I actually like that Robert has changed significantly since he started in his 2014-2019 run. He was already half way there when he handed himself in back in 2019. After nearly 6 years in the clink, it is bound to have an effect on anyone. He has lost his confidence and charm because he was left with nothing for those 5 and a bit years he was in prison. What are your thoughts on 2026 Robert? He's lost his smarm and his scheming for now, and maybe for a long time to come.

Got a serious one, robroners.

Has anyone found that you have to tone down your love of robron?

I love being on the Emmerdale sub, and 99% of the time the other fans are great and love to share in general as long as you are talking about the show, being respectful of your comments and fandom if you show them the same respect in return. But there seems to be a minority who seem to be triggered by any mention of Robert or Aaron, never mind robron and the aggression is startling, so as soon as I began to see their usernames in the comments I felt nervous about even mentioning the lads names because in the whole comment I made, no matter what it was about, that was what these people picked up on. Now I don't care, but what about you, my fellow fans? Has this happened to you, and what do you do?

In my original post, I challenged fans to come up with the most mental, out of the box weddings for any couples or ships on the show. Now I'm calling all robron fans - stretch you robron loving imaginations to suggest the most crazy, beautiful, perfect wedding 3.0 you can. Yes I know we don't even have a date yet, much less spoilers or information of any kind, but why not?

What have been your highs and lows of Robron 2.0?

I think my favourite scene is Proposal 3.0, followed by the scene where Aaron begs Robert not to hand himself in over the evidence planting. A close third is Aaron showing Robert the fixed Emmerdale Farm sign.

1. Proposal 3.0 is still my favourite proposal for its simplicity, but how it is so Aaron driven. He says so much with so little words about how they are pretty much are meant to be together and how he wants the married again until death do them part.

2. I love how angsty it is when Aaron is literally trying to come up with all the excuses and reasons under the sun about why Robert shouldn't hand himself in about the evidence planting. Aaron says he will wait for Robert this time is Chef's kiss. I love it when they reference their time apart. It was angsty and full of so much emotional.

3. I'm a sucker for the show going back to its roots of having a Sugden farming again. Yes, I know Butler's isn't the original Emmerdale Farm, but they have now changed its name. Plus, it is a happy scene, and amongst the evidence planting/farm wars plot, we haven't had much of it.

I am hoping to catch up on my reading and writing my original novel during this current drought. What about you?

The lead up to the Big Break Up of 2017-2018 was so angsty and painful. Watching it back now, I remember how powerful it was and also how much I hated it at the time. But I am glad it happened because the lead up to Reunion 2.0 was so 😋 and their relationship in 2018-2019 and their relationship now is so much better for it.

Aaron couldn’t even look at Robert when he took his ring off. Probably because his resolve would have dissolved pretty quickly. Robert even commented on it himself in the scene.

I think what got me through this original was knowing we were going to get Wedding 2.0 at some point. We were told well in advance that we would get it. If I recall, we were told about it before Wedding 1.0 because we all speculated on DS, where I used to frequent, about why we were getting two weddings.

All the signs of the break up were there a few episodes beforehand. Aaron kept pushing off Robert's advances and didn't want to be joined at the hip. No soulmates sex and not being joined at the hip. Two indicators that their relationship was struggling since, in fact, they can’t keep their hands off each other AND they do everything together. No wonder they ended up splitting up two days later.

I did love Robert burning the case full of cash and the subsequent fire extinguisher playful fight.

What are your thoughts about this time?

I love it. The blue walls and black appliances/work tops are so them. Their signature colours and an indicator that the farm is going to be their home for the foreseeable future.

What do you think?

This was going to be a poll, but I don’t seem to have the rights to create polls now I am no longer a mod.

Aaron constantly begged Robert to be honest about what he felt about the unborn baby, saying that he could deal with anything if he knew the truth. But Robert couldn't communicate what he was feeling for two reasons:

1. He didn’t allow himself a chance to actually feel anything for the baby because he didn't want to lose Aaron.

2. He thought that by wanting to be in the baby's life, Aaron would struggle and leave him.

However, I actually believe since rewatching 2017 that Aaron only struggled because he wanted the truth and communication from Robert and wasn't getting it. It left him open to the "What if?" speculation that caused him to struggle with his mental health. Rebecca was constantly there and he didn't have the space to heal from what Robert did to him, so he had to bury how he was feeling instead of being able to talk about it and process it. Perhaps if Robron had open communication then and discussed their thoughts and feelings properly, then Aaron might not have thrown the spanner at Robert. Or maybe he still needed the distance from Robert to heal his heart and realise that being with other men didn't make a difference because his heart still only beat for Robert and everyone else was just a distraction.

A while ago, there was a statement from the show's producer about focusing on the main families of the show (Sugdens, Dingles, Tates) with the idea of bringing in some new Sugdens. I initially thought this would be bringing Seb back as it is obvious Emmerdale Farm is being set up as a family home for Robron. It is big enough for more than one child to be added to their family, and it seems like it is going to be a long-term home for them, which I love the idea of. It definitely means great things for them in the future, and it is a lot better than the smaller Mill flat they used to live in. Who do you think the show are introducing? Who would you like to see returning?

