Emmerdale fans believe they have identified the person responsible for kidnapping Lewis Barton, anticipating the return of his father Kev Townsend on the ITV soap. Spoilers and pictures have teased dramatic scenes involving the character.
Kidnapping Plot Unfolds
Lewis Barton is set to be kidnapped by masked thugs next week on Emmerdale. Viewers are convinced they already know the culprit after news of a returning character was recently shared by the show. Spoilers reveal that Lewis is taken hostage and dragged into a white van by two masked men.
The kidnapping occurs as his partner Vinny Dingle surprises Lewis with a spontaneous trip to Madeira. Lewis's anxiety about the sudden trip causes him to pull out of the holiday. He insists Vinny goes without him, leaving Lewis feeling bittersweet when Vinny agrees. However, after encouragement from his brother Ross Barton, Lewis has a change of heart.
Race Against Time
Lewis decides to join the holiday after all and races to catch up with Vinny at the airport. But his plan is thwarted by a speeding van that screeches to a halt nearby as he rushes out with his suitcase, leaving him in danger. Fans are convinced the kidnapping is orchestrated by Lewis's father, Kev Townsend, who is confirmed to be returning to the show.
Fan Reactions
As soon as spoilers emerged, fans assumed Kev was behind it, believing this will be his storyline to re-enter the village. One fan commented online: "And if the person kidnapping Lewis when the van pulls up next Friday is not Kev, I will eat a hat!" Another agreed: "Watch out, Lewis! Daddy's home!" A third said: "It's his daddy Kev." A fourth posted: "It's Kev."
A final comment read: "Do you reckon it's Kev? I'm wondering if this is how Vinny goes out of it?"
Producer Teases Return
Soap producer Laura Shaw teased Kev's return earlier this year, stating: "Both Chris [Coghill] and the character of Kev made a massive impact on the show last year, so Chris is most definitely back by popular demand. With Kev's son, Lewis, in the village still unaware of who his father is, it's safe to say that there's a lot of unfinished business and drama ahead."
Kev actor Chris Coghill added: "I'm really pleased to be returning to Emmerdale, I had a brilliant time last year. Kev is a complex character that I love playing. He has psychopathic tendencies but also an energy and vulnerability that I think makes him pretty unique. I'm properly looking forward to getting back at it."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
