Robert Sugden is back in Emmerdale – and he’s already causing chaos. But is this the beginning of a new farm venture, or the launch of a ruthless alliance with Kim Tate?

Fans of Emmerdale have waited with bated breath for Robert Sugden’s return, and now that he’s back, he’s wasting no time in shaking up the village. In true Sugden fashion, his arrival is laced with secrets, manipulation, and calculated moves.

In the latest episodes available now on ITVX, Robert appears to be inserting himself back into the community by striking a seemingly innocent land deal with Moira Dingle. But when Kim Tate enters the picture—champagne in hand—it’s clear that this is no ordinary business deal.

The Disappearing Cannabis Crop

The drama began with the mysterious disappearance of a stash of cannabis plants, secretly grown by Ross Barton, Lewis, and Mackenzie Boyd. Initially, suspicion fell on newcomer Ray, but Mackenzie had proof that Ray hadn’t touched the goods.

Then came the shocker: Robert had handed over the plants to Ray in exchange for a large sum of money. Just like that, Robert had played both sides—leaving the growers confused and the viewers stunned.

It was a classic Robert move: silent, strategic, and money-driven. And it’s only the beginning.

Buying the Land… or Buying Time?

After pocketing the cash, Robert headed to Butlers Farm to meet with Moira Dingle. Moira, still reeling from financial strain after the slurry leak disaster, was desperate for relief. Robert seized the moment, proposing to buy land from her using his “investment” funds.

He painted a heartwarming picture: building a barn, raising cows, and reviving the Sugden farming legacy. Moira, exhausted and seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, shook his hand and sealed the deal.

But for Robert Sugden, sentimentality is rarely the end goal.

Enter Kim Tate: Champagne and Scheming

The final twist came when Robert was spotted at Home Farm—celebrating with none other than Kim Tate. As she popped a bottle of bubbly and toasted his sharp thinking, it became obvious: Robert may have bought the land in name, but Kim is the one pulling strings behind the scenes.

Kim was visibly impressed by Robert’s cunning maneuver, and Robert seemed to bask in the approval of the queen of manipulation herself. The two powerhouses joining forces? That’s a storm waiting to strike Emmerdale right at its core.

What’s their endgame? Is Kim using Robert to extend her empire? Or is Robert simply using her as a pawn to take down the Dingles?

The Sugden-Tate Alliance vs the Dingles?

It’s impossible to ignore the historic tension between the Sugdens, Tates, and Dingles. If Robert and Kim are aligning, this could spell the beginning of a calculated power shift in the village.

Moira may have sold her land thinking she was saving herself, but in doing so, has she handed her future—and possibly the future of Butlers Farm—over to two of the most dangerous minds in Emmerdale?

And what about Ross and Mackenzie? When they learn that Robert sold their crops and pocketed the profit, retribution may come swift and brutal.

What’s Next for Robert?

One thing’s for sure: Robert Sugden didn’t return to make peace. His smirk, his deals, and his sudden wealth all point toward a long-game strategy. Whether he’s aiming to reclaim control of the village or burn it down piece by piece remains to be seen.

But with Kim Tate at his side and his enemies still unaware of his betrayal, Robert may already be five moves ahead.

This is a new era for Emmerdale—and Robert Sugden is ready to run the board.