Emmerdale fans have been left in shock after realising Kev Townsend and Emma Barton’s real-life connection

The Dales has been bustling with drama this year, and the ITV soap doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Emmerdale fans will remember Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) arriving in May, where he was introduced as Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) previously unknown half-brother.

Before Lewis’s arrival, Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) discovered a letter addressed to “The Family of Emma Barton”. Viewers will remember that Moira was behind Emma’s (Gillian Kearney) death in 2017 following the villain’s kidnapping of her infant son, Isaac.

After Moira informed Ross about the correspondence, he arranged to meet Lewis. The brothers have since developed a strong relationship and recently relocated to Dale View with Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson).

Whilst Lewis has maintained he doesn’t know his father’s identity, this could be about to shift following a major revelation earlier this month, reports the Daily Star.

Lewis Barton first arrived in the Dales earlier this year (Image: ITV)

In a discussion with Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson), Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) secret prison spouse, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill), revealed: “[I’ve got] a son. I don’t want people thinking bad of me for never bothering with him.

“I never asked to have him. Had a crazy one-night stand with a barmaid in Leeds and suddenly bang, there’s a baby.”

Kev added: “[The mother] put him up for adoption as soon as he was born. Emma something, right fruit loop. I think she got herself murdered a few years ago.”

Liam and Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) quickly discerned Kev’s link to Lewis, but agreed not to reveal the truth about his real father to the youngster.

Kev Townsend is Lewis’s real dad (Image: ITV)

In Monday’s episode (November 24), Nicola swiftly stepped in when she spotted Kev conversing with Lewis at the café. However, her cover was soon exposed when Kev confessed that he was aware that Lewis was his son.

Nicola attempted to persuade Kev to keep his distance from Lewis, but the newcomer was determined to establish a relationship with his son. Unfazed by the ex-convict, Nicola insisted that Kev should leave Lewis alone, stating: “If you’ve really got his best interests at heart, you’d leave him in peace.”

Now, some Emmerdale viewers have discovered the real-life connection between Kev and Emma, as actors Chris and Gillian previously portrayed a married couple in Shameless.

Chris took on the role of Craig Garland in the popular UK comedy series, making his debut in the second season. Meanwhile, Gillian played the part of Craig’s wife Sue.

Chris Coghill and Gillian Kearney played a married couple in Shameless (Image: Netflix)

Craig and Sue were married for eight years, but their relationship had deteriorated long before then. The couple eventually separated, with Sue later marrying Marty Fisher (Jack Deam), while Craig fathered a child with Fiona Gallagher (Anne-Marie Duff).

Emmerdale fans were left gobsmacked upon discovering Chris and Gillian’s past connection before their characters crossed paths in the Dales, with many expressing their surprise on social media.

“Omg how am I just realising that Kev and Emma have already met in Shameless! WILD,” one person posted on X (formerly Twitter), with another exclaiming: “OH MY GOD I’m screaming right now.”

A third chimed in: “What a plot twist. They already knew each other haha. This is insane,” while another echoed: “Wowwww what are the chances! Wonder if the writers will play on that and more Kev and Emma kids will pop up in the future.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX