viewers are theorising that Robert Sugden could have another child who is already in the village. Robert, (played by Ryan Hawley) made a return to the ITV soap last week following a six-year absence.

The character has spent the last six years in prison for killing Lee Posner, who sexually assaulted his sister, Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins). Robert was originally sentenced to 14 years behind bars, but was granted early release after appealing his sentence.

After discovering that his ex-husband Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) was about to marry John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), Robert made a dramatic return to the Dales in a bid to stop the wedding.

Despite sharing a kiss with his former flame, Aaron decided to marry John, who also happens to be Robert's half-brother. After getting into a physical altercation with John, Robert was sent back to prison for missing his parole hearing.

But as viewers know, Robert will be returning to the village in the coming weeks as Ryan confirmed his return is indefinite. Following his dramatic comeback, fans are now speculating that Robert could soon reunite with his long-lost chid.

The debate was sparked on an Emmerdale Facebook fan group, when a viewer theorised that Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches), could be Robert's son.

Lewis made his first appearance last month, introduced as the son of Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney). However, viewers have suggested this may not be true, and Lewis is actually the son of Robert and another woman.

"Not sure if I trust that Lewis and the timing with Robert's return is suspicious. Could they be related?," penned one fan as another echoed: "It wouldn't be totally far-fetched if Lewis was his son or something."

Another fan agreed: "You might be into something there!"

Fans of the soap will recall that Robert is already a father to Sebastian White. He was conceived in 2017, when Robert slept with Rebecca White (Emily Head) whilst Aaron was in prison.

Robert was heartbroken when Seb left the village with Rebecca and her then-boyfriend Ross Barton (Mike Parr). However, when Ross made a surprise return to the soap in October 2024, he revealed Rebecca died and Seb was sent to live with her aunt in Bristol.

But now that Robert has returned, will he reunite with his son?