Chris Coghill returning to Emmerdale as Kev Townsend

Is Lewis about to discover that Kev's his father?

Last seen on New Year's Day, Emmerdale has revealed that Chris Coghill will be reprising the role of the charismatic Kev Townsend later this year, and his new business venture is sure to stir up trouble for the locals.

Unpredictable and intimidating, Kev originally arrived in the village as Robert Sugden’s estranged husband. Robert, played by Ryan Hawley, had married Kev in prison, believing he was dying, a lie Kev told to save their relationship.

Then a shock twist revealed that Kev was also the biological father of Lewis Barton, played by Bradley Riches.

Kev was last seen narrowly escaping serial killer John Sugden's clutches. After alerting Aaron, played by Danny Miller, to the imminent danger, he fled the village, convinced that his still-unaware son, Lewis, was safer without him in his life.

On returning to Emmerdale, Chris Coghill said "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."

To which the show's Producer, Laura Shaw, added, "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."

Emmerdale continues Monday to Friday at 8pm on ITV1 with first look episodes available from 7am on ITVX