An Emmerdale character 'with massive impact' is making a bombshell return to handle 'unfinished business' - after having fled the village fearing for their life.

The fan favourite was involved in two major storylines on the ITV soap prior to their initial exit. 

Kev Townsend - played by Chris Coghill - was first introduced last year as Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) secret husband, whom he'd married in prison.

In a bid to save their relationship, Kev had lied to Robert that he was dying, before the truth was exposed.

The complex character also discovered he was Lewis Barton's (Bradley Riches) biological father, a fact which Lewis remains unaware of.

Viewers last saw Kev having narrowly escaped from killer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) and alerting Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) to the danger.

He left the village believing Lewis would be better off without him - although it would seem something has now changed his mind.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: 'Both Chris 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.'

Chris Coghill, who plays Kev, 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.'

Chris, 50, has also appeared in such shows as Slow Horses, Shameless, The Bay and EastEnders - playing groomer Tony King in the BBC soap.

He is set to be back on-screen as Kev later this year. 

It comes as two Emmerdale residents departed the village to start a new journey - away from bad memories.

Tracy Robinson - played by Amy Walsh since 2014 - made an exit alongside her young daughter Frankie.

She told sister Vanessa (Michelle Hardwick) about needing to get away from the village, for a while, due to the tragic memories it held.

Last year, she discovered her husband Nate (Jurell Carter) had been killed, later discovering that John Sugden was the culprit.

Recent scenes saw Tracy and Frankie head to a new job and home - courtesy of Nate's mother Cara (Carryl Thomas).

Before leaving, Tracy said a poignant goodbye to Nate's dad and Frankie's grandfather, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).

The two hugged each other, with Cain promising to visit the pair once they're settled and after his cancer surgery.

In reality, actress Amy is heading on maternity leave, having welcomed her second child with EastEnders actor husband Toby-Alexander Smith.

The 38-year-old star took to Instagram to announce the news and shared the first picture of her daughter.

She shared a sweet black and white photo of her baby daughter’s feet, after dressing her in a cute baby grow with flowers on it.

Amy wrote: 'This time last week I was heading into established labour. We’ve been in the most magical bubble ever since.'

Her sister, Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, was among the first to send a congratulatory message.

Emmerdale co-star Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, commented: 'Congratulations to you all', accompanied by five heart emojis.

On-screen sister Michelle Hardwick penned: 'She's perfect', while Victoria Sugden star Isabel Hodgins shared: 'Amazing!!'

Katie Hill, who plays Sarah Sugden, added: 'Omg congratulations to you both!!'

Amy and Toby-Alexander, 34, are already parents to their daughter Bonnie, who they welcomed in 2022.

Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.