Emmerdale actor Ryan Hawley 'QUITS' his role as Robert Sugden after five years on the soap By Charlotte Dean For Mailonline Published: 19:31 BST, 12 June 2019 | Updated: 19:31 BST, 12 June 2019 Viewcomments Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley has reportedly quit his role as Robert Sugden after five years of playing the much-loved character. The actor, 33, has apparently decided to leave the long-running soap to pursue 'other projects' and will bow out of the programme at the end of this year. Ryan has been at the centre of many dramatic story lines including affairs, a prison sentence, and an inner battle with coming to terms with his sexuality. Leaving? Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley has reportedly quit his role as Robert Sugden after five years of playing the much-loved character An insider told the Sun: 'Emmerdale fans have loved every minute of RobRon's story, and what Ryan has brought to playing Robert. 'But he has decided to take a break from the show for the foreseeable future and try other projects. 'He will leave later this year, but fans can expect to see him on screen right up until the end of the year. He will be sorely missed.' Moving on: The actor (left), 33, has apparently decided to leave the long-running soap to pursue 'other projects' and will bow out of the programme at the end of this year (pictured wit his on-screen husband Aaron Dingle) Dramatic: Ryan has been at the centre of many dramatic story lines including affairs, a prison sentence, and an inner battle with coming to terms with his sexuality An insider told the Sun : 'Emmerdale fans have loved every minute of RobRon's story, and what Ryan has brought to playing Robert' MailOnline have contacted representatives for Ryan and Emmerdale. The move is likely to leave fans devastated, as many viewers have been hugely supportive of Robert’s relationship with Aaron Dingle (played by Danny Miller), whom they have affectionate dubbed RobRon. Ryan is the fourth actor to have played Robert, taking up the role in 2014 and following in the footsteps of Richard Smith, Christopher Smith and Karl Davies. In one of his most explosive storylines, he accidentally killed sister-in-law Katie after she took a photo of him and Aaron kissing whilst he was engaged to Chrissie White. Character: Ryan is the fourth actor to have played Robert, taking up the role in 2014 and following in the footsteps of Richard Smith, Christopher Smith and Karl Davies During his time in the role, Ryan has won various awards, including a Tric Award for Soap Actor last year and the gong for Best Soap Actor at the TV Choice Awards the year before. He’s also bagged Best Partnership with Danny Miller at the Inside Soap Awards back in 2016 and Best Newcomer at the same awards ceremony in 2015. Ryan is set to leave the show later this year. Award winner: During his time in the role, Ryan has won various awards, including a Tric Award for Soap Actor last year and the gong for Best Soap Actor at the TV Choice Awards the year before Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility