Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw has teased the start of an unexpected connection between Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) and Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill). Kev was introduced last year as Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) secret prison husband. A troubled soul, he was terrified about his relationship with Robert ending. To keep him close, Kev lied to Robert, pretending he had a terminal illness.
Kev arrived in the village just as Robert decided to reunite with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). For a while, Robert lived a double life, seeing Aaron in secret and romancing Kev in front of other residents. This became impossible to continue, leaving Kev heartbroken. He dealt with the sadness in classic Kev style, holding Aaron, Robert, and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) hostage in Mill Cottage. He eventually left town but, just before departing, had a conversation with Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches).
The duo had struck up a friendship while Kev was in the village, and it was later confirmed that Kev is actually Lewis's biological father. Currently, Lewis doesn't know who Kev really is, because Nicola convinced Kev to keep quiet, concluding it would be better for the young man not to know. However, with Kev returning to the village this year, that is likely to change. After all, there is no way this massive family secret could stay hidden forever.
Ahead of Kev's comeback, show boss Laura Shaw has dropped teasers about the drama he will be involved in. She confirmed that Kev will end up forming a bond with Nicola, which is surprising given their previous lack of rapport. 'As we know, Nicola has taken on a motherly role with Lewis, so we will be seeing more of her and Kev,' Laura said in an interview with Inside Soap. 'Later on in the year, Nicola is going to have a few troubles of her own that Kev is going to be supportive with.'
It is very possible that Kev will be there for Nicola after she loses her husband Jimmy King (Nick Miles). It was reported a few days ago that Nick's character Jimmy, whom he has played for 22 years, is going to be killed off. His exit will coincide with the explosive return of Sadie King (Patsy Kensit). A source told Metro recently: 'The scenes promise to be spectacular but the outcome will leave many fans shocked. It may prove controversial but the jaw-dropping storyline will set in motion some massive consequences for many months to follow.'
Following this devastating ordeal, will Kev be the one to assist Nicola as she tries to process her grief? It has also been confirmed that fellow Emmerdale stars Olivia Bromley and Bradley Johnson are leaving their roles as Dawn Taylor and Vinny Dingle.
