Reflecting on his convictions for armed robbery and kidnapping, and the sword attack on ex-husband Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) last year, Emmerdale’s resident criminal Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) is now desperate to prove he’s a reformed character.
He even boldly decides to change his surname to that of estranged son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches), in a bid to bring them closer together – but it doesn’t exactly hit the right note, just like Kev’s karaoke.
Lewis’s half-brother Ross (Michael Parr) warns that it won’t be long before Kev resumes his unlawful behaviour, and later that night, someone breaks into the caff and steals the cash box.
Would Kev really seek to jeopardise his newfound relationship with Lewis so soon?
Elsewhere, tragedy hits the Dingles when they get some news about a beloved member of the family, and things aren’t much easier for Charity (Emma Atkins) and husband Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) as they navigate their future with her huge secret looming over them.
Plus, newcomer Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) is clearly hiding something, and Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) has her eyes on another Dales fella.
Here’s everything happening in the episodes of Emmerdale that air during week commencing 6 July.
6 Emmerdale spoilers for next week
1. Cain Dingle faces an agonising decision about receiving heartbreaking news about Monty the dog
Kyle Winchester (Huey Quinn) is left reeling when he demands answers over whether Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) was responsible for his mum’s death, leaving Kim Tate (Claire King) scrambling to calm the situation.
Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) soon arrives, but with emotions running high, Kyle flees before anyone can get through to him. Back at home, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and wife Moira (Natalie J Robb) are alarmed by Kyle’s troubled behaviour, prompting him to march over to Home Farm and issue a furious warning to Graham and the Tates to keep their distance from his son.
Once he’s made his exit, Joe piles the pressure on Graham, insisting it’s time he chose where his loyalties lie.
The following day, Cain’s temper boils over and he lashes out at Kyle before storming away, much to Moira’s disgust. She rebukes him for directing his anger at their son, but Cain’s attention is suddenly diverted by a terrifying sight outside.
Racing into action, he discovers Kyle has started another fire in a shed, with beloved dog Monty trapped inside. Refusing to give up, Cain smashes his way through the door and emerges carrying the pooch to safety.
As the family reels from the ordeal, Cain rushes Monty to the vets while Kyle is consumed with guilt over what has happened. Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) later warns the family to prepare for the worst, but Cain struggles to keep his emotions in check and vents his frustration at Kyle.
There’s more devastating news to come when Paddy confirms that Monty has cancer. Collecting his faithful companion from the surgery, Cain heads out for a quiet walk as he wrestles with an impossible decision. In a poignant moment of self-reflection, he realises he’s prepared to fight for Monty’s future while refusing to seek help for himself.
2. Kev Barton is accused of robbing the Main Street Café
You heard me right, Kev Barton. Townsend no more!
Fearing Lewis has no interest in building a relationship with him, Kev opens up to Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin), who reassures him he’d make a wonderful father if given the opportunity. Buoyed by the encouragement, Kev even adopts the Barton surname in a bid to strengthen his bond with Lewis, but his efforts fall flat when he fails to connect.
Determined not to give up, Kev shares the painful truth about his past, insisting he’ll never return to prison. He explains that abandoning the Townsend name was his way of protecting Lewis from its damaging reputation.
However, the heartfelt moment is interrupted when Ross orders Kev to leave, only for Lewis to step in and insist he wants to give his father a chance.
Ross reluctantly backs down, but makes it clear there’ll be serious consequences if Kev lets Lewis down.
Later that night, Kev enjoys a drink with Lewis and Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), but tensions flare when Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) confronts him and the pair exchange icy looks. Ross later tells Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) he’s convinced Kev will eventually slip up and find himself frozen out of the village once again.
His prediction seems all the more significant when a mystery thief breaks into the café and makes off with the cash box. Lewis and Nicola are horrified to discover the premises have been ransacked, and suspicion quickly falls on Kev.
Determined to uncover the truth, Lewis demands answers, but his dad is outraged by the accusation and vehemently protests his innocence. Despite desperately trying to clear his name, Lewis refuses to listen.
3. Caleb Miligan and Kerry Pollard make an unsettling discovery
Caleb Miligan (William Ash) is forced to remind Kerry Pollard (Laura Norton) to lower her voice as they discuss their counterfeit trainers operation, unaware that Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) is within earshot nearby.
Matters take a dramatic turn when the pair discover a hidden label stitched inside one of the shoes carrying a chilling message: “help me”.
Shaken by the discovery, Kerry urges Caleb to report it to the police immediately. Before long, Bear finds himself examining the shoe in his boss’s office and reacts with fury when he realises that he’s still failed to contact the authorities.
Caleb allows Bear to vent his anger, while Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) soon learns what’s happened and also pressures him to do the right thing.
Later, Caleb assures Kerry he’s finally informed the police, but another opportunity soon catches his attention when Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) explains the huge profits to be made from branded and non-branded car parts.
Sensing a lucrative new venture, Caleb excitedly pitches the idea to Kerry, convinced there’s serious money to be made – but she isn’t as certain.
4. Mackenzie Boyd struggles to move on as Charity Dingle’s secret looms over them
Mack finally lays his cards on the table with Charity, admitting he can’t see a way past her betrayal.
As his anger over Ross’s deception continues to build, Kev steps in with some hard-earned advice, urging Mack not to let his emotions push him into making a decision he’ll regret.
Will Mack take this on board?
5. Gabby Thomas makes a move on Billy Fletcher
Billy offers Gabby a shoulder to lean on after finding her upset, and the pair soon share a moment that hints at growing chemistry.
Misreading the situation, she leans in for a kiss, but Billy gently pulls away, leaving her utterly mortified.
6. Serena Sugden proves to be quite the enigma
Serena continues quietly digging for information about Nate Robinson’s murder and the Sugdens’ involvement with her murderous cousin John.
But her questions only deepen Moira’s suspicions, making it clear she doesn’t trust Serena’s motives.
What is Serena hiding?
Read more:
- Emmerdale confirms major village arrival as new Sugden joins cast and brings “unexpected storylines”
- Emmerdale exit revealed for long-running character after over 20 years in popular role
- Emmerdale star teases “complex year” ahead for Charity Dingle after nightmare labour in early ITVX release
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
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