‘Emmerdale’: Robert’s Jack Sugden Revelation Divides Soap Fans

'Why did they feel the need to bring Jack into it and rewrite a legendary character?'
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‘Emmerdale’ fans were pretty much unanimous in their praise for Ryan Hawley’s character Robert Sugden on Monday (17 October) night, but there’s one aspect of his emotional speech about coming out that has divided fans.

The episode focussed almost entirely on Robert and his boyfriend Aaron Dingle - better known as Robron - and viewers took to Twitter in their droves after Robert’s candid speech, which resulted in Aaron saying ‘I love you’ for the first time.

However, Robert’s scene also included a new fact about his father, the much-loved Jack Sugden, as he revealed that he once “leathered him” after catching him with another boy when he was 15 years old:

This new detail came as a surprise to many soap fans, and some have praised the writing team for deciding to reveal a not-so-nice side of Jack, while others aren’t so pleased with the retconning (that’s fancy TV speak for rewriting history):

So proud of Emmerdale for going THERE with Jack. He is a legacy character and that took guts bc he can never be looked at the same again

— Soap Queen (@soap_queen7) October 17, 2016

Absolutely disgusted with @emmerdale trying to tarnish the memory of Jack Sugden and what for #robron are just vile #robertislying

— Lilyconrad (@lilyconrad2402) October 18, 2016

They've just ruined Jack. Oop. #Emmerdale

— Kevin (@KevinW200) October 17, 2016

I've been watching #emmerdale for ever! And Jack Sugden was a nice man and loved Robert he was always jealous of Andy.

— Linda W (@Lindaa0408) October 17, 2016

Was really looking forward to @emmerdale special week but why did they feel the need to bring jack into it and rewrite a legendary character

— Sarah (@sarahlouisebl) October 17, 2016

#SuperSoapWeek they choose to assassinate Jack Sugden's character :( Poor writing from #emmerdale. Screw the past-it's all about #Robron

— BeeNoticed (@BeeNoticed) October 17, 2016

Some even debated whether Jack would have been capable of such a thing:

I hope that story Robert told Aaron about Jack was a lie, otherwise that was an awful retcon of a beloved character. #Emmerdale #JackSugden

— Simon Antink (@SimonAntink) October 17, 2016

@emmerdale don't think the reference to Jack and the bedroom bit is entirely true, but hey, fair play to Ryan, brilliant acting

— Ian Waterhouse (@IanWaterhouseUK) October 18, 2016

@emmerdale I don't remember Robert having a problem with Jack over some bloke

— linda mitchell (@monkeygirl1939) October 17, 2016

.@emmerdale Same here. That really pissed us off! As my Mam said, Jack was the liberal Sugden, he never would have hit Robert 😠 #emmerdale https://t.co/fsyUsptDjD

— Caroline (@Cazlou1980) October 17, 2016

The episode marked the beginning of a huge week for ‘Emmerdale’, which will end in a stunt that changes the village forever.

A number of fan favourites will be involved in the drama, with at least one being killed off.

Who will it be? Read our ‘Emmerdale’ episode guides and vote in the poll below…

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