Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) has become an unlikely fan favorite on Emmerdale, despite being introduced as a character viewers were supposed to hate. His backstory as Robert Sugden's prison husband, combined with an impulsive and unpredictable nature, a desperate desire to be loved, and a fierce manbun, has made him a soap legend.
Fan Reaction Overwhelmingly Positive
Emmerdale fans have taken to social media to express their love for Kev. On a recent TikTok poll asking whether Kev is a joy to watch or irredeemable, comments were overwhelmingly positive. One user wrote: 'don’t care what Robron obsessiveness think, I love Kev and I’m so glad he’s back, I hope he’s here to stay.' Another commented: 'he’s a breath of fresh air. He’s just a character that ought NOT work on paper BUT is the perfect fit for the show! #WeLoveKev.' A third added: 'love him much needed in soap.'
The Secret to Kev's Success: Improvisation
According to actor Bradley Riches, who plays Kev's long-lost son Lewis Barton, Chris Coghill's improvisational skills are key. 'He is one of the most bonkers but beautiful people I ever met,' Bradley revealed. 'He is just good vibes. He brings a new energy into the room. Looking at all of the work he’s done, I’m learning a lot from him. He is very good at instincts and playing off something. If you do twenty takes, all twenty takes are different from him because he plays what feels real.' Chris has admitted in interviews that approximately 75% of the dialogue is improvised, making Kev feel unpredictable, natural, and real.
Grounding a Psychopath
To make Kev relatable, Emmerdale paired him with even more villainous characters like serial killer John Sugden and kidnapper Kylie, who tried to ransom Lewis for a diamond made from her cat's ashes. These true villains highlight Kev's humanity. Additionally, his relationships with sweet characters like vicar's mother Claudette Anderson and his son Lewis have been masterstrokes. Bradley Riches explains: 'They’re so similar and so opposite at the same time. Even if he isn’t autistic, he gets that emotion. He gets his brain. He’s quite hot headed sometimes and he gets that part of Lewis. They both feel like an outsider sometimes, they both feel a bit different, they both feel like they don’t have anywhere to fit in.'
A New Dynamic with Nicola King
Kev's latest nemesis is not a gangster but Nicola King, the queen of the Dales. With a vested interest in Lewis' safety, Nicola is suspicious of Kev, but they will have to work together. Bradley Riches revealed: 'We might have a little trio at work. They’ll have to learn to get along. They may not see eye to eye but they need to learn to get along even if it’s just as work colleagues. It’s really exciting, those two together. They have such a fun dynamic. They hate each other but deep down they know they are similar. That’s why they hate each other. They are both passionate, they both want to protect Lewis.'
The Recipe for Kev's Success
The key to Kev's popularity lies in taking a dangerous, psychopathic character, casting a stellar actor who relies on improvisation, placing him in everyday situations with everyday characters, and exploring his human side. A proper Yorkshire accent and that manbun don't hurt either.
