Emmerdale actor Ryan Hawley quits soap after five years as Robert Sugden
HIS Emmerdale character has gone through affairs, manslaughter, prison, a husband and a wife.
But the drama will soon be over for Ryan Hawley’s Robert Sugden, as he is heading for the exit.
It is a move that will leave viewers devastated, as they have taken to Robert’s relationship with Aaron Dingle, played by Danny Miller, in a big way, affectionately labelling the pair RobRon.
But their romance will seemingly come to an end, at least for a while, later this year when Ryan quits.
An ITV source said: “Emmerdale fans have loved every minute of RobRon’s story, and what Ryan has brought to playing Robert.
“But he has decided to take a break from the show for the foreseeable future and try other projects.
“He will leave later this year, but fans can expect to see him on screen right up until the end of the year. He will be sorely missed.”
Ryan has played the popular character since 2014, becoming the fourth actor to portray Robert following Richard Smith, Christopher Smith and Karl Davies.
In one of his most explosive storylines, he accidentally killed sister-in-law Katie after she took a photo of him and Aaron kissing.
At the time, Robert was engaged to Chrissie White.
He has won various awards for the role, including a Tric Award last year, and the gong for Best Soap Actor at the TV Choice Awards the year before.
I wonder whether bosses have another big storyline to see him leave on to win him another gong.
READ ON FOR THE REST OF
ANDY HALLS'
BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Downtown in Delhi
DOWNTON Abbey fans pining for period drama can soon see a steamy alternative – ITV’s Beecham House.
It takes Downton’s old Sunday slot and features a posh English family and their servants in colonial India at the end of the 19th century.
The drama debuts on June 23 at 9pm.
1.The Ladies
DOWNTON had many strong females – including Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) – and Beecham does too. They include Violet Woodhouse, played by Bessie Carter .
2. The Lords
ROBERT Crawley (played by Hugh Bonneville) ruled the roost at Downton, but the lord of the manor at Beecham House is soldier-turned-trader John Beecham, played by Tom Bateman.
3. The Hunk
DAN Stevens was the heartthrob of Downton playing doomed Matthew Crawley. But he’s nothing compared to John Beecham’s brother, randy soldier, Daniel who is played by sexy Leo Suter.
4. The Servants
BUTLER Charles Carson (Jim Carter) led the staff at Downton. The servants’ stories are. just as important in Beecham House, especially that of young Baadal (Viveik Kalra).
5. The Matriarchs
MAGGIE Smith was brilliant as Downton battleaxe Violet Crawley. But just as fierce is John’s mother Henrietta. She is played by Lesley Nicol – who Downton fans will recognise as cook Beryl Patmore .
6. The Homes
THE familiar backdrop for Downton was Hampshire country house, Highclere Castle. But Beecham House is set against a pile which is arguably grander – the luxurious Chomu Palace Hotel in Rajasthan.
bizbit
FOUR Weddings And A Funeral screenwriter Richard Curtis reckons Love Island is the “greatest television programme of all time”.
He says he spends his life trying to get actors to portray emotions like those on the ITV2 show.
Cooking up more pranks
GORDON Ramsay, Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix had a free lads’ holiday courtesy of ITV last year with their boisterous road trip. And the trio will get an even longer jolly this year as they head to the US in September for a month to film the second series.
Gordon, Gino And Fred: Road Trip was a ratings success last year and bagged a Bafta nomination. The chefs’ European trip also brought the slightly uncomfortable revelation that Gordon woke up pal Gino every morning by placing his member on his foot.
An ITV source said: “Gordon, Gino and Fred had a whale of a time filming the first series so were delighted when ITV said it wanted another. This time they are off to America and it’s a week longer so there will be more mischief. All three are brimming with ideas and practical jokes.”
Although I’d suggest keeping your todger in your pants this time, Gordon.
bizbit
FANS have started a petition to bring back American drama Lucifer, starring Tom Ellis and Lauren German after Netflix announced that series five would be its last.
So far almost 12,000 people have signed the online document.
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Must watch
WHAT? Battle Of The Super Eaters: 3000 Calories A Minute, Channel 4, 9pm.
WHY? Adam Moran, Britain’s top professional eater, is up against a record breaker in a US tournament. Sign me up for series two.
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