Emmerdale actor Chris Coghill has officially confirmed his departure from the ITV soap, revealing his final scenes as the chaotic Kev Townsend have already aired. The news has prompted an immediate and emotional reaction from fans and fellow cast members alike, who are desperately hoping for a future comeback.
Kev Townsend's Dramatic Emmerdale Journey
Coghill's character, Kev, first arrived in the village with intentions of splitting up the popular couple Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle. Realising the futility of this mission, he swiftly fled. However, he made a dramatic return over the Christmas period, aligning himself with Aaron's troublesome ex, John, in a frosty alliance.
His recent storyline saw him ultimately refuse to go along with John's dangerous schemes, instead choosing to warn Aaron of the impending danger. In a poignant parallel plot, Kev also visited his biological son, Lewis Barton, who remains completely unaware that Kev is his father. This led to a final confrontation with Nicola King, who delivered an ultimatum: step up as a proper dad or leave for good.
Kev heartbreakingly decided that Lewis was better off without him and departed, leaving his son's life without revealing the truth.
An Emotional Farewell and Immediate Backlash
The actor made the announcement on his Instagram on the 3rd of January 2026, posting a succinct but heartfelt message. "Right. In a bit Emmerdale. Been an absolute joy. Thanks for all the love for Kev," he wrote, signing off with "#kevout".
The reaction in the comments section was swift and unanimous. Fans expressed their devastation, praising Coghill for turning Kev from an unlikeable figure into a beloved, hilarious fan favourite. Pleas for a return flooded in, with one viewer writing, "Please come back Chris... Complete nutcase, but bloody hilarious."
The cast quickly joined the chorus. Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis, commented "MISS YOU dad XX," while Danny Miller, portraying Aaron Dingle, declared, "I'm gonna start a petition." This public plea from one of the soap's leading stars has fuelled speculation that a return could be on the cards in the future.
From Reluctance to a "Right Laugh"
Interestingly, Coghill's journey to Emmerdale almost didn't happen. In an interview with The Mirror last year, the actor revealed he was initially hesitant to accept the role when he learned Kev was ultimately slated to be killed off. He was seeking a part with more potential longevity.
His mind was changed when producers explained the character's chaotic nature and the "fun" that could be had with him. "When I was told what the character was... I thought, actually this sounds like a right laugh," Coghill said. This insight convinced him to take on the role that would become so popular with viewers.
For now, Kev Townsend has driven out of the Dales, but the door seems firmly ajar for a return, driven by overwhelming fan demand and the cast's own affection for the character. Whether he returns to finally connect with his son Lewis or to cause more hilarious havoc, only time will tell.
