Emmerdale Star Teases Dramatic Kev Townsend Comeback
Emmerdale actor Bradley Riches has dropped significant hints about a potential return for criminal character Kev Townsend, suggesting that a surprising local resident could face serious emotional hurt if the storyline develops. The character of Kev Townsend, portrayed by Chris Coghill, first arrived in the Emmerdale village towards the end of last year, initially appearing as part of the Robron storyline involving Robert Sugden.
Unexpected Connection Revealed
During his time in the Dales, Kev formed an unexpected bond with Lewis Barton, played by Bradley Riches. The connection began innocently enough in the village café, where the two characters discovered shared methods for regulating their emotions. Kev revealed he snaps an elastic band on his wrist when feeling angry, while Lewis listens to music to block out overwhelming situations.
The true nature of their relationship was later exposed when Kettold Liam Cavanagh that he once had a one-night stand with Emma Barton, who happens to be Lewis's mother. This revelation means Kev is actually Lewis's biological father, a fact currently known only to Liam and Nicola King within the village community.
Secrets and Potential Fallout
Nicola King has actively worked to keep this information from Lewis, believing he doesn't need the drama of discovering his biological father is a criminal. However, Bradley Riches acknowledges that this secrecy creates perfect conditions for Kev's potential return to the soap opera.
'I think since Lewis has come to the village, a lot has been hidden from him,' Riches explained. 'He came in trying to find answers about his mum, and Ross and Moira kept the truth from him. If he does find out about Kev, he's going to feel betrayed once again.'
The actor emphasized that while people try to protect Lewis by hiding difficult truths, the eventual revelation always causes him pain. 'He is an adult, at the end of the day, but people want to wrap him in bubble wrap to make sure he's safe,' Riches noted.
Character Dynamics and Future Possibilities
Reflecting on the unique relationship between Kev and Lewis, Riches described their connection as unexpected but profound. 'Chris Coghill came in as part of the Robron saga. We had little scenes here and there, and their characters just got each other, for some reason,' he said. 'They felt seen by each other in an odd way. Kev's blunt, but Lewis never got offended because he understood where he was coming from.'
The actor found the storyline particularly compelling because it presented two characters who appear as polar opposites yet share significant common ground. 'If it was a Venn diagram, there'd be so much crossing over,' Riches observed, adding that working with Coghill was 'an absolute joy.'
Lewis's Village Integration and Romantic Developments
Despite the potential bombshell waiting in his past, Lewis has successfully integrated into Emmerdale village life. 'He's definitely found his feet in the village,' Riches said with pride. 'He's got friends and he's still making new friends and new relationships. He's got Nicola, he's got Ross, and soon to be Vinny as well.'
The actor noted that Lewis has become so settled that he's now 'just there sometimes, he gets a couple of words but he's just there and living his life. He's embedded himself in the society of that community.'
Looking ahead, upcoming episodes will see Ross Barton and Kammy Hadiq attempting to play matchmakers between Lewis and Vinny Dingle. Riches described the current dynamic between the two characters as filled with 'unspoken words' and 'little romcom moments.'
'They're very honest with each other, which I like,' the actor explained. 'Lewis was there when Vinny was talking about the court case, and Vinny was there when Lewis was having his burnout, so they're very honest with their feelings with each other. But this is one thing they're not honest about.'
Riches suggested that when the two characters finally become honest about their feelings, they might discover mutual attraction. 'Maybe when they do become honest about it, they might both feel the same way,' he smiled. 'It's a weird tug-of-war at the moment, with their feelings towards each other.'
Return Possibilities and Emotional Consequences
The actor's comments about Kev's potential return have sparked speculation among Emmerdale fans. 'I think it's cool because now it's like, will Kev ever come back?' Riches pondered. 'Maybe the truth will appear one day, who knows?'
Riches acknowledged that learning the script details about the Kev and Lewis connection came as a surprise. 'It kind of came out of nowhere,' he admitted. 'Then it developed into he's actually my biological dad, and Lewis never found out.'
The actor emphasized that should Kev return and the truth emerge, Lewis would face significant emotional turmoil. 'People try to hide things from him to benefit him, but once the truth comes out, and it always does, it's going to hurt him again,' Riches stated, highlighting the ongoing theme of protection versus honesty in Lewis's storyline.
As Emmerdale continues to develop its complex character relationships and dramatic storylines, the potential return of Kev Townsend represents a significant plot point that could reshape multiple characters' lives in the Yorkshire village.
