Neighbours star Adam Hunter has spoken to Digital Spy about the shock return of Robert Robinson, hinting that he does have a nicer side.
Viewers have seen Robert reappear on screen this week after his daughter Harlow (Jemma Donovan) paid a visit to him in prison, asking him to consider being a kidney donor for his half-brother David Tanaka.
Robert has told his father Paul that he'll go ahead with the transplant, as long as Paul pulls some strings to help him get transferred to a low-security prison.
Speaking to Digital Spy about how Robert's story will play out, Adam hinted that Harlow is his Achilles heel.
Related: Neighbours star Zima Anderson discusses whether Roxy Willis could find love in 2020
He told us: "Robert does have a good side but he just doesn't show it. He doesn't show it to anyone apart from Harlow.
What to Read Next
"That is why this story is so great, though – it's got a great arc and it's a great journey that Robert goes on. Of course, we know who he is, what he has done and what he is capable of, but there is a catalyst now – Harlow.
"She rounds out the edges and has a way of talking to him that nobody else does. Unfortunately, she has been kept from him for some time because of Paul, and Paul is reluctant to let Robert into her life."
Asked whether Robert genuinely cares for Harlow, Adam replied: "Of course, he really does. He has been writing to her while he's been in prison but this is obviously the first time they have come face to face."
Related: Neighbours lines up special one-night live event for 35th anniversary
Neighbours bosses have already announced that Robert will play a key role in this year's Christmas storyline, as he escapes from Erinsborough Hospital and holds Elly Conway hostage at the Kennedy house while she's in labour.
On how he felt to be invited back, Adam laughed: "I thought they'd forgotten about me – I am pretty sure they had! But I made a short appearance earlier in the year and then they asked about bringing me back in for a bit more – about seven or eight episodes.
"They asked if I was up for that and I said, of course, Robert is up for anything! It was a very enjoyable experience and quite a surprise. I didn't think they'd be interested in having me back after 12 years. With Neighbours, though, there is always a chance you could come back – even if you are dead.
"I was told earlier in the year that the new scenes would be airing around Christmas. I felt so lucky to be involved in this story – it was quite an honour."
Related: Neighbours hints at new twist in Elly and Finn's storyline
Explaining why Robert escapes, Adam continued: "He's always got a plan, but he knows that his father is just as conniving as he is. Robert doesn't believe Paul and Paul doesn't believe him.
"Even though Paul agrees to put him in a low security prison, Robert doesn't believe that. He does what he wants to do – which is escape – and he goes on the run."
Neighbours continues on Monday (December 23) at 11.20am and 6.05pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Neighbours homepage
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Neighbours spoilers, as the show's Christmas stories are revealed.
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
