Emmerdale legend is unrecognisable from fan-favourite character as he films TV series away from the Dales

EMMERDALE legend looks worlds away from his character in another TV role, as fans beg the actor to return to the soap.

Ryan Hawley – who was best known for playing Robert Sugden in Emmerdale from 2014 – looks unrecognisable five years after he quit.

Getty - Contributor

Ryan’s character Robert Sugden was jailed for the murder of rapist Lee Posner in 2019[/caption]

ITV

Fans remember him for his relationship with Aaron Dingle as they won Best Partnership at the Inside Soap Awards in 2017[/caption]

Instagram

Now 38, Ryan looks completely different in a Channel 5 drama[/caption]

The soap actor left the long-running ITV soap in 2019 after his character was jailed for the murder of rapist Lee Posner.

His character went through affairs, manslaughter, prison, a husband and a wife.

He become the fourth actor to portray Robert following 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, where he was engaged to Chrissie White at the time.

The actor, 38, received widespread acclaim for his performance, which led to nominations in multiple categories at the The British Soap Awards, which include Best Villain and Best Actor.

Since he left the soap, Ryan embarked on other acting roles in Casualty, Silent Witness and most notably, All Creatures Great And Small.

He plays a farmer named Sid Crabtree in the Channel 5 drama.

His character moved to the Dales from Bradford who had taken up farming for health reasons.

He relocated alongside his wife Elsie (played by Chloe Harris) and their children in the six-part drama.

However, they felt their relative inexperience was frowned upon by their neighbours.

In the production, their cows are struck down by a devastating illness that impacted the family’s livelihood.

They call in veterinary specialist team from Skeldale House who might also just be the key to their welcome in the community.

As Season 5 airs next week, Ryan took to Instagram to post a look that didn’t make the final cut.

Fans were shocked at his selfie as he looks worlds away from his former Emmerdale character.

His wavy blonde hair was swept to the sides and he has a moustache in his snap, while wears farmers clothes.

Taking to the comment section, fans pleaded for the actor to return to soap: “Please come Back to Emmerdale Aaron and Robert are my favourite couple.”

Another wrote: “Still as handsome as you were in Emmerdale Ryan. Even more so really. Miss you so very much.”

A third penned: “Can you please come back to Emmerdale.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.