Kev Townsend has been confirmed as returning to the Dales

Emmerdale fans have issued the same hope that Kev and Claudette will reunite as he’s set to return to the ITV soap this year.

Chris Coghill is set to reprise the role of the charismatic Kev Townsend in Emmerdale later this year and Kev’s new business venture is sure to stir up trouble for the locals.

He arrived last year as Robert Sugden’s prison husband, which was a shock for viewers and Aaron Dingle when he showed up in the village unexpectedly.

Blindsided, Robert agreed to stay with Kev after learning that he didn’t have long left to live. However, as viewers later learned Kev lied about how serious his illness was.

He even managed to convince Robert to renew their vows, but the latter soon decided to call things quits so he could pursue a secret relationship with Aaron Dingle. Of course, in soap world secrets can’t last forever and Kev soon learned the truth.

After wielding a weapon to threaten the pair, he decided it was time to leave the Dales and bid farewell to biological son Lewis Barton (who has no idea just yet) as he departed.

However, Kev returned over the Christmas period to scare Aaron away from Robert, but instead found himself being held hostage by John Sugden who was determined to keep Aaron safe, but also wanted to split the happy couple up.

Since then, he hasn’t been seen in the ITV soap but now Emmerdale have confirmed that he’ll be back onscreen later this year – a date is yet to be confirmed for his return.Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, said: “Both Chris and the character of Kev made a massive impact on the show last year, so Chris is most definitely back by popular demand. 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.”

Chris Coghill 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 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.”

During his time in the village, Claudette had a soft spot for Kev and now viewers are hoping that their friendship will continue to blossom. On a Reddit thread, u/admirable-river-2948 wrote: “I’m excited for him and Claudette to continue their adorable friendship!”

u/leather-net7998 added: “im guessing there will be plots with Claudette as his self appointed mother figure and by extension Charles. I feel like Kev could be roped into a plot as a protector of sorts if someone like Claudette got scammed or his son was threatened. “

On X (formerly known as Twitter), @ginalouloves agreed: “I can’t wait! Chris Coghill is amazing! Kev is just fantastic! Claudette will be happy her second son is back! Love their relationship”.