Free from prison. Reunited. Escaped from serial killers and unhinged, sword swinging exes. Engaged during their second pile-up near miss.

The future of Emmerdale’s Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle is looking positive, given what they have overcome over the last year or so.

And now they are entering a new but very familiar era as the show’s boss Laura Shaw has confirmed a shake-up that will see the couple take over the farm – and Annie Sugden will be proudly looking over them.

With Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) having signed over the farm to the Tates, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) has swiftly moved to appoint Robert to run the operation.

Driven by a desire to honour his family legacy and following in the footsteps of his father, Jack Sugden, one of the original farmers in the area, Robert is determined to restore the farm to its former glory. And success may be guaranteed for the ever popular Robron.

Their first action is to proudly reinstate the dug-up old farm sign, renaming the land from Butler’s Farm to Emmerdale Farm.

The nostalgia is everything, and producer Laura describes it as a defining moment for the show as it seals itself back into its farming roots.

‘The Sugdens have always been at the centre of our village, having been the original farming family when Emmerdale was first created,’ she enthused.

‘This return to the farm’s roots is a powerful moment, echoing the early drama that unfolded when Annie Sugden and her sons, Jack and Joe, farmed the land.

‘Taking over the tenancy, grandson Robert wants to do his best and make his dad proud. With his loyal partner Aaron, they are ready for this new chapter and committed to making the farm thrive.

‘Farming remains a vital presence in Emmerdale, providing a daily dose of excitement and fresh air for our audience.’

It’s not the only farming venture getting off the ground – as the other most significant family in the show are also looking to retain their grip the agricultural world.

Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) is decisively looking for new land for him and his wife Moira, determined that she too can continue her career as a farmer.

With two farms soon flourishing in the village – Emmerdale Farm and the new Dingle Farm – the stage is set for many potential new storylines for the families.