Banged-up Robert Sugden goes head-to-head with his estranged brother John on Emmerdale next week – and vows to expose his true colours.

Desperate to win back his soulmate Aaron Dingle from the clutches of his secretly twisted brother, Robert sticks the knife in during a special episode and goads insecure John.

But just as smug Robert has the upper hand, John makes a grave slip-up that could change everything…

“John comes to visit Robert,” reveals Ryan Hawley, who plays Robert. “They have it out, but the prison setting means their feelings towards each other have to be restrained. It’s tense!”

After Victoria Sugden admits that Robert is struggling inside, guilty Aaron risks destroying his new marriage just weeks after the doomed ceremony took place by making an emotional visit to his vulnerable ex-husband in prison.

As the former lovers sit across from each other, years on from their tragic farewell, Robert’s hopes are high.

“Aaron comes to visit Robert, much to his surprise and delight,” teases Ryan. “It’s a special episode with only a few cast members and some really big scenes, fantastically written.”

With his heart on the line, Robert tries again to tell Aaron that his feelings are as strong as ever. However, Aaron crushes his dreams, adamant that John is the right man for him.

“Robert and Aaron go on a nice journey,” says Ryan. “It’s really emotional. There are things they haven’t had the chance to say to each other for six years, so there’s a lot to be revealed…”

Devastated by Aaron’s decision, Robert promises to leave him alone – but a visit from his sinister younger brother could dramatically change his plans.

John’s shock arrival at the prison sees both men on edge, with the menacing medic rattled by Aaron paying Robert a visit behind his back.

Trying to rile his younger brother, Robert tells John that if he was still alive, their father Jack would have wanted nothing to do with him. Then, to put the boot in, Robert plays his final trump card and reveals that he and Aaron gave into a stolen kiss right before the wedding ceremony.

Unable to keep his cool, John explodes, telling Robert he has no idea what he’s capable of. But has John’s illuminating outburst set Robert’s mind whirring, ready to uncover his brother’s true colours?

Will Robert realise it’s not just Aaron who needs rescuing from John, but the whole village? As John fears he’s losing his grip, Robert’s convinced more than ever that John is hiding something…

“Robert vows to come back to the village,” explains Ryan. “He plans to expose John for the man he believes him to be, which is not the right man for Aaron. When he’s out, he takes great delight in telling them he’s back!”

Turning up at Aaron’s flat, a bruised and battered Robert tells the newlyweds that he’s back for good to spend some quality time with his family. How will John respond?

Emmerdale airs the special episode on Tuesday 17 June on ITV1 and ITVX.