Emmerdale has finally revealed the identity of Billy Fletcher's attacker, with Kev Barton unmasked as the culprit, clearing Joe Tate of suspicion.
Attack and Suspicion
Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) was attacked at the depot, leaving him in a coma. Suspicion initially fell on Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), who was angered after learning Billy had tried to kiss his fiancée Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley), also Billy's ex-wife. Joe was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm but released as he protested his innocence.
Caleb Miligan (Will Ash) convinced Billy that Joe was likely responsible, leading Billy to tell Dawn he believed Joe was behind the attack, causing her to question their future.
Twist in the Tale
In the latest episode, available on ITVX, it emerged that Joe was innocent, with Kev Barton (Chris Coghill) revealed as the real attacker. Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly) witnessed Kev attacking Billy through her husband's laptop recordings.
Caleb outlined his plan: "Kev's an idiot, right. He'll always turn up where he's not wanted. He'll get into fights, some he'll win, some he'll lose. Then he'll get caught and end up back inside cracking jokes with the screws, but Joe is different."
He continued: "Joe is everything that is wrong with the world. The system's on his side. He'll never get punished, he'll just slip away like he always does. Not this time, because this time he loses."
Actor's Insight
Chris Coghill, who plays Kev, spoke about the twist: "The whole thing with me attacking Billy, it's a little bit weird because you don't, it's never sort of seen on screen in context or why it happens or when it happens. It has to get explained later."
He hinted at a future storyline involving Caleb and Ruby, saying: "They essentially use it to blackmail me. It looks bad."
He added: "The fact is, after Claudette's elbowed Steve and told him to leave - all this is off screen which is why it is quite hard to get your head around. He heads up to the depot for one last job, but like I say it's never said on screen and I follow him to stop him. And yeah, Billy's just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think I've just given him a little love tap... just to stop him in his tracks, but it's a bit more serious than that."
Caleb then disclosed he was ready to help Dawn and Billy flee with their children, with Ruby concluding: "We better make damn sure they can't be found."
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
