In a revelation that has left fans of the hit show astounded, Dean Lennox Kelly, the actor who brought lovable garage owner Kev Ball to life, has admitted he only recently uncovered a fundamental truth about his character.
Speaking on the Slopnog Podcast, Kelly disclosed that despite playing the role for years, it wasn't until a fan pointed it out that he realised Kev was written as a functioning alcoholic. The actor confessed he had always interpreted his character's constant pint-drinking as merely a social habit, a quintessential part of the Chatsworth Estate's pub-centric culture.
A Fan's Question That Changed Everything
"It was a fan that said it to me," Kelly explained. "They were like, 'So, do you think Kev was an alcoholic then?' And I was like, 'What? No, he wasn't an alcoholic.' And they went, 'Well, he's always got a pint in his hand.'"
This simple observation sparked a moment of clarity for the actor. He recounted his thought process: "I was like, 'Oh my god, you're right.' I'd never thought of it. I just thought he was always in the pub, just always having a pint."
Separating the Actor from the Character
Kelly's genuine surprise highlights the unique distance he maintained from the character's vices. Unlike his on-screen persona, the actor is not a big drinker himself, which perhaps explains why the subtext escaped him for so long.
He reflected on the writing of the beloved series, acknowledging the subtle brilliance behind the characters. His co-star, Maxine Peake, who played Veronica, shared a similar revelation, having also missed the alcoholic trait in their characters until it was explicitly pointed out.
The actor's candid admission offers a fascinating glimpse into the actor's process and how sometimes, the most obvious character traits can be the most hidden from the very person portraying them.
