Emmerdale‘s Robert Sugden is not short of enemies next week, yet he has an unexpected ally in ex-husband Aaron Dingle.

Despite recent tensions, Aaron kindly gives Robert hope for the future. Is this a sign that Robron could reunite one day?

“Robert’s feeling pretty despondent and even thinks about leaving the village,” our Emmerdale insider explains.

“But it’s Aaron who talks him around. Despite the trouble Robert has caused, Aaron persuades his ex to stay in the village – an act which sees Robert decide to put down roots…”

It’s after John exposes some incriminating information about Robert to the rest of the village this week that his brother gets cast out in the cold. Suspicious of Robert, John secretly places a listening device at his house, and unearths some dirt which makes life rather awkward for Rob.

Meanwhile, Robert’s also trying to dig up information on John – and with the two rivals circling each other, John is keen to keep Rob close as he tries to persuade Aaron to go easy on Robert.

However, when the trio come face to face at the shop, the situation becomes uncomfortable, and John leaves. With Robert and Aaron left alone, Rob takes the chance to clear the air and tries to call a truce over a coffee.

“As Aaron listens to his ex-hubby’s words, he’s moved when Robert hints that he’s thinking about leaving,” reveals our source.

“Aaron reassures him that, despite everything that has happened, he is valued in the village. Aaron’s words certainly buoy Robert, as he decides to press ahead with a plan…”

Robert knows he’s a long way from winning back Aaron, but his words certainly make him think there is a possibility of a brighter future. So, he decides it’s time to cement his place in the village.

Later, we see Robert standing on Annie’s field, the land he bought from Moira Dingle.

Although he was supposed to be acting as a front for Kim Tate in the purchase, Robert pulled out at the last minute, realising that the land has a lot more value to Kim than she was letting on.

After Moira confronts Robert about his intentions for the land, Victoria arrives and Robert unveils his plan. He tells shocked Vic that he wants them to farm the land together, just as their ancestors did before them.

While Victoria is surprised by the turn of events, it means that Robert is planning to stay in the village long-term. But with him and John both hellbent on outsmarting the other, has the battle for Aaron’s heart only just begun?