Kev Barton (Chris Coghill) has rejected Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) in Emmerdale, and it is clear that both are heartbroken. The pair, who became close friends following the death of Nicola's husband Jimmy King (Nick Miles), appeared to be on the verge of a romance, but Kev's decision to leave the café has seemingly ended it before it truly began.
A Friendship Born From Grief
Kev and Nicola's friendship blossomed as Kev provided support to Nicola through her grief and the confusion caused by Sadie (Patsy Kensit). There was a moment when Nicola misread the signals and nearly ruined everything by leaning in for a kiss, but they moved past it and ended up sleeping together – Kev on the sofa, Nicola on the floor, where she got her first night's sleep since Jimmy died, soothed by Kev's snoring.
Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) spotted a frisson between them and told Nicola she thought Kev had feelings for her. Nicola baulked at the idea, but Kev admitted to Lewis (Bradley Riches) that he felt a spark. Lewis was less than thrilled, noting that Nicola is grieving her dead husband and that it would be too complicated for his dad to be dating his best friend.
Kev's New Job at the Smokehouse
Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) reluctantly agreed to give Kev a go in the kitchen of his new business venture, cooking steaks. Kev impressed with his cooking and earned himself a job in the Smokehouse, Robert's name for the new place. Aaron (Danny Miller) isn't thrilled, but the job means Kev has bad news for Nicola – he's leaving the café.
Nicola offered a final cup of tea to say farewell, but Kev's brutal response was a simple no. The rejection leaves the future of Kev and Nicola uncertain, as the romance appears to be dead before it gets off the ground.
