"Emmerdale actor Ryan Hawley hints at Robert's upcoming plotline, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the year to come."
In an exciting turn of events, British soap operas "Coronation Street" and "Emmerdale" are set to break new ground with a historic crossover episode airing in January 2026. This marks the first time in British soap history that characters from both soaps will come together, promising a special celebration of the genre [1][2].
The hour-long special episode, dubbed as "The Corrie-Dale" by the cast, is expected to have significant impacts on both shows. It will feature an "ambitious stunt" with "everlasting consequences" for the characters involved [3]. While plot details remain under wraps, the crossover is anticipated to be a significant event in the soap world.
In Emmerdale, Robert Sugden, played by Ryan Hawley, is returning from a six-year prison stint and causing quite a stir. He gate-crashed his ex-husband Aaron Dingle's wedding, caused conflict with the residents of the village, and even stole from Ross Barton and Mackenzie Boyd's weed farm [4]. Despite his questionable actions, Ryan Hawley has expressed excitement about the upcoming storylines for his character [5][6].
Meanwhile, John Sugden has been manipulating the villagers with his 'heroic' deeds, turning people against Robert Sugden. It remains unclear if Robert will manage to expose John for who he really is [7].
Catch Emmerdale weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV to follow Robert's story arc. For full listings, refer to the TV Guide to find out when to catch Emmerdale on ITV and ITVX.
[1] ITV Announcement: https://www.itv.com/presscenter/latest-news/2025-09-15/coronation-street-and-emmerdale-to-air-a-historic-crossover-episode-in-2026 [2] Potential Budget Cuts and their Impact on Soaps: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/09/15/coronation-street-and-emmerdale-crossover-episode-budget-cuts [3] ITV Press Release: https://www.itv.com/presscenter/press-releases/2025-10-01/coronation-street-and-emmerdale-to-air-an-hour-long-special-episode-with-an-ambitious-stunt [4] Emmerdale Storylines: https://www.emmerdale.fandom.com/wiki/Robert_Sugden [5] Ryan Hawley's Interview with What To Watch: https://www.whattowatch.com/ryan-hawley-emmerdale-interview-2025-11-01 [6] Ryan Hawley's Excitement for the Year Ahead: https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a37579143/ryan-hawley-emmerdale-interview-2025-12-01/ [7] John Sugden's Manipulations: https://www.emmerdale.fandom.com/wiki/John_Sugden
- After six years, the return of Robert Sugden from prison in Emmerdale promises to shake up the series with his questionable actions and the upcoming crossover episode with Coronation Street.
- The much-anticipated "The Corrie-Dale" episode, airing in January 2026, is set to feature an ambitious stunt with everlasting consequences, serving as a significant event in the soap world, alongside the ongoing storylines of characters like Robert Sugden.
- Apart from catching the crossover episode, fans of Emmerdale can follow Robert Sugden's increasingly complex story arc by tuning in to ITV every weeknight at 7:30pm, with a full schedule available in the TV Guide.
