It's judgement day for Emmerdale's resident villain Robert Sugden next week as he is gunned down by a mystery assailant, leaving his life hanging in the balance.
In a chilling climax, Robert is targeted after the true story behind Katie's shock death is finally exposed, making the friction in the village sofa-gnawingly tense.
Here, Ryan Hawley - who plays Robert - reveals the gossip on his character's long-awaited comeuppance and the unmissable scenes ahead.
Why does it all start going so wrong for Robert next week?
"Robert is actually leaving the village when Andy comes to see him. Andy tells his brother that he thinks Aaron had something to do with Katie's death, because he's being very shady. Robert tries to find out why Andy thinks that and exactly what he knows.
"During that conversation, Andy susses out that Robert also knows more than he's letting on! When he's confronted about it, Robert is forced to confess to Andy because he's picked up the phone and is trying to call the police."
He's not known for his honesty, so does Robert really tell Andy the whole truth about Katie's death?
"He actually does! The only thing Robert refrains from telling Andy is Aaron's involvement. He protects Aaron to some degree, so there's something to be said there for their relationship."
How does Andy react? Can we expect a big fight between the two brothers?
"It's less of a fight and more a case of Andy beating Robert up! Robert isn't a pushover, but in this particular situation, he doesn't really protect himself. He knows that Andy has so much anger and rage to take out on him."
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Andy angrily confronts Robert
Sounds terrifying! How does Robert feel about the possible legal repercussions that he's now facing?
"Like anyone, Robert definitely wouldn't want to go to prison. I don't think he believes he should, because he didn't murder Katie, it was an accident. Robert was prepared to go to great lengths to protect his secrets at the time, but we don't actually know if he was going to kill Katie. We didn't see what would have happened if she hadn't fallen through the floorboards that day.
"There's plenty of other things that Robert should go to prison for - manslaughter perhaps - but he doesn't think he should be going down for murder."
Can you tell us about Robert's arrest?
"It all happens very quickly, in the space of an episode! Robert quickly becomes aware that Andy has gone to the police station and has accused him of murdering Katie. Afterwards Robert expects the police to come knocking and it happens in the middle of the village. Robert is just silent when it happens - he gets in the car and goes."
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Robert's guilt will be exposed
Robert seems to slip his way out of trouble because he's later released again. What will he do next?
"Andy obviously knows of Robert's involvement now, so either that's going to come out in the village or Robert's going to have to deny it. He actually does the latter and denies everything! Robert says to everyone that Andy's making it all up. He says that Andy is crazy and he's imagining all of this."
Robert also winds up Lawrence by telling him that he set up the situation with rent boy Connor recently. Why does he come clean?
"It's because at that point, everyone has made it clear how they feel about Robert! Chas has told him to drop dead, Aaron has made it quite apparent that he doesn't like him, and his relationship with Andy is almost irreparable now.
"Lawrence also comes and tells Robert what he thinks of him. By this point, Lawrence knows the truth about the raid at Home Farm too and asks how Robert could do that to his own family. Robert says that it's not his fault they're all so gullible!
"Since all of his relationships are pretty much at the end of their tether anyway, Robert tells Lawrence: 'Look at all the horrible things I can do. If you're not going to give me the money for the company, I could do a lot worse and you have to fear me'. Robert is hoping to reassert his power over Lawrence."
We can't give too much away, but it all comes to a head when a mystery assailant shoots Robert at the end of the week! Do you think Emmerdale fans will be sad if he dies?
"I honestly don't know, because I try not to get involved in what people think of my character. It's not really any of my business as an actor! But I hope that there are people who like Robert, empathise with him and see that he isn't just a monster.
"Maybe he divides opinion - some people absolutely hate him, some people love to hate him and maybe some people even feel sorry for him. He's a troubled character with problems and they manifest themselves with the horrible things he does. I'd like to think there are people out there who hope Robert won't die!"
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Robert collapses to the floor with a gunshot wound
It's the latest in a long line of dramatic storylines for you. You must be enjoying being at the centre of things!
"It's been fantastic and such a thrill to be playing this character who's very complicated, deceitful, conniving and selfish. It means I'm always central to the conflict that's sparked for all of the other characters.
"I've been very privileged to be part of some fantastic stories and I've worked with some fantastic people. I'm very lucky as well that the show have had such faith in me to give me all of this stuff! I'm very thankful."
Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe
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