ITV Emmerdale fans 'work out' Kev's true intentions for Robert in dark twist

Emmerdale fans are convinced they've rumbled Kev Townsend's real agenda, suspecting he's not actually terminally ill.

Former prisoner Kev, portrayed by Chris Coghill, turned up unexpectedly in the village as Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) shock husband following their time behind bars together.

Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) was left seething upon learning Robert had wed, particularly as the ex-partners had been attempting to rekindle their relationship.

Robert revealed how Kev's cardiac problems meant his days were numbered and he'd been freed from jail on compassionate release. Kev subsequently collapsed with a heart attack, forcing Robert to choose between the pair before ultimately selecting his ailing, well-off spouse.

Whilst Kev's aggressive yet affectionate personality clearly poses problems, Robert has tried distancing himself from Aaron to shield his ex-boyfriend, reports the Daily Star.

Yet as Kev and Robert arrange their vow renewal ceremony, certain Emmerdale viewers remain convinced Kev is fabricating his fatal diagnosis to maintain his hold over Robert, with audiences calling for the "lovable" character's permanent place on the programme.

One viewer posted on Reddit: "Honestly, I'm kinda hoping that the show either has Kev get cured or it turns out that his illness has been a big lie as I'm really loving him so far ( he's weirdly kinda cute)."

Another insisted: "100% agree. Excellent character and great actor. I adore him, even when he's being naughty, even if they don't keep him with Suggers, I'd like him to stick around for a while longer."

A third viewer commented: "I agree, I like him so far. I think they've purposely kept his dynamic with Robert quite ambiguous, I guess with the build up to one of those special episodes focusing on them in prison. I imagine that'll answer a lot of questions around their relationship and how 'willing' Robert really is in it all."

Another fan wrote: "I hope it wasn't abusive, Kev's health is salvageable and he can stick around longer term. But I guess it also depends on how this whole thing with Aaron ends. I'm not sure I can handle it if the end result is that they all continue sulking about around each other long term!"

A further viewer speculated: "Maybe he faked his illness with the help of a prison guard kinda like what Bert did in the recent ITV Mini-Series Frauds with faking she had cancer so as to get out of prison before her sentence was up on compassionate grounds!".

The ITV soap is due to broadcast a special flashback episode delving into Kev and Robert's prison backstory.

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX