Emmerdale: Fans share theories about Robert Sugden’s prison husband Kev

Kev's motives are questionable, that's for sure
Carena Crawford
By Carena Crawford

Emmerdale viewers have been quick to speculate about what could be coming next — particularly when it comes to Robert Sugden’s prison husband, Kev.

Having recently arrived in the village, most residents believe Kev is simply Robert’s former cellmate. However, fans know there’s more to the story — Robert and Kev are secretly married.

At the moment, the couple are keeping their marriage under wraps. Kev isn’t ready to be open about their relationship, and that suits Robert just fine, given that he has reconciled with Aaron and doesn’t want anyone discovering he’s already married to someone else.

With Robert juggling both relationships, fans are eager to see how the story will develop — and have begun sharing their theories about Kev’s true connection to the village.

Dylan was disappointed not to be driving to Hull (Credit: ITV)
Is Dylan related to Kev? [Credit: ITV]

1. Does Kev have a secret son in Emmerdale?

Many viewers believe Kev may have deeper ties to Emmerdale than anyone realises — including the possibility of a secret son.

One theory points to Dylan Penders, who is currently caught up in the county lines storyline. Viewers have suggested that Kev could be Dylan’s father, with some remarking on a physical resemblance between the two.

“Is Dylan Kev’s secret son? They look very similar,” one fan said on social media.

However, the timeline makes this theory unlikely. Kev went to prison in 2002, and Dylan is thought to have been born in 2007 or 2008 — several years after Kev’s imprisonment.

But Lewis Barton, on the other hand, does align.

“Okay so Kev was last out in 2002. Lewis actor Bradley [Riches] was born in 2001 so we can infer Lewis is about the same age. This has sealed it for me. Kev is Lewis’s dad,” one fan suggested.

Another wrote: “This makes perfect sense — it would tie Kev to Ross and create more conflict with Ray. Classic soap drama!”

Celia also has many secrets in Emmerdale [Credit: ITV]
Celia also has many secrets in Emmerdale [Credit: ITV]

2. Is Kev related to someone already in the village?

Even if Kev doesn’t have a son, many fans believe he already has family in Emmerdale — and several are convinced his mother is Celia.

“So I reckon this could mean that Kev will be involved in the Ray and Celia storyline. Maybe Kev could be Celia’s actual son who she has previously talked about?” one viewer speculated.

Robert visiting Kev in prison
What else is Kev hiding [Credit: ITV]

3. Is Kev hiding another secret?

It’s already clear Kev doesn’t want people to know about his marriage to Robert, insisting he’s not ready to be open. But some fans think there’s more to the story than that.

“So Kev is ok with getting married to Robert (a man) in prison. But he’s scared to be out and proud in some little village? That can’t just be plot talking; something else is going on.”

4. Is Kev lying about being terminally ill in Emmerdale?

Kev has told Robert that he only has six months to live because of a heart condition — but many fans aren’t convinced.

Several viewers believe Kev has fabricated his diagnosis, using his wealth to pay doctors to fake test results so he could secure his release from prison. If true, it could mean he’s manipulating Robert into staying with him — and possibly for financial gain.

“Kev seems remarkably strong for someone who’s meant to be terminally ill,” one viewer observed.

Another wrote: “I don’t think Kev’s dying. I think it’s a tactic to keep Robert now that he’s out.”

Whatever the truth, it’s clear Robert has found himself in a complicated situation — torn between Aaron and a secret husband whose motives are becoming more and more questionable.

Read more: Emmerdale spoilers for next week – all the news right here

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.