Emmerdale’s tangled web of betrayal and danger tightened further in the latest episode (October 30), as Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) uncovered the disturbing truth about Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) — and warned Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) that Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) new partner could be far more dangerous than anyone realized.

Mack Steps In for His Best Friend

Mack and Aaron’s friendship has been unshakeable ever since Aaron saved Mack from his psychotic husband, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth). Their bond has only grown stronger in the aftermath, making Mack determined to protect Aaron — even if that means confronting someone as unpredictable as Kev Townsend.

With Aaron still reeling from heartbreak and betrayal, Mack decided to take matters into his own hands. He confronted Kev at the Anderson household, where the former inmate has been staying as part of an outreach program.

But the conversation quickly turned unnerving. Kev, dressed in his now-infamous apron and casually baking a lemon drizzle cake, greeted Mack with an unsettling calm — a stark contrast to his violent criminal past.

A Dangerous Discovery

It wasn’t until Mack returned to the café to fill Aaron in that the full picture began to emerge. While chatting with Aaron and local gossip Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler), Mack learned the shocking truth: Kev had spent more than two decades behind bars for armed robbery.

Realizing the extent of Kev’s criminal history left Mack deeply shaken — and furious that Robert was still involved with him. “What are you doing letting Robert carry on with this bloke?” he demanded, urging Aaron to intervene before things spiraled further.

Aaron’s Breaking Point

But Aaron, exhausted by heartbreak and emotional turmoil, was unwilling to fight anymore. After discovering Robert and Kev kissing outside the Woolpack, Aaron made up his mind: Robert chose Kev, and that was the end of it.

Even Mack’s warnings about Kev’s past couldn’t reignite Aaron’s determination. Having been through manipulation and trauma with John Sugden, Aaron now refuses to chase after someone who continues to lie and betray him.

Robert’s Dangerous Double Life

Meanwhile, Robert finds himself trapped between guilt and greed. While he doesn’t love Kev, he’s reluctant to leave him — both out of pity for Kev’s deteriorating health and his interest in the criminal’s rumored fortune.

But as Kev’s erratic behavior escalates and Mack grows increasingly wary, it’s clear that this love triangle is edging toward disaster. With Kev’s manipulative tendencies and violent history resurfacing, everyone close to him — especially Aaron — could soon find themselves in danger.