Emmerdale fans declare ‘never’ as they learn Robert Sugden star’s real age after birthday

Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley has been playing Robert Sugden on the ITV soap for over a decade – and fans have been left shocked by his real-life age

Emmerdale viewers have been stunned after learning the actual age of Robert Sugden star Ryan Hawley.

The performer rose to prominence when he joined the ITV drama in 2014 as Robert, quickly stirring up trouble in the village.

The beloved character has been central to numerous major plotlines on the long-running soap. From his adored relationship with legend Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) to his mental health battles, Robert’s stint in the Dales has been packed with plenty of turmoil.

Robert departed in 2019 after being imprisoned for killing Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie), who had assaulted his sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins).

This year however, Robert made his dramatic return during his ex-partner Aaron’s wedding to murderer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), reports the Daily Star.

Since arriving back in the village, Robert has been focused on unmasking John, and last week, everything collapsed for John when his wrongdoings were revealed to residents.

But away from the ITV drama, Ryan recently marked a milestone birthday – leaving supporters astounded by his actual years.

On an Emmerdale Facebook fan group, someone honoured Ryan on his special day and posted: “Happy 40th birthday to Ryan Hawley who plays Robert Sugden.”

Flooding the comments area, viewers expressed their amazement at Ryan’s age. One fan commented: “Looks a lot younger.” Another remarked: “Never I’d have said 20 it’s in the genes.” A third exclaimed: “Wow he doesn’t look 40.”

Actor Ryan expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Emmerdale, stating: “Rejoining the cast of Emmerdale feels fantastic. I’ve been having so much fun being back here. Oddly, more fun than I thought it was going to be, in a good way.”

He also revealed the lengths the bosses went to keep his return under wraps: “I was given a code name of ‘Marco’, In fact I think everyone’s sick of hearing the name Marco.

“I’ve been using a secret entrance to get into the building and I’ve had a driver picking me up from my house and driving me to Emmerdale. There’s so much effort that’s gone into it. I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t tell my family or friends.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm