Emmerdale viewers are convinced that Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) is on the verge of a new romance with an unlikely villager after filing for divorce from Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley). During Monday's double episode (6th July), Kev's fears about his estranged son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) were eased by vicar Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin), who encouraged him to be a good father. Kev's confidence grew, and he even supported Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) amid Ross Barton's (Mike Parr) betrayal after his affair with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).
Kev's Rivalry with Nicola King
Later, Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) confronted Kev, accusing him of stealing her customers by selling cakes and refreshments from a van outside her café, which his son Lewis co-owns. When Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) examined the menu at A Slice of Kev-en, Nicola lured him away with a free cream tea. "Stop nicking my customers," Nicola shouted at Kev, who vowed to stand his ground. She told Ross, "He's like a verruca - hard to get rid of. I'm losing a fortune."
Divorce Meeting with Robert Sugden
Kev then met with ex-husband Robert Sugden to proceed with their divorce. He voiced frustrations about how locals, especially Nicola and Ross, treated him. Robert tried to reassure Kev that people would warm to him, but Kev dismissed it. "They won't be happy until they have firebombed my trail," Kev declared. "Ross in a long black robe and Nicola cavorting around the flames."
Fans Predict Romance
Despite the rivalry, many Emmerdale viewers see romantic tension between Kev and Nicola. On X, one fan wrote: "After Jimmy's written out I could see Nicola waking up one morning and realising she's slept with Kev, there's so much tension between them #Emmerdale." Another responded: "I don't want this to happen. I really don't know why they are killing Jimmy off, but yes, she and Kev are definitely on the cards!" A third added: "Kev and Nicola are hilarious, need more scenes with them together #Emmerdale." Another viewer questioned: "Why do I feel like Nicola and Kev are gonna get paired at some point when Jimmy leaves? #Emmerdale." One fan pondered: "Trying to figure out who Kev might hook up with rn I'm thinking either Nicola or Serena, but I can't decide which one #Emmerdale."
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
