Emmerdale villain Kev Townsend is reportedly set for an upcoming exit – but bosses are allegedly plotting a swift comeback following a

strong reaction from viewers. The character, played by Chris Coghill, is said to have just been brought in for a short-term stint, but he’s proven to be a hit.

 

 

In tonight’s (21 November) episode, he found out he had an extremely strong tie to the village – as he realised he’s the biological father of Lewis Barton, who is portrayed by Bradley Riches.

He’s also embroiled in a tense plot with fan favourite Robert Sugden, whom he married in prison, and is a major obstacle in Robert’s romance with true love Aaron Dingle.

 

 

Kev has told Robert that he has a terminal illness, prompting Robert to stay with him in a bid to inherit his money – money that, in fact, does not exist.

A source told The Sun: “Chris originally signed up for a limited stint on the show as an antagonist for Robron with a mysterious link to the village but things have gone mad.

 

 

“Viewers absolutely love Kev. Bosses knew Chris would be popular because he’s a great actor but for Kev to have become so popular has definitely come as a big surprise.”

The report suggests Chris has only filmed scenes until the end of the year, but added: “The bosses are looking at ways to bring him back in future to give the fans what they want.”

 

 

Reps for Emmerdale declined to comment when contacted by Digital Spy.

On screen, Lewis remains unaware that Kev is likely his biological father. In a scene that aired tonight, he told Kev: “I never met her. My birth mum… Seemed like she had issues of her own. A nurse, apparently. Most of what I know about her, I read online.”

When Kev laughed, thinking he was joking, Lewis went on: “I’m not kidding, though, it was a big thing around here. She was pushed off a viaduct! It was crazy.”

Kev appeared struck, saying: “Pushed off a viaduct? That’s… really sad. What was her name?” Called back to work, Lewis answered “Emma” before leaving a visibly stunned Kev behind.

The moment came just one day after Nicola King and Liam Cavanagh figured out the connection for themselves; with Nicola overhearing Kev talk about a woman he had a baby with – a woman that could only have been the late Emma Barton.