Emmerdale Star Chris Coghill Reflects on ‘Ground-Breaking’ EastEnders Storyline That ‘Changed Lives’
From Controversy to Comeback
Emmerdale’s newest arrival Chris Coghill has revealed how his most controversial soap storyline — his role as Tony King in EastEnders — went on to change lives and reshape how difficult issues were portrayed on television.
Now playing Kev Townsend, the secret husband of Robert Sugden, Chris says his new character couldn’t be more different from his infamous EastEnders villain. But despite the dark subject matter of his 2008 storyline, the actor looks back on it with pride.
“It was so controversial and pretty ground-breaking at the time,” he told The Mirror and other press. “People didn’t even want that to be on screen. Some thought audiences wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the character and the actor — but I never really found that.”
“It Changed Lives”
While the storyline was deeply uncomfortable, Chris explained that its impact extended far beyond the show.
“One of the reactions to that was that five or six people actually went to prison because people saw that storyline and went, ‘That happened to me,’ and went to the police,” he revealed. “As an actor, you don’t really change people’s lives — but that sort of did.”
He acknowledged that the role affected his career in the years that followed, as casting directors were hesitant to see him in romantic or lighter roles. But despite that, he considers it one of the most important performances of his life. “People would still come up and say, ‘You were really good in EastEnders.’ It made a difference.”
A New Chapter in Emmerdale
Chris’s new role in Emmerdale offers him a chance to explore a different kind of character — though he admits Kev isn’t exactly straightforward.
“Kev is a bit unhinged,” he teased. “He’s got genuine feelings, but they’re not quite what they should be. I pretty much always play wrong ’uns. I do stuff that gets a reaction. This isn’t on the same level, though — I think people will be surprised by what I’m doing.”
Kev’s arrival has already sent shockwaves through the village, as his connection to Robert Sugden — and Robert’s reunion with Aaron Dingle — unravels into one of the soap’s most tense love triangles.
Returning to His Roots
Although Emmerdale fans may know him as the newcomer turning Robert’s life upside down, Chris’s connection to the show runs deep. “Weirdly, my first ever job was on Emmerdale,” he recalled. “I was 17 years old. I’ve also done Coronation Street — I’ve done the lot. It’s very different to EastEnders. It’s nice to be here.”
Working alongside Ryan Hawley (Robert) and Danny Miller (Aaron) has been a highlight, too. “I’m thoroughly enjoying being here,” he said. “The only downside is having to work with Ryan, I suppose! But seriously, it’s an absolutely lovely place to work — especially here in the village. It’s stunning, absolutely beautiful.”
What’s Next for Kev Townsend?
As Emmerdale fans gear up for major episodes ahead, Chris teased that viewers may be surprised by how Kev’s story unfolds. “It’s not quite what people expect,” he said with a smile. “There’s more to him than meets the eye.”
And with Robron’s reunion hanging by a thread, Kev’s presence could be the match that ignites one of the biggest storylines of the year.