Emmerdale fans are convinced that Kev Barton (Chris Coghill) could be leaving the village after he accepted a new job during Monday's (November 9) episode, which is now streaming on ITVX.
Kev first appeared in the village in September 2025 as Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) estranged husband, having married Robert in prison. His arrival sparked drama when he held Robert and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) hostage at The Mill with a samurai sword. He later left the Dales but returned to build a relationship with his son Lewis (Bradley Riches) and help Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) cope with the death of her husband Jimmy (Nick Miles).
Kev's New Job at the Smoke House
During the episode, Nicola was shocked by Laurel Thomas's (Charlotte Bellamy) implication that Kev might have feelings for her, while Kev thought there was a spark between them, leaving Lewis concerned. Robert then gave Kev a chance to cook steaks and, impressed, offered him a position at the Smoke House despite Aaron's objections.
Later, Kev 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."
He added: "Robert's offered me a job at his new gaff... It's complicated. Personal reasons. He's offered me head chef, so it's a bit of a step up for me." When Nicola suggested they share a cup of tea, Kev turned her down, leaving them both heartbroken.
Fan Reactions and Lewis's Break
Several soap fans have shared concerns that Kev might leave the village soon after taking the job. 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?" Someone else commented: "I wouldn't be surprised."
On X, one fan wrote: "I'm gutted [for] Nicola not just cause he's working for Aaron & Robert but Kev was a comfort for Nicola & yes I know she's only lost Jimmy, I loved her & Jimmy too, but I still like their bond even if it is bad timing but it looks like it's over already."
This comes after Lewis actor Bradley Riches confirmed a break from the soap. Sharing a picture of his character hugging Kev, Bradley captioned an Instagram Story: "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. Feeling very luck and grateful, as always. See you on your screens soon! Bradley x."
Bradley Riches Heads to Pantoland
Bradley is set to star as 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. The cast also includes Miss Rory, Tom Whalley, Olivia Birchenough, Millie Readshaw, and Sophie Bishop.
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
