Emmerdale fans 'work out' what happens next as Kev Townsend returns

Emmerdale has welcomed back a beloved character as Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden become targets of a revenge plot.

In Monday's episode of the ITV soap (December 22), Ross Barton (Mike Parr) found himself under scrutiny as Aaron (Danny Miller) blamed him for damaging his car's windscreen. Robert (Ryan Hawley) also got embroiled in the heated dispute, expressing his desire to reconnect with his son, Seb.

Despite Ross's scepticism about Robert and Aaron's intentions to see Seb, it was Robert who persisted in persuading Angela, the aunt of Seb's late mother, Rebecca White, to allow him to bring his son home.

A glimmer of hope emerged when Angela agreed to meet Robert and Aaron, leaving the pair overjoyed. Later, Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) suggested to Ross that if he wasn't responsible for vandalising Aaron's car, then the perpetrator was still at large.

Suddenly, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) materialised from the bushes, observing his estranged husband, Robert, from a distance, reports the Daily Star.

Earlier this year, viewers were taken aback when Kev revealed himself as Robert's prison spouse, having recently returned to the Dales himself in an attempt to win Aaron back.

Robert was stunned as he came face-to-face with his secret husband, whom he thought he wouldn't see again. Kev disclosed that he was terminally ill and only had months to live, leaving Robert shocked.

While the prospect of inheriting brightened Robert's day, he chose to sustain their relationship until Kev's demise.

However, it was subsequently disclosed that Kev wasn't actually dying, a revelation that came to light through Dr Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson), who inadvertently found himself serving as the escape driver during Kev's most recent armed heist.

Ultimately, Robert chose to end his relationship with Kev, and following a brutal confrontation, Kev departed the village.

As Kev makes his comeback, viewers are convinced that his revenge plot will tie in with the programme's collaboration with Coronation Street, which looms closer.

Posting on X, one viewer penned: "That'll be R Kev that's back, then Wonderful #Emmerdale". A second declared: "Ear he is ..Kev's back #emmerdale."

"Kev's back in time for Christmas #Emmerdale," a third celebrated with festive emojis. "Wasn't expecting it to be Kev #Emmerdale," one astonished viewer exclaimed.

"KEV! ! ! Happy Christmas!! #Emmerdale," proclaimed one enthusiast, whilst another contributed: "OMG that scene at the end of tonight's #Emmerdale. Kev is back for revenge, with John assumed not far behind him, ahead of the crossover."

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX