Newcomer Kev Townsend has burst into Emmerdale village, with an complex connection to one of the soap’s most iconic characters.

The man of mystery’s casting was announced earlier this year, with actor Chris Coghill stepping into the Dales for the role.

On the new addition to the village, Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw said: ‘We are delighted that someone of Chris’ calibre has joined our cast.

‘I think the viewers will be intrigued to see how the character of Kev will cause shockwaves this autumn.

‘Kev has a strong connection to one of our characters and it’s safe to say his arrival is going to be a massive surprise that will have major repercussions for some of our villagers.’

Who plays Kev and what’s he been in?

Soap fans will undoubtedly remember Chris from his previous role as evil paedophile Tony King in EastEnders.

While dating Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), Tony groomed and abused Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty).

He later turned his attentions to Lauren Branning (then Madeline Duggan) before his abuse was finally exposed.

Tony was arrested after Bianca called the police, later visiting their home on bail in an attempt to convince Whitney not to give a statement to the police – leading to Ricky (Sid Owen) attacking him and him being re-arrested for breaching his bail conditions.

Chris’ first TV role was in soapy drama Cold Feet in 1999, before going on to appear in Heartbeat, Doctors, Holby City and Waterloo Road.

He also had a recurring role in Channel 4 drama Shameless.