Emmerdale viewers found themselves reaching for the remote control during Tuesday's episode, with many resorting to fast-forwarding through what's being called the 'cringiest scene in soap history'. The controversial moment saw Kevin Townsend make a desperate attempt to win back his estranged husband through an ill-advised karaoke performance that left fans deeply divided.
The Karaoke Catastrophe That Divided Viewers
During a housewarming party at Ross and Lewis's property, Kevin Townsend (played by Christopher Coghill) made a dramatic entrance that would soon become the talk of social media. The character, who has been desperately trying to reclaim his relationship with ex-husband Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), staggered through the door and launched into an emotional rendition of Daniel Bedingfield's 'If You're Not the One'.
Robert has since moved on with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), but Kevin's public serenade demonstrated his refusal to accept their separation. The awkward performance quickly sparked a strong reaction from viewers at home, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their second-hand embarrassment.
One viewer confessed: 'Anyone else have to mute their TV just now while Kev was singing, I mean talk about embarrassing, I could barely watch.' Another added: 'The scriptwriters have lost the plot. Kev's Karaoke scene was cringe. Make it stop.'
Social Media Reacts to Soap's Musical Moment
The response on social media platforms was overwhelmingly critical, though not entirely unanimous. Many viewers described the scene as unbearable viewing, with comments including 'Those Karaoke scenes with Kev Billy & Matty were so cringe' and 'Omg the cringe-ometer of this episode is off the scale.'
However, a minority of defenders emerged to praise the lighter tone. One fan countered: 'Cringe but hilarious all the same. About time it was a bit lighter.' Another supporter wrote: 'This is the best scene in Emmerdale this year! Love everyone trying not to laugh Kev's been a brilliant addition,' while a third simply declared: 'This is gold.'
The polarising reception highlights the challenge soap opera writers face in balancing dramatic tension with comic relief, particularly when introducing musical elements into storylines.
Jaye Griffiths Confirms Emmerdale Departure
In separate Emmerdale news, actress Jaye Griffiths has confirmed her exit from the ITV soap after playing villainous farmer Celia Daniels. The 62-year-old actress joined the cast earlier this year as a farmer seeking to rent properties in the area, but her character was soon revealed to be involved in numerous criminal activities.
Celia Daniels's storylines have included county lines drug dealing, prostitution, and modern-day slavery operations conducted on her property. Speaking about her departure, Griffiths revealed mixed feelings: 'I knew it was finite, which I am very sad about, because I would like to stay forever, but it's such a strong arc.'
The actress expressed hope that her character's dark storylines would raise awareness about serious social issues. She explained: 'Sometimes, when I read the script, I think, "really? You're going to make me say that?" Just when you think she's gone quite far enough, they'll make me go a bit further! So yes, it's horrendous.'
Griffiths added that she hopes the narratives will prompt important conversations, questioning how ordinary citizens can identify and respond to modern slavery situations in everyday contexts like nail bars and car washes.
Despite portraying such a sinister character, the actress acknowledged receiving considerable support from Emmerdale fans throughout her tenure. Her departure marks the end of one of the soap's more complex villain arcs in recent memory.
Emmerdale continues to air on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX, where viewers can judge Kevin's controversial karaoke moment for themselves.
