The actor reveals his dislike for singing scenes and the evolution of his character's complexity
Category: Arts & Culture
Chris Coghill, the actor behind the character Kev Townsend on *Emmerdale*, has opened up about his experiences portraying a character that has evolved from a villain to a more complex figure. Since arriving in the Yorkshire Dales last year, Coghill's character has become known for his unexpected musical performances, which he personally finds less than enjoyable.
Initially introduced as Robert Sugden's secret husband—whom he married during their time in prison—Kev was characterized as a manipulative figure. He played on Robert's emotions by pretending to suffer from a terminal heart condition, even taking hostages, including Aaron, with a samurai sword. This initial portrayal set the stage for a dramatic and often dark narrative arc.
In an interview, Coghill expressed his disdain for the character's musical numbers, stating, "Absolutely not, I hate them." His reluctance to engage in singing scenes has been a recurring theme, as he humorously remarked, "If I could sing, I wouldn’t have been an actor. If I could sing, I’d have been in a band in the 1990s." This sentiment reflects a broader perspective on the role he plays, which he feels has become increasingly complicated.
Originally, the plan was for Kev to die from his fabricated heart condition, but Coghill refused to accept this outcome. He insisted, "I’m not going to do it if he dies," leading the writers to modify the storyline so that Kev only pretends to die. This negotiation highlights the actor's commitment to his character's longevity and depth.
After a brief departure from the show in January 2026, where Kev left believing his son Lewis would be "a lot happier without him," the character made a surprise return in June 2026. Coghill noted that he was not initially meant to come back, but producers reached out to him within five weeks, stating, "This wasn’t what we intended to happen." This unexpected revival provided an opportunity for fans to see a more vulnerable side of Kev, contrasting with his earlier villainous traits.
As the storyline progressed, Coghill mentioned that the character has become funnier and more endearing, with a range of emotions that include vulnerability and slapstick humor. He explained, "There’s scenes where you can go from psycho to vulnerable to quite slapstick and quite hapless and then back to being scared again all in one scene which is quite unusual to do." This complexity has resonated with audiences, leading to overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Fans have shown their appreciation for Coghill's portrayal, often approaching him with compliments about his character. He shared, "Nobody’s had a go at me," indicating that the public's response has been largely supportive. This is a stark difference from his earlier experiences in the industry, where he faced more aggressive reactions due to the darker roles he has played in the past.
Looking ahead, Coghill has been in negotiations with *Emmerdale* producer Laura Shaw about future musical performances. He humorously recounted a recent conversation where Shaw asked if he would perform "All I Want for Christmas Is You," to which he replied, "If you keep me until Christmas 2028, I’ll do it then." This playful exchange highlights his reluctance to embrace the musical aspect of his character, even as it remains a fan favorite.
As the storyline continues to develop, viewers can expect to see more of Kev's attempts to reconnect with his son Lewis, who has also been a focal point of the narrative. The dynamic between father and son adds another layer to the character's complexity, as audiences witness Kev's evolution from a manipulative figure to a more relatable and flawed individual.
Coghill's portrayal of Kev Townsend exemplifies the challenges and rewards of acting in a long-running soap opera. The ability to navigate a character's transformation from villainy to vulnerability is a rare opportunity, and Coghill appears to relish the freedom to explore different facets of his character. As he continues his role, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how Kev's story develops in the coming months.
In the world of soap operas, character arcs often take unexpected turns, and Coghill's experience is no exception. With his unique approach to the role and the audience's positive reception, the future for Kev Townsend looks bright. As *Emmerdale* gears up for its Christmas episodes, viewers will follow closely closely to see if Coghill finally succumbs to the pressure of performing a holiday classic.