Emmerdale star asks for change to Christmas scenes

Emmerdale star Chris Coghill has revealed which changes he asked for in the soap's upcoming Christmas scenes.

Coghill joined the ITV soap last year as Kev Townsend, reuniting him with his long-lost son, Lewis Barton, played by Bradley Riches.

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Speaking about appearing in the soap's festive episodes, Coghill said he briefly exited the soap last year before his character could celebrate Christmas Day.

"I left under the twinkling fairy lights before last Christmas, so this is my first Christmas in the village," Coghill toldThe Mirror, saying Kev will spend the day "with his son, and with some other people too".

Discussing the change he requested for the festive episode, Coghill said he is due to film the episode the day after taking part in a 24-hour event, prompting him to ask the soap to reflect this in the storyline.

He said: "I went up to scheduling the other day and said, 'Is there any chance that Kev might be really, really hungover on Christmas Day?' and they said no. So, I don't know, I've not read it, who knows."

Opening up about his future on the soap, and what fans can expect from the "loveable psycho", Coghill said: "I've done some jobs I absolutely love but I do love this soap!"

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On why fans "adored" his character, the actor explained that Kev has evolved since first arriving in the village, saying: "On paper, when he first arrived, he wasn't funny. It wasn't a comedy performance.

"But human beings, it doesn't matter what they do or where they are, they can still be funny. No mater what situation people are in, they can still say and do funny things.

"The reality of the soap is kind of above the reality of most people in their daily lives. So when they relate to him... they've not been in a hostage situation, you know? You wouldn't move to any of these villages, they're terrifying."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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