovering from that episode #Emmerdale #Robron”
Another added: “really sad, just finished watching Robert on Emmerdale do his lAst scene. Will really miss you Robert boo hoo wipe my tears away”
A third included: “Oh my heart.Danny and Ryan have been amazing throughout the twists and turns of #Robron – A ship that many got on board with and fell in love with. Ill miss the relationship. #GoodbyeRobert #Emmerdale”
