Emmerdale bosses have confirmed that the character of Robert Sudgen will make a dramatic return to the soap this autumn.
The character, who was previously played by Karl Davies, left the village in 2005, but returned briefly for his father's funeral in 2009.
Newcomer Ryan Hawley will take over the role of Robert, who is due to reappear in the village later in October.
Fans have been speculating about Robert's return since his brother Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) received a text message from him earlier in the month.
Andy and Katie are currently preparing to tie the knot again but Robert's return will rock their rekindled relationship. Long-term viewers will remember that Robert and Katie once had an affair and there is a lot of animosity between the two brothers.
Andy pushes a devastated Katie away telling her he only got back with her because she was the safe option
© ITV
Andy and Katie in Emmerdale
Emmerdale's series producer Kate Oates said: "I'm delighted to welcome Ryan to the show. Robert is a complex character and when we were looking for someone to take over the role, Ryan had the perfect balance of charm and edge.
"Robert Sugden's life has moved on in many ways... but those ingrained feelings - about his father, Andy, Katie, and the village where he grew up - are sure to find an explosive outlet."