Emmerdale’s Chris Coghill Nearly Rejected Kev Role After Learning About His Character’s Fate
Emmerdale star Chris Coghill has revealed that he almost turned down the role of Kev Townsend, Robert Sugden’s secret husband, after discovering that the character’s days in the Dales were already numbered.
A Role Almost Rejected
In an interview with The Mirror, Chris admitted that he was hesitant to accept the part once he learned that Kev would eventually be killed off. Initially, the idea of joining a show only to be written out soon after didn’t appeal to him.
“When I was offered it and I was told he dies, I thought, ‘I like Emmerdale and I’d like to be around for a bit,’” Chris explained. “I wanted to come in and do something that had potential longevity.”
That changed, however, once producers filled him in on who Kev really was — a complex, unpredictable, and darkly humorous character with deep ties to one of the soap’s most infamous residents, Robert Sugden.
“When I was told what the character was and that they weren’t meeting anyone else, I thought, actually, this sounds like a right laugh,” he added.
Kev’s Arrival Shakes Up the Dales
Kev made his explosive debut as Robert Sugden’s husband, a shocking revelation that has reignited old passions and opened old wounds. Having met Robert while in prison, Kev’s arrival has already caused chaos for Aaron Dingle, who thought he was rekindling his relationship with his ex.
Chris’s performance has quickly drawn attention for its mix of menace and charm, with Kev’s storyline straddling the line between dangerous and tragic. Fans are still unsure whether Kev’s claim of being terminally ill is genuine — or part of a cruel manipulation.
Fan Theories Explode: Is Kev Connected to Dylan?
As Kev’s story unfolds, fans are already speculating about a potential twist linking him to newcomer Dylan. Introduced earlier this year as a teenager living on the streets, Dylan has become a bit of a mystery himself.
Some viewers believe Dylan could secretly be Kev’s long-lost son, tying two ongoing storylines together. One fan theorised on social media: “I saw a tweet suggesting Dylan could be Kev’s son. It would actually make me care more about Dylan and give Kev something to stay for after the Aaron and Robert affair comes out.”
However, others were quick to poke holes in the theory. As one viewer pointed out, “Kev said he’s been in prison since 2002. Dylan’s a teenager, so that timeline doesn’t fit unless Kev was a sperm donor or something.”
Given that actor Fred Kettle (Dylan) was born in 2007, the age gap makes the theory unlikely — though Emmerdale is no stranger to creative twists when it comes to family secrets.
What’s Next for Kev Townsend?
Despite the rumours surrounding Kev’s demise, Chris Coghill’s enthusiasm for the storyline suggests plenty of drama still to come. With standalone episodes reportedly exploring Robert’s prison past and Kev’s history, fans can expect more revelations — and possibly a shocking final act for the dangerous ex-con.
Whether Kev truly is dying or playing everyone around him, one thing’s certain: Chris Coghill has brought one of Emmerdale’s most unpredictable new villains to life — and fans can’t look away.