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Megan Shaw

Emmerdale fans shocked as 'original' Robert Sugden actor actor pops up in ITV drama The Tower

Emmerdale fans recognised a familiar face during the opening episode of ITV's new drama series The Tower on Monday, November, 8.

Some viewers were left wondering where they had seen DCI Tim Bailie before, however, true Emmerdale fans instantly recognised the former Robert Sugden actor.

Ex soap star Karl Davies has gone on to have a successful TV career since departing the Dales in 2019 featuring in many big name shows.

You can find the latest Emmerdale news and features by visiting our homepage dedicated to the soap.

However fans are still quick to comment when they see the former villager pop up in something new.

Karl played the role of Robert Sugden in the long running ITV soap on and off for almost a decade and was involved in several major storylines so he's no stranger to a dose of drama.

Robert is often referred to as "the original Robert" as the role was recast when Robert returned in 2014, with Ryan Hawley taking on the character before he also exited in 2019 after a five year stint.

However, Karl wasn't actually the first person to play Robert, although the character took a back seat before Karl appeared with a bang, which is probably why he is most well recognised for the role.

And Karl certainly made his time in the soap memorable with storyline's including his affair with brother Andy's wife Katie to him causing the death of Max King.

Robert still regularly gets a mention on the show between his sister Victoria Sugden and ex-husband Aaron Dingle.

So it's no surprise that when Emmerdale fanatics saw the OG playing the role of DCI Tim on the new ITV drama this week, they headed straight for social media.

With many saying the actor looks much older in his new role.

Emmerdale viewers were forced to double-take as they watched new ITV drama The Tower on Monday night (ITV)

One fan penned: "The original Robert Sugden from Emmerdale, doing what he does best acting dodgy."

A second wrote: " "F**k me robert sugden looks so much older in this."

While a third added: "#TheTower her boss sounds about 12! Is it Andy’s brother from Emmerdale?"

And Karl is not the only Robert Sugden to have shocked viewers with his post Emmerdale look recently.

Fellow soap star Ryan Hawley who portrayed the role of Robert after Karl recently made his debut in BBC's Silent Witness and fans could barely recognise the star following his transformation.

Since leaving Emmerdale Ryan has not appeared in any other TV shows, with Silent Witness being his first TV gig since his departure.

Fans were left gobsmacked by Ryan's new look as Michael, which was a stark comparison to his look as Robert Sugden.

Ryan played Michael Robson in the Silent Witness episode called Matters of Life and Death (BBC)

The star looked so different that many viewers didn't realise it was him initially, with some even questioning who was playing the role of Michael.

He's grown his hair out to a shoulder length do, and is also sporting facial hair with a beard and a moustache - so it's no wonder some viewers had to double take.

Taking to Twitter, one viewer wrote: "It's Robert Sugden. How have I only just realised that."

Another agreed: "Almost didn't recognise #Emmerdale Robert in tonight's #SilentWitness !"

A third asked: "Robert from #Emmerdale hiding under that beard?"

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.

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