Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale‘s Kev Townsend has made a dramatic departure from the show – but not before issuing a dark threat to his estranged husband Robert Sugden. Now aware that Kev lied about his heart condition being terminal, Robert was plotting with soulmate Aaron Dingle to get Kev sent back to prison for his recent armed robbery.
Kev was taken in for police questioning, but Nicola King was keen to get Kev as far away from his secret, long-lost son Lewis Barton as possible, handing the criminal his ill-gotten gains in exchange for a swift exit.
First, though, having caught Robert and Aaron sharing a cosy moment, Kev paid them a visit, armed with the stolen sword! As Liam Cavanagh arrived, Kev injured Robert when the latter stepped in to protect Aaron.
Having punctuated the chaos with some mouthy lines and gloriously animated facial expressions, Aaron changed tack and appealed to Kev to let a bleeding Robert go. Robert then made it clear where his heart lies, and Kev warned that he would always get his revenge in the end.
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With Lewis still oblivious to his identity, Kev bid him farewell, urging Lewis never to let anyone hurt him, as Kev had “learnt that the hard way”.
And after such deep parting words and that ominous vow to Robert, we’re left wondering whether this controversial character will make a chaotic return to deal with his unfinished business.
It has already been reported that Emmerdale is looking to bring back actor Chris Coghill, who originally joined the show for a limited stint, as Kev has grown increasingly popular in recent weeks.
Kev’s laugh-out-loud dialogue and a karaoke turn that was, frankly, as iconic as it was cringe-worthy soon cemented him as a refreshingly sympathetic villain, despite his volatile manner and the fact he stabbed himself to keep Robert close!
ITV
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Although ITV declined to comment when approached by Digital Spy, this open-ended conclusion to Kev’s arc has us convinced that his story isn’t over just yet. The shock reveal that he fathered Lewis with infamous killer Emma Barton gives Kev a strong link to the village beyond all the relationship drama.
But for now, we can’t see him letting go of Robert’s betrayal; so the question is, how might Kev seek vengeance?
Well, he’s previously teased that he would shoot Aaron, so maybe Kev will keep this horrifying promise and aim fire at the love of Robert’s life, forcing the latter to swoop in once more and take Kev’s bullet. Or will Kev take out his anger on Robert himself, sparking a role reversal as Aaron rushes in to save him?
Robert isn’t the only one with a husband on the loose. His half-brother, and Aaron’s sinister spouse, John Sugden also remains at large and has even appeared on wanted posters in fellow ITV soap Coronation Street.
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While John’s final stand is yet to be confirmed, this is a major hint that he will be involved in the crossover special – and Corriedale could be the surprise setting for Kev’s comeback, too.
With Kev having heard all about John’s reign of terror, could we see the pair cross paths and team up to destroy Robert, just as he and Aaron are settling back into life as a couple?
Ryan Hawley has confirmed to Inside Soap that “high stakes” are involved for a panicked Robert as a life is at risk leading up to the special instalment. Robron could therefore find themselves at the mercy of two very different, but equally dangerous villains.
As Kev’s exit showcased just how complex he is, though, he could have a last minute change of heart and put a stop to his vendetta, resulting in an ironic death that pays him back for his lies.
ITV
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But if Emmerdale opted to make Kev a permanent fixture, he could certainly earn redemption at this point. Robert himself came back from some particularly vile moments, including killing ex-turned-sister-in-law Katie Sugden, holding Aaron hostage and shooting Paddy Dingle.
Could Kev follow suit and become a (mostly) respectable mainstay, expanding his bond with Charles and Claudette Anderson? Or, if he does reappear, is he destined for a definitive, hasty swan song?
It all hinges on if – and most importantly, how – Kev chooses to get even.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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