Emmerdale star Chris Coghill says he’s pleased to return

The actor, who first appeared as Kev Townsend last year, has said he is “really pleased” to make a comeback.

His character was introduced as the estranged husband of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), and he is set to bring “unfinished business and drama” to the village.

Coghill narrowly escaped serial killer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) in the series, and was revealed as the long-lost father of Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches).

Chris Coghill started featuring in Emmerdale in 2025 (Image: Mark Bruce/ITV Studios/PA Wire)

The past has not been easy for his character, who fled Emmerdale earlier this year after a brief festive stint following the unveiling of his son’s true identity, who is currently ignorant of his biological father.

Now, Townsend is preparing for his Emmerdale return with a new business venture that promises to “stir up trouble” for the locals.

Speaking about coming back to the soap, Coghill shared: “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.”

Laura Shaw, Emmerdale producer, 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.”

Emmerdale fans call for Kev Townsend’s return

Some Emmerdale fans will be pleased to see that Kev Townsend is back in the show after his stint away from the village.

A recent post on the r/Emmerdale Reddit page titled “Kev needs to return” saw quite a few comments of support.

The post read: “Kev for me was up there for most believable tough guy nut jobs I’ve seen in tv.

“Easy comparison, compared with Ray who really struggled to intimidate kids, one look off Kev and you feel uncomfortable.

“From the unhinged stuff through the vows then leaving and returning to kinda save the day, I think there’s a redemption arc worth exploring, potentially using irony and him actually being terminal if it’s a short term gig.”

Plenty agreed, as one shared: “Yes, definitely would love it, however the actor who plays the role is in demand.

“He may hopefully return for a stint between other acting roles.”

Another wrote: “I’d like him back too.

“I think him and Nicola as friends would be comedy gold as well.”

A third posted: “I think Kev will return because Lewis is his son.

“He will want to bond with Lewis and divorce Robert.”

What other TV shows has Chris Coghill been in?

Chris Coghill has appeared in TV shows since 1999, where he featured in an episode of Cold Feet.

He had a recurring role on Shameless in the mid-2000s, playing the character of Craig Garland, as well as Bobby Sheridan in The Royal.

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Between 2007 and 2008, he was a regular on Coronation Street as villain Tony King, known for the storyline in which his partner Bianca Jackson discovered he had been abusing her daughter, Whitney.

In more recent years, he played the character of Hobbs on Apple TV’s Slow Horses, alongside roles in The Walk-In and The Bay.

Are you excited to see Chris Coghill return to Emmerdale? Let us know in the comments.