There’s a shock new arrival in the Emmerdale village next week, as Robert Sugden comes face-to-face with a secret acquaintance from prison. But who is newcomer Kev – and what does he want from Robert?

Kev (played by Chris Coghill) drops by to see Robert, but when they’re caught holding hands by Victoria Sugden, Robert has a lot of explaining to do. Were Robert and Kev a couple in the nick? Or is there another reason Robert’s looking so shifty?

“Kev’s arrival sends Robert reeling,” our Emmerdale insider explains. “He’s desperate not to be seen with Kev and sneaks him inside, out of view. Later they’re looking pretty cosy, leaving Victoria to wonder if this is Robert’s prison boyfriend…”

Since Robert’s return to the village after six years inside on a murder charge, he’s experienced nightmares and PTSD from his prison hell. Despite revealing he was targeted and bullied inside, he’s been unwilling to talk about his time banged up, but his cagey attitude might be about to change.

After Robert receives a mysterious text, he’s even more stunned to see Kev on his doorstep. Checking no one’s watching, Robert ushers him into Keeper’s Cottage and it soon becomes clear Kev is a man he met in prison.

“Robert wants to leave prison in the past,” our source continues. “Rob’s hinted at struggling to survive in there, and Kev’s arrival is about to unearth everything he’s tried to keep secret from his loved ones…”

When Victoria comes home unexpectedly, she’s perplexed to see Robert and this complete stranger holding hands, especially considering how eager her big brother is to rekindle his relationship with Aaron Dingle.

Although Robert had cut all ties with his family, he returned hoping Aaron would fall back into his arms – so what does Kev mean for Robert’s romantic masterplan?

When Robert finally manages to get rid of Kev from the cottage, Victoria gives her brother a good grilling, making Robert uncomfortable as he’s forced to explain himself.

“Robert doesn’t look overjoyed to be reunited with Kev,” hints our spy. “We don’t know what he faced inside or what he had to do to get by. But if he and Kev were lovers, this might put a spanner in the works for any hope Robert has of reuniting with Aaron.”

Later in the week, Robert’s left in an awkward situation all of his own making. Has Robert given Kev the wrong impression that they have a future together when his heart lies elsewhere? Or will Robert’s efforts to keep Kev secret backfire if Aaron learns this bombshell from someone else?