Emmerdale have confirmed that Chris Coghill will be returning to the ITV soap as the popular Kev Townsend after his hasty exit at the end of last year.
Chris Coghill is set to reprise the role of the charismatic Kev Townsend in Emmerdale later this year and Kev’s new business venture is sure to stir up trouble for the locals.
The acclaimed actor joined the cast of the ITV soap last year Robert Sugden’s prison husband. It was clear he’d stop at nothing to keep Robert to himself, but he didn’t feel the same and was instead ready to move on with Aaron Dingle.
Kev was viewed as “unpredictable and intimidating”, but quickly became a fan favourite amongst viewers. Robert had married Kev in prison, believing he was dying – a lie Kev told to save their relationship. Then a shock twist revealed that Kev was also the biological father of Lewis Barton, played by Bradley Riches.
Ahead of his first exit, Kev had broken into Robert and Aaron’s place wielding a weapon to scare them after he learned that their romance had kickstarted once again. Feeling rejected, Kev wanted to scare them before fleeing the village.
That was up until Christmas time when Kev was last seen in the lead up to Corriedale narrowly escaping serial killer John Sugden’s clutches. After alerting Aaron, played by Danny Miller, to the imminent danger he fled the village, convinced that his still-unaware son, Lewis, was safer without him in his life.
Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, said: “Both Chris and the character of Kev made a massive impact on the show last year, so Chris is most definitely back by popular demand. With Kev’s son, Lewis, in the village still unaware of who his father is, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot of unfinished business and drama ahead.”
Chris Coghill added: “I’m really pleased to be returning to Emmerdale, I had a brilliant time last year. Kev is a complex character that I love playing.
“He has psychopathic tendencies but also an energy and vulnerability that I think makes him pretty unique. I’m properly looking forward to getting back at it.”
Emmerdale have confirmed that his return will be shown onscreen later this year, so fans have some time to go before we welcome Kev’s face back in the Dales.
