Emmerdale actor Chris Coghill has confirmed he is staying on the ITV soap, teasing his first Christmas in the village as Kev Townsend. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, the actor shared his love for the show and revealed what fans can expect from the "loveable psycho" character.
Kev's future on the show
Asked about how much he was enjoying his role, Chris told us: "I've done some jobs I absolutely love but I do love this soap!" When asked if he was planning to stick around, Chris suggested he was going nowhere.
Kev initially joined as a baddie, and not everyone took to the character. Since then he has become a huge hit, while the character has also changed into more of a comedy one.
Fan support and character evolution
Chris also shared his surprise over fan support, with viewers loving his character. As we mentioned that fans "adored" his character, Chris replied: "Apparently so!" But the actor was not expecting it. He explained: "On paper, when he first arrived, he wasn't funny. It wasn't a comedy performance."
"But human beings, it doesn't matter what they do or where they are, they can still be funny. No mater what situation people are in, they can still say and do funny things."
"The reality of the soap is kind of above the reality of most people in their daily lives. So when they relate to him... they've not been in a hostage situation, you know? You wouldn't move to any of these villages, they're terrifying."
Father-son storyline with Lewis
Chris has enjoyed getting the chance to move Kev into a more enjoyable character though. He said: "Honestly, it's a weird transition from deplorable, manipulative prison husband, to a loveable, quite vulnerable, emotional, funny at times, psycho, who's still got an edge."
Chris is enjoying playing the father and son storyline with his long-lost son Lewis Barton, played by Bradley Riches. Fans can expect much more of this, as Kev vows to support Lewis through his ongoing drama.
The actor told us: "The thing about Kev is he's a human being and his son is his son, and it's love. He loves him, and he wants to do right by him."
"He's not naturally paternal in a traditional sense. He does his own version of it. Over time, he and Lewis have come to find each other and accept each other. It's a relationship with no label."
"He just cares about him, and he loves him and he will help him and do what he thinks he needs. They never say 'dad' or 'son' really, you know? There's never a simple moment."
Christmas in the village
Chris also teased his first Christmas in the village with Lewis. The actor said: "I left under the twinkling fairy lights before last Christmas, so this is my first Christmas in the village. With his son, and with some other people too."
Chris confessed he has already asked for an alteration for his character's Christmas Day antics, as he is set to film the episode the day after he partakes in a 24-hour event. He said: "I went up to scheduling the other day and said, 'Is there any chance that Kev might be really, really hungover on Christmas Day?' and they said no. So, I don't know, I've not read it, who knows."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
