Emmerdale's Kev Townsend issues tough new warning to Liam in early ITVX episode

Emmerdale spoilers follow from Friday's episode (7 November), which is available to watch now on ITVX and YouTube but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.

Emmerdale schemer Kev Townsend piles more pressure on Liam Cavanagh tonight, as he tries to protect the shocking truth about his health condition. Kev's manipulation of his husband Robert Sugden is currently under serious threat, as Liam now knows that he's not terminally ill.

Shameless Kev has tried to keep Robert on side by claiming that he's dying from a serious heart condition. This has led to Robert reconciling with Kev following the rogue's release from prison – believing that he's granting a dying man's wish for some final months of happiness.

Of course, Robert's motives aren't totally selfless – he's also very interested in receiving a £250,000 inheritance payment once Kev is gone. Robert's soul mate Aaron Dingle is also on board with the plan to play the long game, aware that the large sum of money would secure their future.

In tonight's episode, Kev pays another visit to Liam at the surgery and the atmosphere is awkward following the GP's discovery that Kev is lying about his illness.

ITV

What to Read Next

Although Kev does have a heart condition, it's treatable and he could have years – or even decades – left if he takes doctors' orders and manages it appropriately.

As a tense conversation unfolds, Kev reveals his endgame by assuring Liam that he intends to tell Robert the truth eventually. No great surprise, since Robert will naturally start to wonder about Kev's prognosis as time passes.

Describing his deception as a "little white lie", Kev explains: "Pretty soon after Robert had got released, I barely heard from him. And then, when I saw him on day release, it just felt different – like he was slipping away.

"It was upsetting, so I started to panic. I started hearing myself exaggerating – 'my heart this', 'my heart that', 'I haven't got that long left'. You know, so he'd feel sorry for me and give me a chance?

"I am going to tell him the truth, but in my own time. Because it's got to come through me, not somebody else…"

ITV

As Kev pointedly quizzes the terrified GP on doctor-patient confidentiality rules, it's clear that Liam's career could be on the line if he spills the beans.

It's an impossible position for Liam, as he also has his romantic connection to Aaron's mum Chas to consider. Would he risk his job to tip her off?