Emmerdale viewers are convinced Kev Barton could be heading for the exit after he revealed he is leaving the café to take a new job. The character, played by Chris Coghill, first arrived in the village in September 2025 as Robert Sugden's estranged husband, and tensions have been building ever since.
Kev's Return and New Role
Kev initially appeared in the Dales to win Robert back, holding him and Aaron Dingle hostage at The Mill with a samurai sword before departing. He later returned to build a bond with his son Lewis and to support Nicola King through her grief following the loss of her husband Jimmy.
During Monday's episode, now available on ITVX, Robert offered Kev the chance to prove himself at the Smoke House after being impressed by his cooking skills. Kev then told Nicola he was leaving the café, saying: "Listen, Nicola, there's something I gotta tell you, and if I don't do it now, I might bottle it. I'm leaving the café."
Fans React to Possible Departure
Kev explained that Robert had offered him a job as head chef, describing it as "a bit of a step up for me." When Nicola suggested they have a cup of tea together, Kev declined, leaving both devastated.
Soap fans have voiced concerns that Kev could soon leave the village. One person wrote on a Facebook fan page: "Why do I feel like Kev's going to leave soon?" Another added: "Omg he better not." A third said: "What if he leaves with Lewis?"
One viewer commented on X: "I'm gutted [for] Nicola not just cause he's working for Aaron and Robert but Kev was a comfort for Nicola and yes I know she's only lost Jimmy, I loved her and Jimmy too, but I still like their bond even if it is bad timing but it looks like it's over already."
Actor's Temporary Departure
The speculation follows actor Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis, confirming his temporary departure from the soap. In an Instagram Story, he wrote: "That's a wrap at @emmerdale for now! A little time off before heading straight into Pantoland! So excited to see what's ahead for Lewis in 2027."
Bradley is set to play Peter Pan in the pantomime The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at the Sunderland Empire from December 11 to January 3, 2027. Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