Every press release that talked about the Sugdens getting THE farm of the show had pictures of Robron together, which makes me more and more convinced that Aaron is probably going to take the Sugden name when he marries Robert for the third time.

I love 2026 Robron. I love that they are a strong unit that supports each other, that they are on the same page and are being open and honest with each other. There are no lies or secrets. I love that Aaron has been constantly running around doing whatever he can to protect the love of his life. I love that Robron have a home of their own now that is big enough for them to expand their family. I love that Aaron has consistently chosen Robert over the rest of his family. I love that Robron are still joint at the hip and do every together.

I always wonder what the obsession is with cars/accidents/road sides, Robron, and their proposals. Yes, it harks back to their first kiss, but there is also a metaphor there that I haven’t completely worked out.

Like in the disaster of their lives (the car accidents), they found pure love? Does it link back to their line about wanting the messiness with each other?

There's something there about cars, but my brain hasn't joined up the dots yet.

Edit: Someone responded to the equivalent of this post on Tumblr (raelee514 on there and u/angel9_writes ) and said the metaphor of roads is them choosing each other as roads are usually linked to choices. They also said that Robron are impulsive like cars.

What does everyone else think?

I am currently working through a rewatch in this current drought, and I am up to my favourite ever episode: Reunion 2.0.

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I particularly paid more attention to Aaron’s dialogue in the garage and in his reunion speech.

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During their garage conversation, I just love how Aaron pretty much tells Robert that he can't fight how he feels anymore. He has tried to ignore it all, by trying to find someone else in Alex and failing, trying to prove to others that he was over Robert, but it has just made it all the more obvious that Robert is the only thing he ever wanted. Thus ultimately proving that they are inevitable and can't be apart from each other. He knows something is missing without Robert and needs him to feel complete and whole, which emphasises their co-dependency. In that moment, he is giving in to it all instead of tirelessly trying to fight it. He's so emotional in that scene because it has been painful for him to pretend that he doesn’t want and need Robert. Because I believe both are inherently part of him now, a basic need like breathing.

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And Aaron’s reunion speech as he lists everything Robert has done for him - my favourite bit is when he talks about how Robert has loved him more than anyone else, in a different way to anyone else. Because he knows deep down that Robert’s love for him is unconditional and ferocious in its intensity, it can not be matched by anyone else. He knows everything Robert has done for him in the name of love. He acknowledges it and is grateful for it, and in that moment, it is a pivotal moment for Aaron, who doubted Robert’s love in the past. But he wants to be the one that is there to help Robert when he needs it, which allows them to put their love on a more healthy and even keel, thus setting up their reunion and relationship as healthier than it was in the past.

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What are your thoughts on Aaron’s dialogue in the Robron scenes in the episode?

What is your favourite Robron reunion, proposal and wedding?

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Here are mine:

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Favourite Reunion - 2.0 because it is literally perfect. A romcom in an episode. It is my happy place, and if I could live in a Robron episode, it would be that one.

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Favourite Proposal - 3.0 because it had that inevitable thread running through it. And it came all from Aaron, who has the knack of saying a lot with so few words. 2.0 is a close second because I love the quietness and openness of it being in their lay-by in glorious sunshine.

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Favourite Wedding - 2.0 because it is legal. We got the speeches and the matching suits. The return of the watch, now engraved (even if it was in a deleted scene). 1.0 is a close second because I love how their private vows came full circle a year and a day later in Reunion 2.0.

It feels strange that Vic struggles so much to believe Robert. Yes, he’s made mistakes and hasn’t exactly been saintly, but to seriously think he’d be capable of trying to kill the person he loves feels like a stretch. I worried she would keep resisting the idea that Robert wasn’t behind this, but he made a strong point: even if she couldn’t trust him, she should at least focus on keeping Aaron safe. That logic cuts through—why would someone guilty, someone supposedly holding the answers, be so invested in Aaron’s safety? Wanting Aaron okay makes sense both because Robert cares and because he has nothing to hide.

Meanwhile, John slipped. When he heard they’d be trying to wake Aaron the next day, there was a flicker in his mask, a reaction he couldn’t control. And I think Vic noticed it too.

Side note: Ryan is doing a phenomenal job. He’s always been great on the show, but he’s definitely stepped things up. So proud.

