Emmerdale fans are buzzing over Kev Townsend's return, but the real surprise is Ross Barton's transformation into an unexpected hero. The serial flirt has been helping Sam save his marriage and Laurel move on from trafficker Ray. Now, Ross is risking everything to rescue his brother Lewis from a kidnapper.
Lewis Kidnapped
Lewis Barton was heading to the airport to join boyfriend Vinny on holiday when he was snatched. The kidnapper, Kylie, demands a ransom: a mysterious item called 'Penny'. Ross has no idea what Penny is, but Liam wants to call the police. Ross insists they contact his adoptive dad Jeffrey first, but Jeffrey is clueless. Liam then drops a bombshell: Kev Townsend is Lewis's biological father.
Ross's Heroic Plan
Despite the shock, Ross forges ahead. Kylie approaches Ross and reveals that Lewis will only be freed if Kev returns Penny, described as 'the most precious thing in the world'. Liam persuades Claudette to reveal Kev's whereabouts. They find Kev selling cakes from a van, but he is indifferent to Lewis's plight. Ross explodes and uses violence to shake Kev up.
The Diamond Truth
Kev finally explains: Penny is a diamond he sold to a pawn shop. He claims it's gone, but later reveals he has it tied around his neck. Kylie sends a menacing text featuring scalpels, threatening to disfigure Lewis if Kev doesn't return the diamond by day's end. Kev pretends to buy it back, but Ross sees through the ruse and decks him.
Ross's Insurance
With Kev unconscious, Ross tells Liam he will use Kev as insurance. The question remains: will Ross succeed in bringing Lewis back safely?
