Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) is overjoyed when his former prison husband Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) returns to Emmerdale with a surprising proposal: finalising their divorce. This unexpected development means Robert can finally marry Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), reuniting the beloved couple known as Robron.
A History of Chaos
Kev first arrived in the village last year, derailing Robert and Aaron's happily-ever-after. The volatile ex-con, described as Emmerdale's answer to Begbie from Trainspotting, formed a bond with Robert in prison. Believing they were in a great love story, Kev was furious to discover Robert had a husband on the outside. He faked a terminal illness to win Robert back, leading to a deadly showdown involving a sword that nearly killed Aaron.
Kev left the Dales with a broken heart but returned briefly at Christmas, kidnapped by Robert's serial killer brother John Sugden (Oliver Farnsworth). Robert's plan to frame Kev for his own murder failed when Kev kneed him and escaped.
Kev's Return: A Slice of Kev-en
Now Kev is back for two reasons: to launch his bespoke cake and coffee pop-up, 'A Slice Of Kev-en', and to connect with his long-lost son, Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches). Kev revealed to Liam that he had a one-night stand with Emma, who put the baby up for adoption. Only Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) knows the truth, and she gave Kev an ultimatum: tell Lewis or leave forever. Kev agreed to leave, believing Lewis deserved better than a criminal father.
But Kev has returned, much to Nicola's dismay. He is taken in by Claudette Anderson (Flo Wilson) and her son Claude (Kevin Mathurin). When Kev confesses his sadness over Lewis rejecting him, Claudette encourages him to pursue a relationship, insisting he is a good man who deserves his family.
Robert's Elation
With Claudette's words ringing in his ears, Kev seeks out Robert and suggests they get the ball rolling on their divorce. This means Robert can finally marry Aaron. It's music to Robert's ears. However, tensions rise when Nicola catches Kev filling a bucket in the cafe toilets to clean his trailer. Nicola is absolutely determined to get Kev out of the village.
Will Nicola drive Kev out before Robert can get him to sign those all-important papers? The fate of Robron's wedding hangs in the balance.
