Emmerdale viewers are certain that Kev Townsend is set to make a dramatic return to the Dales for two significant reasons.

Fans of the ITV soap will recall that ex-convict Kev (played by Chris Coghill) first appeared in the village as Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) estranged husband, after they wed whilst incarcerated.

In no time at all, Kev and Robert renewed their vows before parting ways just days later, with it soon emerging that Kev had fabricated his terminal heart condition.

Meanwhile, Robert was scheming with his true love, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), to have Kev re-imprisoned for his recent armed robbery.

Kev was brought in for police questioning, but Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) was keen to keep Kev as distant from his secret as possible, given he is the long-lost father of Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches), reports the Daily Star.

Nicola concealed Kev’s stolen money and goods from the police, ensuring they wouldn’t uncover evidence of his crime, in return for Kev leaving the village.

Prior to his sudden exit on Thursday (27 November), Kev stumbled upon Robert and Aaron sharing an intimate moment and confronted them, brandishing a stolen sword.

When Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) turned up, Robert intervened to shield Aaron and was injured by the sword. Aaron then changed his approach and pleaded with Kev to release a wounded Robert.

Robert subsequently made his feelings clear, and Kev ominously warned that he would always seek vengeance in the end.

As Kev bids farewell to Lewis, who remains unaware of his true identity, he implores him never to let anyone harm him, a lesson Kev has “learnt the hard way”.

The future of Kev in Emmerdale is currently uncertain, but fans are convinced he’ll make a comeback after spotting two significant hints.

Nicola, who has been acting as a mother figure to Lewis and seems to have formed a bond with Kev, could potentially be heading towards a romantic storyline with him, according to viewers.

Furthermore, since Lewis is still in the dark about Kev being his real father, it’s anticipated that they will reunite to uncover the truth.

One Reddit user expressed: “I would like to see him return with his own storyline, the Lewis father/son reveal, Nicola and Liam, ending up being his friends and perhaps even a new love interest.”

Another chimed in: “He’s definitely not gone for good. There’s no way they won’t do a father/son reveal!”.

A third added: “Nicola King and Kev Townsend (love heart). Who’s here for the chemistry, I’m aware he’s gay yes but in respect, those two are a match made.

“I don’t usually like Nicola, but I love her with Kev,” one viewer confessed, while another said: “They are a match made in crazy town. Both nuts, so you know they are perfect for each other. Poor Jimmy.”

“They are so good together. Kev has made me love Nicola!” another fan exclaimed.

An Emmerdale enthusiast penned: “They need to bring back Kev. Imagine the comedic chaos him, Lewis and Ross could get into. Also, he and Nicola co-parenting Lewis could be the best comedy duo to rival Paddy and Marlon ever #Emmerdale.”