Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley has spoken about his real-life friendship with his on-screen love rival.

The actor made a shocking return as Robert Sugden recently, turning up as ex Aaron Dingle was just about to marry his half-brother John.

Robert made it clear that he wanted Aaron back, and the two shared a secret kiss, but Aaron chose to go through with his wedding to John.

Robert is currently back behind bars for breaking the terms of his bail and next week John will taunt him during a prison visit.

However, Robert will get his own back by telling John about his kiss with Aaron. John’s subsequent fit of rage and the threats he makes are seemingly going to lead to Robert working out that John has a, let’s say, killer instinct.

ITV

While there’s a worry that John might try and kill his own brother, in real-life Hawley is really enjoying working with Oliver Farnworth, who plays John.

“I’ve never worked with Oli [before], but I’ve been having a lot of fun working with him,” Hawley said. “Me and him have quite a lot in common.

ITV

“He’s a lovely guy. I really like him. I’ve had a lot of fun working with him. He’s great at playing this character. And I’m really happy he’s part of the cast.”

“Obviously, he’s a very different person to who he plays on screen, which is a testament to how good he is at his job,” the actor added. “He’s a lovely guy, like I say, and well liked around here.”

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.