Tragic exit ‘sealed’ for Lewis in Emmerdale murder story as he’s caught in the crossfire
Poor Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches). All he wanted was a holiday. Now he’s about to lose the the love of his life while facing a murderous kidnapping criminal, and possibly, his long-lost dad. Classic Emmerdale.
Tissues at the ready, Dales fans. We all knew the day that Lewis’s heart was going to get broken as soon as the exit of his boyfriend Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) was announced. We just didn’t know it would be so Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Since arriving in the village seven years ago with his mum the iconic Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley), Vinny has embarked upon a journey of self-discovery after realising that he was attracted to men, and Lewis has been a key part of that journey.
As a gay man and someone with autism, Lewis is no stranger to being different, Sharing a flat with Lewis at the time, Vinnie was given a safe space by his friend to process his feelings and accept who he was, which led to the end of his marriage toGabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), but eventually came to accept that he was attracted to men.
What started as a fun, quirky friendship soon evolved into some deeper, and their first came after they bonded over shared triumph with a classic Emmerdale activity- saving runaway sheep.
Together these two are Emmerdale’s answer to Heartstopper, which is ironic, given that’s the show where Lewis’ actor Bradley Riches started his career!
Unfortunately, ITV has announced cuts this year, and Vinnie Dingle is just one character unlucky enough to be saying goodbye to the Dales, along withOlivia Bromley (Dawn Taylor) and Jimmy King (Nick Miles).
Whatever the circumstances of Vinny’s exit, we’re betting it’s something to do with Lewis’ long lost and slightly unstable father, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill).
The man-bunned menace was first introduced to us last year as the prison hubby of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley). Now he’s back to reconnect with his son, and open a cafe with the frankly genius name A Slice of Kev-en.
Now it seems Lewis is about to have his world turned upside down by meeting his delightfully unhinged dad.. and his relationship with Vinny, along with his very life, could be at stake.
Last week’s trip to the Dales saw Vinny surprise Lewis with a spontaneous trip to Madeira. Although he wanted to go, Lewis’ anxiety got the best of him andthe spontaneity of the trip bothered him enough to decide not to go. But he insisted that Vinny still goes on the holiday, leaving Lewis feeling bittersweet.
After some encouraging words from his big bro Ross (Michael Parr), Lewis decided to go on vay-cay- after all and rushed to catch Vinny up at the airport. However, the Love Actually Moment was ruined when Lewis was violently bundled into the back of a van!
In this week’s trip to the Dales, Ross receives a concerning message about Lewis abduction, stating that Lewis is at risk unless his father returns ‘Penny’ to the kidnapper. The plot thickens…
After doing some digging with Liam (Johnny McPherson), Ross discovers that Kev is Lewis’s dad … which leads to him being approached by Kylie, Lewis’s kidnapper!
If he wants to see Lewis again, Kylie demands the return of ‘Penny,’ which she deems the ‘most precious thing in the world’.
![FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 16th June 2026 Emmerdale - Ep 10600 Tuesday 23rd June 2026 A terrified Lewis Barton [BRADLEY RICHES] is being held by Kylie [PIPPA FULTON]. When Lewis asks if she is going to kill him, Kylie responds enigmatically which only worsens Lewis' panic. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SEI_300045282-24ae.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Liam finds Kev selling cakes from his van, but Ross is annoyed by Kev’s attitude, leading to a scuffle. Under duress, Kev claims Penny is a diamond he sold to a pawn shop, and Ross demands he buy it back.
However, once alone, Kev looks at a diamond around his neck, making it clear he didn’t sell it after all. Is this diamond worth Lewis’ life.
Ross and Liam are panicking over Lewis’s abduction. Ross receives a threatening text from Kylie featuring scalpels. Kylie video calls Kev, demanding he return “Penny” by the end of the day.
Meanwhle, A terrified Lewis is being held by Kylie.When Lewis asks if she is going to kill him, Kylie responds enigmatically which only worsens Lewis’ panic.
Will Kev and Ross save Lewis from Kylie before it’s too late?
Given Vinnie’s impending exit, why do I have the nasty feeling that Vinnie will get caught in the crossfire?
