Emmerdale's John story changes for good as Robert and Aaron give in to temptation

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

It's the moment we've all been waiting for, as Emmerdale's Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle finally give in to their feelings next week – and end up in bed together.

Ever since Robert returned and shared a steamy snog with his ex-husband, it was only a matter of time before the soulmates were destined to reunite.

Despite the small matter of Aaron being married to Rob's twisted half-brother John, the love between them has never died – and in Robert's hour of need, there's only one man who can save him.

"Robert breaks down in Aaron's arms and later says it's time for him to go and move on," explains Ryan Hawley, who plays Robert.

"Aaron convinces him to stay, and admits he's been fighting his own feelings the whole time…"

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After John uses nephew Harry Sugden to trigger Robert's PTSD, Robert's in a dark and lonely place.

John twists the knife even further and manages to turn Victoria Sugden against Robert, painting him as a violent man who shouldn't be near kids. Then he visits his traumatised brother to rub salt in the wound.

"Robert loses it completely and has a breakdown," says Ryan. "John really rubs it in that he's repeating the actions of his past. He uses Harry to gaslight Robert and make out he's dangerous, then Victoria says he's not changing and he's out on his own.

"So Robert smashes everything in his room until Aaron comes in and stops him."

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Aaron hears a commotion from outside and finds inconsolable Robert destroying his bedroom. Devastated to see how broken Robert is, worried Aaron takes him into his arms and tries to reassure him.

Downstairs, shaken Robert accepts that he's lost everything he's ever cared about, and admits it's time he moved on to start a new life far away from the village.

But Aaron is thrown into turmoil at the thought of losing him for good and begs him to stay, finally admitting he's been pushing him away on purpose.

Unable to bury it any longer, Aaron confesses how he feels, and the pair lean in for a kiss, submitting to their shared desire.

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"Robert and Aaron don't want to think about their complicated circumstances," reveals Ryan. "They take their moment together for what it is, and it kick-starts the next phase of the story."

As Aaron and Robert lie in bed together, Victoria and John hover outside within touching distance of catching them at it. After the close call, guilt-ridden Aaron tries to kid himself that it was a mistake, but Robert's insistence that they're meant to be together leaves Aaron spiralling.

Aaron spills his betrayal to Mack, and he begins to realise the only way he can escape his feelings for Robert is by fleeing the village – for good.

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And with John secretly stewing over the walls closing in, he's delighted by Aaron's surprising plan. As the secrets and lies stack up, will Aaron and John's plan to start a new life together solve all their problems? And how will Robert feel to lose Aaron again just days after rekindling their love?

"Robert will be devastated to hear Aaron is leaving," teases Ryan. "Robert came back to the village for Aaron. He's his reason to exist. And he'll be very worried for Aaron's safety. He doesn't want to, but I think he could kill John to keep Aaron safe…"