Emmerdale's Kev Barton is set to make a major career change on the ITV soap, leaving his boss and close friend Nicola King heartbroken. The former adversary, played by Chris Coghill, has become a source of comfort for Nicola (Nicola Wheeler) as she mourns the sudden passing of her husband Jimmy (Nick Miles).
In a recent gut-wrenching scene, the grieving widow was overwhelmed by the lunchtime rush at the café and demanded that customers leave at once. It was Kev who persuaded Nicola to accept help, and the pair embraced before sharing a candid conversation about her late husband.
Kev and Nicola's Growing Bond
Nicola found the courage to open up about her heartache and was surprised to witness a more vulnerable side to ex-convict Kev, admitting she struggles to sleep without the sound of Jimmy's thunderous snoring. In a touching gesture, Kev suggested a change of surroundings and offered her his bed for the evening, which she gratefully accepted.
Later, Nicola still found herself unable to drift off and was on the verge of heading home when she discovered Kev asleep on the sofa. As his snores echoed around the living room, she settled down beside him and soon drifted into a peaceful slumber.
Chemistry Noticed by Others
In upcoming episodes, Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) picks up on a certain chemistry between her closest friend Nicola and Kev, following their tender overnight stay at Woodbine Cottage. She raises it with Nicola, questioning whether Kev has romantic feelings for her, but the widow is taken aback by the suggestion.
Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) is equally convinced that his father, Kev, is nursing feelings for Nicola, which leaves him somewhat worried.
New Job at the Smokehouse
In a further development, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) grudgingly grants his former husband, Kev, an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to prepare steaks as he attempts to launch his new restaurant, and finds himself pleasantly surprised. Despite Aaron Dingle's (Danny Miller) objections, Robert presents Kev with the prospect of overseeing the kitchen at the Smokehouse, making his son Lewis immensely proud of him.
The new employment opportunity means Kev must vacate his position at the café, bringing his professional partnership with his boss, Nicola, to a close. When he breaks the news, both are left feeling downhearted. Before Kev leaves, Nicola proposes one final cup of tea together, but he declines the offer, as they are both somewhat devastated.
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
