Calli Kitson
Published November 21, 2025 11:09am
Updated November 21, 2025 11:09am
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Audience members were hesitant about Kev Townsend at the start (Picture: ITV)
When Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) was confirmed as Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) secret husband in Emmerdale, fans went into a frenzy.
Prior to Kev’s arrival, Robert had decided to reunite with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), sparking the continuation of Robron’s love story. When Kev rocked up and it was clear he had a romantic connection with Robert, audience members started to fear what that would mean for Robert and Aaron.
However, as time has gone on, opinions of Kev have most definitely changed.
Kev was in prison for 20 years after committing armed robbery. During a flashback episode that aired recently, we learnt more about his relationship with Robert, and how they became vital support networks for each other while behind bars.
Robert and Kev got married while in prison (Picture: ITV)
Around the time Robert was contemplating beginning an appeal, Kev panicked at the thought of losing him. He stabbed himself in the stomach, with the aftermath seeing Robert focus on Kev and their prison marriage, rather than launching the appeal.
In the village, after Robert dumped Kev, the character reacted with anger. When he was alone though, Kev broke down in tears. The character was behind bars for 20 years, meeting Robert and discussing their future together was something Kev thought he would never have. His devastation over the relationship ending was very real.
We also learnt recently that Kev had a one-night stand with Emma Barton, which resulted in the birth of Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches).
Robert doesn’t know at the moment that Kev doesn’t have a terminal illness (Picture: ITV)
Perhaps if Kev’s life wasn’t explored this much, the change in opinion from fans wouldn’t have happened. Because we now know more about his personality traits and how this crazed criminal is very capable of experiencing feelings of love and care, it’s made audience members really enjoy his presence in the village.
Taking to social media platform X, RJ shared: ‘Unpopular opinion: the Kev story is one of the best this year, the characters, story, relationships are all so complex and it dosent feel put together just for the sake of it like I really don’t know why people want John over Kev because this is way more interesting #emmerdale.’
Expressing their love for the character, Carrie Hayler said: ‘The greatest new soap character for a very long time #kev The loveliest baddie ever.’
Holding their hands up, this user wrote: ‘I hate to admit but i actually start liking Kev #emmerdale.’
Fans have also been discussing their love for Kev’s developing friendships with other members in the village. It’s clear he cares for Claudette Anderson (Flo Wilson), and is also enjoying chatting to Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).
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Though if we asked Liam that, he probably wouldn’t agree.
Fans are now enjoying Kev’s storyline arc (Picture: ITV)
In upcoming episodes, Robert and Aaron will begin a plan to find the items Kev stole from the pawn shop yesterday, in the hope of reporting him to the police.
Both characters are aware that if they get rid of Kev, they can continue their relationship without looking over their shoulder and not fearing that Kev would put them in danger.
But with Kev now becoming a loved character, if he is sent to prison, his story sadly looks set to end in tragedy.
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