Emmerdale viewers divided over whether controversial character should return

Emmerdale viewers have been left divided over whether or not Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) should return.

The character was introduced to us as Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) secret husband. During his first few episodes, we learnt that Kev married Robert while in prison, and also had a terminal illness.

Kev was released from prison because of his ill health. He moved in with the Andersons, and was looking forward to continuing his relationship with Robert on the outside.

Robert, however, didn’t have the same view. Prior to Kev’s release, Robert decided to continue his relationship with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), and the arrival of Kev put that in jeopardy.

Things were simple in Aaron’s eyes – all Robert needed to do was dump Kev. Unfortunately, Robert wasn’t prepared to do this. He didn’t want to break a dying man’s heart, and also wanted to stay with Kev until his illness took his life, so he could inherit his fortune.

Living two lives eventually became impossible for Robert, and he decided to dump Kev. To keep them both safe, Robert failed to mention Aaron in his conversation, and told Kev that they’re splitting up because he deserved better.

Robert and Aaron kept their relationship on the down low after this, but slipped up by kissing in the pub garden. Unbeknownst to them, Kev had seen this interaction, and was heartbroken by Robert’s betrayal.

Kev’s revenge plan against them both happened yesterday, and it featured him holding Robert, Aaron and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) hostage with a sword.

While Robert and Liam were pretty terrified, Aaron knew that Kev wasn’t going to do anything. While the police were in the village yesterday, they weren’t actually looking for Kev. As soon as Liam realised they had left, he told Kev that he could also leave now, and begin a new life with money in his pocket.

Robert stands in a police cell with Kev in Emmerdale

Robert and Kev met in prison (Picture: ITV)

After one final conversation with his biological son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches), Kev departed.

Kev’s journey in Emmerdale has been short, but a lot has happened. When introduced, a lot of fans feared what Kev’s arrival could mean for Robron, but quite a lot of them grew to love the character, and enjoy his arc.

With bosses at the ITV soap reportedly trying to get Chris back to the show, suffice to say a lot of audience members would be glad to see Kev again.

‘*I* would really love Chris back as Kev. I want to see him baking cakes with Claudette, bickering with Nicola and Liam, and awkwardly doting on Lewis’, a user of X said.

Also commenting on Kev and Lewis’ dynamic, Gillian wrote: ‘His chemistry with every actor was sublime. I’d love him back to see the relationship with Lewis develop’.

DS Carter questions Kev in a police interview room in Emmerdale

A lot of fans enjoyed Kev’s arc (Picture: ITV)

Danni added: ‘Bring Kev back! The main character energy, away from Robert drama brought humour good patter with Liam especially really likeable better then the doom and gloom on the go.’

While plenty of viewers enjoyed watching Kev and would happily see him back in the Dales, some did not agree.

During the flashback episode that detailed how Kev and Robert went from being foes to lovers while behind bars, Kev’s dark traits were highlighted whenever there was an indication Robert would no longer be his cellmate.

Around the time Kev learnt about Robert potentially appealing against his case, he stabbed himself. The aftermath of this saw Robert heavily focus on Kev’s recovery, and not think a great deal about his appeal.

Should Kev return to Emmerdale?

Yes

We also learnt that Kev does not have a terminal illness, and the money he would regularly mention in chats with Robert did not exist, suggesting he also lied about both of these things in an attempt to keep him close.

The complex dynamic between these two characters left audience members certain that Kev should not return.

Krishan wrote: ‘I don’t really want Kev back honestly he will never be able co-exist in the village with Robron.’

Can’t wait for the next twist?

Hi, I’m Calli Kitson, Soaps reporter at Metro. I cover Emmerdale, EastEnders, Corrie and more.

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Claudia, another user of X, wrote in a very detailed message that she believes Kev shouldn’t return due to the toxicity of his relationship with Robert.

Whether Kev will return or not remains to be seen. At the moment, he believes there isn’t anything for him in the village, but that could all change if he decides to build a connection with Lewis after all.

Today’s instalment of the ITV soap sees Aaron and Robert temporarily depart the Dales, adamant that if they hide for a little while, they can return home and feel a lot safer once they know Kev has been caught by the police.