Emmerdale‘s Robert Sugden ends up in life-threatening danger next week – when he’s drugged and kidnapped.

Jealous John Sugden is desperate to despatch his long-lost sibling in order to protect his marriage to Aaron Dingle. But is he the one responsible for Robert’s terrifying ordeal, or is someone else out to get him?

“Being released from prison and returning to the village is meant to signal a fresh start for Robert,” begins our Emmerdale insider.

“Unfortunately, his homecoming is a disaster and it’s about to get even worse. After clashing with John again, there’s a very real chance Robert might not survive their confrontation…”

In the build-up to this new incident, Robert’s attempt to settle in as Victoria Sugden’s house guest is soured by an accidental outburst of violence towards his little sister.

Vic tries to stir her sibling from a deep sleep, only for him to physically lash out as he wakes from a nightmare about his traumatic time behind bars.

Victoria is left with a black eye, and Robert feels so guilty that he wants to move out. Vic knows he didn’t mean to strike her and is concerned he’ll be on the streets if he leaves, so she selflessly encourages her brother to stay.

Meanwhile, Robert’s employment prospects also take a hit when he loses his new job – thanks to some interference from a certain love rival.

“Caleb has agreed to give Robert a trial at the depot,” our source explains. “But John is fuming and pressures Caleb to get rid of him.

“Caleb tries to let Robert down gently and fakes a reason why he can’t take him on permanently. However, thanks to a slip of the tongue from Jai, Robert realises John is behind him suddenly getting the boot. Angry at his meddling, Robert seeks out his nemesis and a showdown ensues…”

When confronted by furious Robert, John makes no apologies about his actions and can barely contain his desire to drive his brother out of Emmerdale for good.

Once John sees Victoria’s shocking injury, he becomes even more determined to get Robert away from his loved ones, convinced he’s a dangerous presence in the community.

Robert then overhears John begging Vic to report the accidental assault. Being painted as a threat to his own family is upsetting for remorseful Robert, who turns to Aaron for comfort, only to be rejected by his ex.

Lost, lonely and feeling sorry for himself, Robert looks for a distraction.

“Robert hits the bottle and starts throwing himself at men,” our insider reveals. “He’s trying to make Aaron jealous, which fails miserably, and one of the randoms Robert hooks up with turns out to have a sinister agenda…

“On their date, the guy sneakily drugs oblivious Robert – and John witnesses the whole thing.”

Sensing an opportunity, calculating John steps in ready to turn the concerning scenario to his own advantage.

With vulnerable Robert unconscious and out for the count, John sneakily bundles his husband’s old flame into his van and speeds off. What does he have planned?

“John has that all-too-familiar look in his eyes as he stares at comatose Robert,” teases our insider. “Clutching a syringe, John contemplates his next move.

“Up until now John has put people in danger as part of his twisted ‘hero complex’, so he can take the glory of being the one who saves them.

“This time, will he be tempted to kill Robert in cold blood – so he can get him out of the picture permanently?”

After drowning his sorrows and getting his flirt on to distract himself from Aaron’s rejection, Robert finds himself in the back of a van with no idea how he got there.

Could this be an elaborate way for John to get Robert on side by making out he came to his rescue when he was spiked by his dastardly date? Or is Robert about to become his bad-boy brother’s next victim?

Either way, Robert’s fate is now in John’s homicidal hands…