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8 things Emmerdale must do with fan-favourite returnee Kev Townsend upon his return

We have some ideas...

Chris Coghill as Kev Townsend poses against a red wall in an apron with the sign behind saying "A Slice of Kev-en...Cakes and Coffee' in Emmerdale.

ITV

Published: Friday, 19 June 2026 at 8:30 pm

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Kev Townsend is back in Emmerdale next week, as Chris Coghill reprises the role that went down a storm upon his debut last year.

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Introduced as Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) shock prison husband, it soon transpired that there was much more to him than initially met the eye.

For beneath those menacing outbursts was a karaoke-warbling, lemon drizzle baking lost soul who just wanted to be loved.

But old habits die hard, and having injured Robert with his sword (yes, that really happened), Kev was last seen getting the better of John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), and was recently said to be back behind bars.

Now, though, he’s a free man once more, and there’s a lot to unpack as we prepare for the character’s next chapter.

By now, it’s a given that Kev will try and forge a bond with long-lost son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) – once they get the small matter of a kidnapping out of the way!

But Radio Times has some further thoughts on what we’d like to see from the unpredictable new mainstay, so read on as we explore everything on our wish list.

8 Things we want to see Kev do in Emmerdale

1. Give Robert Sugden a divorce

Aaron and Robert stood against a fence on open farmland in a scene from Emmerdale

Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden in Emmerdale. ITV

Soap producer Laura Shaw has already confirmed via Digital Spy that Kev won’t be bothering Robert this time around.

But while Robert is happily settled with soulmate Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), the couple’s (third) engagement has barely been discussed since it took place during the carnage of Corriedale.

Let’s hope Kev’s presence will spark conversations about a divorce, leaving Robert free to make Aaron his husband once more.

2. Reveal his prison stabbing scheme

Kev holds Robert against a wall in prison in Emmerdale

Robert and Kev's connection was explored in a flashback episode last year. ITV

Emmerdale are clearly going for light-hearted vibes with Kev, so the show might well want to leave this secret in the past, as it painted him in rather a toxic light.

But some protective 'Robron' fans have been unable to forgive Kev for stabbing himself to manipulate Robert, and Robert deserves to know the heavy hand Kev had in him dropping his appeal and ultimately remaining trapped in prison.

We’ve all seen many a soap favourite redeem themselves for less, so perhaps if he owns his desperate, outrageous mistake, Kev can truly shine in his new era.

3. Cement his bond with Claudette Anderson

Flo Wilson as Claudette Anderson in a blazer in the doctor's surgery in Emmerdale.

Flo Wilson as Claudette Anderson in Emmerdale. ITV

Upcoming scenes confirm that Claudette (Flo Wilson) has been keeping in touch with Kev, so hopefully these unlikely friends will pick up where they left off.

The pair’s blossoming loyalty to each other became a particular highlight, and not only does Claudette's kindness soften Kev’s edges, he in turn balances out her no-nonsense demeanour. It’s the perfect combination!

4. Reveal all on his affair with Emma Barton

Kev confronts Ross in a scene from Emmerdale

Kev once had a fling with Ross's mum Emma Barton – though that's got nothing to do with the disgust on Ross's face here! ITV

We still haven’t quite recovered from that reveal that Kev had a fling with late villainess Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney), resulting in Lewis’s birth. All we know so far is that Emma was a barmaid at the time, and that Kev sensed something uneasy about the future killer.

Here at Radio Times, we welcome all the soap nostalgia and backstory we can get, so let’s see Kev shed more light on this connection as he gets to know his son.

We’d love a flashback special, set after Emma abandoned son Ross (Michael Parr) and his brothers and exploring her life up until she fell pregnant with Lewis.

And the episode could pave the way for Emmerdale to delve into Kev’s history…

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5. Bring in Kev’s relatives

Kev - wearing a black jacket - clutches a gun in Emmerdale

What makes Kev tick?

All we know so far about Kev's upbringing is that his father was an alcoholic. But what about his mother and any extended family members?

Once the dust settles on Kev’s drama-filled return, we’d like to meet the people who made him who he is today. Whether it means Kev facing some big demons, or simply becoming a fully fleshed-out fixture in the Dales, we want to know about all things Kev.

6. Maintain a fun rivalry with Nicola King

Nicola looking at Aaron as Kev stands across from him with arms folded in Emmerdale

Nicola previously warned Kev off. ITV

Shaw has shared with Digital Spy that a surprise friendship will brew, as Kev ends up being there for a troubled Nicola (Nicola Wheeler) in the coming months. We’re all for this heartwarming development, and can only imagine her need for support will be linked to her husband Jimmy’s (Nick Miles) fate.

But we also hope this doesn’t mean Nicola’s initial feistiness gets completely lost when it comes to Kev. Her unwavering confidence in standing up to him in order to protect Lewis was a delight to watch, so when the time is right, bring on the playful sniping as Nicola keeps watch over proceedings.

7. Endear himself to the community

Kev may have won over the likes of Claudette and Charles (Kevin Mathurin), but there are plenty of villagers who may not be as keen to accept him just yet. So, if his cake skills don’t warm the hearts of the locals, maybe he can prove himself the next time Emmerdale is rocked by chaos?

There were tentative signs of potential when Kev grew a conscience and warned Aaron that Robert was in danger during his last appearance, so it’s certainly believable that he could step up as a hero when disaster strikes, earning himself some new allies in the process.

8. More karaoke fun

Chris Coghill as Kev Townsend, singing passionately into a microphone in Emmerdale

What could be next on Kev's set list? ITV

After his unforgettable rendition of Daniel Bedingfield’s If You’re Not the One, you bet we want to see more of Kev’s crooning.

What better place to stage his karaoke comeback than the Woolpack, giving Bob (Tony Audenshaw) another excuse to don his sparkly jacket? He could even present Kev with an identical garment and suggest a duet.

We can picture the look of bemusement on Kev’s face now, and it's soap gold just waiting to happen.

Read more:

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

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Authors

Laura Denby in front a white background, she is smiling and looking at the camera

Laura DenbyFreelance Writer

Laura Denby is a Freelance Soaps writer covering all the latest news in the Dales, Cobbles and East End for Radio Times. She's a soaps nerd with a love for comedy drama, and has also written for Digital Spy, Metro UK and Yahoo UK.

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