Emmerdale viewers were left reeling during Tuesday night’s (18 November) episode after a chaotic Kev Townsend twist that many fans described as “nightmare fuel.” Some even admitted they had to fast forward through the scene because they “couldn’t cope” with the second-hand embarrassment.

Long-time followers of the ITV soap will remember that Kev — Robert Sugden’s secret prison husband — recently turned up in the village, played by Chris Coghill. His arrival instantly caused emotional turmoil for ex-husband Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), reopening old wounds the moment he stepped foot back in Emmerdale.

Kev had previously told Robert that he’d been released from prison on compassionate grounds due to a terminal illness, claiming he only had a few months left to live. However, in a dramatic twist, Dr. Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) recently uncovered that Kev’s condition wasn’t nearly as severe as he had led everyone to believe. The revelation sent shockwaves through the village — and especially through Robert, who had only just renewed his vows with Kev before ending things once the truth emerged.

In Tuesday’s episode, the chaos continued during a housewarming party hosted by Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) for Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) and Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) at Dale View. What began as a light-hearted get-together — complete with Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) belting out a Spice Girls tune on karaoke — quickly derailed the moment Kev unexpectedly walked in.

Robert and Aaron looked horrified as Kev, clearly under the influence, grabbed the microphone and launched into a dramatic rendition of Daniel Bedingfield’s 2002 ballad “If You’re Not the One,” in an attempt to win Robert back. The room fell painfully silent as villagers watched the spectacle unfold in a mix of disbelief and second-hand embarrassment.

Kev Townsend has been trying to get his husband back(ITV)

When Kev finally left the party — accompanied by Claudette Anderson (Flo Wilson) — he was visibly devastated. Later, Robert checked in on him, offering emotional support and vowing to stand by him during whatever time he has left. The promise delighted Kev but left Aaron visibly furious, setting up friction that will likely unfold over the coming episodes.

Once the credits rolled, viewers rushed to social media to share their reactions. Many expressed shock, others amusement, and some confessed that watching Kev sing was simply too much to handle.

“Okay but Kev singing will defo be in my nightmares tonight,” one fan wrote on X, while another said: “I haven’t laughed that much in ages.”

Emmerdale fans were left speechless on Tuesday(ITV)

A third added: “It’s so cringe it’s hilarious — Aaron’s facial expressions were killing me. I was crying with laughter.”

Others were less amused: “Was cringing so much I had to fast forward,” one viewer admitted, while another wrote: “I couldn’t cope with the singing. Kev is so unpredictable, which is scary.”

With emotions running high and relationships shifting fast, it’s clear the Kev storyline is far from finished.

Emmerdale continues weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm, with episodes available to stream early each morning on ITVX.

(Sources: BBC News, Daily Star, Digital Spy, ITV)