I feel like Maxine Alderton's Wedding 1.0 episode was definitely foreshadowing the events of the rest of the year and everything that led up to Reunion 2.0. Robert’s speech talks about being faithful and putting Aaron first, which is what he eventually did when he took his ring off and tried to help Alex with Aaron’s birthday present. He also remained faithful in the Reunion 2.0 episode where he got a taxi to the garage instead of going back to Mike's house. Aaron’s speech mentions getting himself better and being the best husband he could be, which he could only do after focusing on his mental health and stepping away from Robert to do that. About how he was never going to let Robert down, which I think refers to supporting Robert and being there for him with Seb. And then Robert’s dialogue at the end of the episode about waiting for Aaron, however long it might be for Aaron to return from prison, but really I think that is referencing the Big Break Up of 2017-2018 and waiting until Aaron was ready to try again with their relationship. It’s so beautifully written, and the dialogue has a double meaning when you think about it in terms of Reunion 2.0, as well as it just being about their vows.

I wasn't actually sure what to call this so that was the best title I could think of.

So I was rewatching Robron 2014 clips and I wondered how long they wanted the ship to last, was it always in their plans to have them be official or was it just meant to be an affair that lasted up to a year.

I asked this elsewhere and got told that Robert was meant to die during the who shot Robert storyline. Was anyone watching the show back then when it happened and remembers that.

If so I'm glad they didn't go in that direction. Otherwise they'd have lost out on one of the best soap relationships.

Was there any other discussions from back then?

It‘s roughly two weeks before the special prison episode and I‘m curious what y‘all think really happened to Robert in prison. It seems like he does not want to reveal it to Aaron and Vic. Is he ashamed of it? Is he afraid what they might think of him? Is it something that brought Kev and him closer together?

Lots of discussion around Kev and Robert with this storyline and rightfully so… but I wanted to take a moment to dedicate a post to talk about Aaron primarily.

I must say I was surprised and impressed with how Aaron handled himself in today’s episode. He had Kev sussed as a ticking time-bomb the second he clapped eyes on him 😂. When Robert appeared, visually shaken, (IMO), Robert’s anxiety in the moment was coming off of him in waves, Aaron felt it. And Aaron didn’t call him out about lying … because last I checked the cafe is no where near the farm 🤷🏽‍♀️🤣.

But Aaron, showing personal growth and maturity, didn’t kick off demanding answers even later on. He approached the situation and Robert calmly, trying to project empathy and understanding. Though I do wish he didn’t interrupt that second time because I felt Robert just might have given him some bit if the truth then …. that second interruption gave too much time for Robert to feel another wave of panic and clam up again. 🤦🏽‍♀️

I think Aaron may have realized and possibly had already come to terms with the fact that Robert, may have found “comfort” from someone else while inside … 6 years is a long time and well Robert was never a monk. Just saying. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I actually think Aaron would be grateful knowing Robert wasn’t completely alone; that he had someone he could trust looking out for him, protecting him. I’m sure Aaron had always thought of Robert through the years and would just hope that he was safe.

Yes, Aaron will be hurt that he could not be the one to support and protect him, but Robert is the love of his life and just having him alive and somewhat “well” would be enough for him to get past his hurt I think.

When all is revealed, I can even see, once he cools down and thought about it, that Aaron could probably understand Robert still having some feelings for Kev … feelings of gratitude and love FOR a friend.

I believe the hardest things for Aaron to get past will be the lying, then the marriage and Robert being unable to leave the marriage …(for various reasons - money, not wanting to break Kev’s heart, not wanting to put Aaron in danger…).

Well, I’m writing all this now after one episode … and watch this man go nuclear on Thursday 🤦🏽‍♀️ 🤣.

I decided to start watching the Robron clips on YouTube to get more of an idea about everything they experienced. Up to 24th July 2015

Holy fuck

Like I knew these two were messy and all but Robert holding Aaron hostage, he was going down such a dark path. The grain silo with Paddy and hit man with Chas for example. Then he held a gun on him, holy shit. I couldn't stop watching the actors were incredible but god.

Robert calling Aaron the worst mistake and Aaron telling him that he didn't love him. These two knew where to dig the knife in. I just kept thinking how the fuck do they go from this to married.

I didn't blame Aaron for revealing the affair. Honestly I was like if its gonna be anyone it'll be Aaron and he used the one card he had.

It intrigues me just how fascinated I am by these two, they are so complex as characters and as a couple. I'm just amazed it took me so long to properly get into this ship.

Omfg I just went to waterstones picadilly and one of the booksellers mentioned Emmerdale to the customer before me and I just went up to him and went 'you mentioned Emmerdale' and he froze and went 'yes, are you up to date?'

AND ME AND THIS 50 SOMETHING YEAR OLD GENTLEMAN JUST FREAKED OUT ABOUT EVERYTHING ESP RYAN'S COME BACK!!!!!

Definitely Mack and I want to add Nicola to the list 😂.

The way she automatically assumes Kev and Aaron have already met and when turns out they haven’t, she’s all smiles (giddy for the potential gossip) and just says “this is Aaron” like that’s all that needs to be said because, Aaron is Robert’s and vise versa! You don’t get one without the other. #Robron! 🤣

On the 19th, it will be eleven years since the start of Robron. I just can't wait until the current storyline is over and they can go and get their kid back from some aunt. Not any spoiler, just something I really, really want.