For many fans of the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale, the character of Robert Sugden is synonymous with actor Ryan Hawley, who has played the role since 2014. However, a dedicated segment of the audience remembers a different face behind the iconic character. The original actor who truly defined Robert for a generation was Karl Davies, whose life and career took a fascinating turn after he departed the Dales.
The Original Robert Sugden's Emmerdale Legacy
Robert Sugden first appeared on screens in 1986 as the newborn son of Jack and Pat Sugden, initially played by baby actor Richard Smith. The role, however, was cemented by Karl Davies, who took over in 2001 and portrayed the character through to 2005, with a brief return in 2009. During his tenure, Davies was at the heart of some of the soap's most explosive plots.
His storylines included a bitter and long-running feud with his on-screen brother Andy, played by Kelvin Fletcher, and a controversial affair with Andy's wife, Katie, portrayed by Sammy Winward. The character's actions were so convincing that they sparked strong reactions from the public. Davies once revealed to the Daily Record that while men would often congratulate him, female viewers were less forgiving, with one even hitting him with her handbag.
Turning Down a Return to the Dales
When producers decided to bring Robert Sugden back to the village in 2014, their first choice was to ask Karl Davies to reprise the role. Producer Kate Oates confirmed they approached the actor, but he declined the offer to return. Oates explained she understood his decision, noting he was pursuing other projects and doing incredibly well.
Davies himself later commented on the recasting, telling SoapLife magazine he was often stopped by people eager to tell him about the new Robert. He admitted he hadn't watched the show since leaving, preferring to look back on his time there as a formative 'drama school' experience that set him up for future success.
A Thriving Career Beyond the Soap
Since leaving Emmerdale almost two decades ago, Karl Davies has built an impressive and varied acting portfolio. He has appeared in some of British television's biggest shows, securing notable roles in global hits and critically acclaimed dramas.
His post-Emmerdale credits include appearances in Game of Thrones, Happy Valley, Call the Midwife, and The Bay. Most recently, in September 2025, it was reported that he had joined the cast of the revived school drama Waterloo Road. He is set to play a character named Tony Walters in the sixteenth series, starring alongside Kym Marsh in what is promised to be an intense storyline.
While Ryan Hawley now owns the role of Robert Sugden for a new generation of viewers, Karl Davies's portrayal remains a pivotal chapter in Emmerdale's history. His successful career trajectory proves that life after soap stardom can be rich and diverse, filled with high-profile roles that keep him firmly in the spotlight, just away from the Yorkshire Dales.
