Emmerdale favourite confirmed to be returning to the ITV soap "by popular demand" – just 3 months after exit
The character was last seen in the Dales in January.
Actor Chris Coghill is set to return to Emmerdale just three months after his ITV soap exit.
The star, who first appeared as Kev Townsend back in September 2025 and played the role until his departure in January 2026, will reprise the part later this year. The serial drama has teased in a press release that his "new business venture is sure to stir up trouble for the locals".
But what exactly is 'A Slice of Kev-en'? It seems to be some sort of mobile café, which is bound to ruffle Nicola King's (Nicola Wheeler) feathers!
The character, who is the estranged husband of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) and biological father of Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) – a fact he’s kept secret – was last seen narrowly escaping the clutches of serial killer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).
Kev had become entangled in John's plot to kill Robert, but ultimately warned Aaron (Danny Miller) that John posed a danger to him and Robert, and then fled the Dales.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said in a statement that "Chris is most definitely back by popular demand".
She added: "With Kev’s son, Lewis, in the village still unaware of who his father is, it's safe to say that there’s a lot of unfinished business and drama ahead."
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Coghill, who's also known for his appearances in EastEnders, Shameless and Slow Horses, added: "I’m really pleased to be returning to Emmerdale, I had a brilliant time last year. Kev is a complex character that I love playing."
He continued: "He has psychopathic tendencies but also an energy and vulnerability that I think makes him pretty unique. I’m properly looking forward to getting back at it."
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Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
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Authors
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
