Emmerdale sparks fury as fans spot major issue minutes into show: 'Not amused!'

Emmerdale fans were left less than impressed after tonight's episode (October 29) had them flocking to social media with a flurry of complaints about Kev Townsend (played by Chris Coghill). Kev, who is an "armed criminal" in the ITV Dales, was seen wearing an apron after being released from prison and sent to the Anderson household as part of an outreach project. Kev was really looking forward to spending more time with his husband, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), outside the prison, but unfortunately Robert didn't reciprocate the feeling.

In an attempt to create a humorous exchange, the convict was seen on tonight's (October 29) episode cheekily telling Aaron Dingle's best friend Mackenzie Boyd: "I've got a lemon drizzle in the oven that wants to come out," as he tried to intimidate him while wearing an incongrous apron. However, viewers did not see the funny side as they were left fuming.

One wrote: "I can't find an abuser funny, even in a frilly apron." A second replied: "I love a lemon drizzle cake, but even that won't make me warm to a psycho baker."

Kev's return to the village comes with a heavy backstory. The criminal had been hoping to rekindle things with Robert. Still, Robert has been desperately juggling his past with Kev and his long-standing relationship with Aaron (Danny Miller), leaving all three men caught in increasingly messy drama.

The tension exploded last week when Aaron spotted Robert and Kev kissing outside the Woolpack. It was a bizarre feeling for Aaron. Before Kev's arrival, the two seemed to be on the right track to a full-scale reunion, but that's now been blown out of the water.

Already traumatised after surviving the abuse of John Sugden, who had kidnapped Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) and left Aaron hospitalised, Aaron immediately cut Robert off, refusing to listen to any explanations. That makes Kev a particularly sensitive character with viewers, and many feel the show shouldn't be trying to lighten scenes involving him, especially when the storyline centres on coercion, manipulation and emotional trauma.

To make matters worse, the criminal delivered a low blow when he referenced Aaron's childhood sexual abuse, something which only Robert could've told him. Returning home, Aaron was shocked to find Kev in the flat. He warned that if Aaron was to meddle in his marriage again, he'd kill him.

After watching his best pal wander off with his tail between his legs, Mack headed over to stage a confrontation with Kev. He introduced himself to Kev who was baking a lemon drizzle cake, before promptly being warned off. On social media viewers typed: