EMMERDALE fans are throwing out theories about the on-screen identity of a former EastEnders star who has signed up for life in the Dales.

ITV viewers reckon they’ve got actor Chris Coghill’s latest soap project sussed after it was revealed he’d channel hopped to the Yorkshire-based show.

The screen star is best known for playing the evil Tony King in rival soap EastEnders.

He has begun filming for his stint on the show this week.

Bosses have revealed he’s playing a character called Kev who is on the hunt for someone already in the village.

Now loyal Emmerdale fans are already suspecting who exactly Kev is.

One remarked: “The Emmerdale casting department is on fire atm,” as another suggested: “I’ll put money on it now, hes going to turn out to be Dylans Dad or relative.”

Back in June we told how Dylan Penders, played by Fred Kettle, will be returning to ITV screens soon after months off the show.

The character was first introduced to Emmerdale viewers earlier this year when he befriended April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), during her stint being unhoused and living on the streets.

Yet after a stint in rehab he will make his return, with Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, previously dropping a hint he could have family members to follow – linking in with the fan theory.

At the time, she said: “He’s [Dylan] going to be bringing his past back to the village with him. And that’s going to cause huge problems for April and the wider family there.

Laura added: “We’ve got a couple of exciting new castings that are joining us for that story, but I’m not allowed to tell you who they are. Watch this space, because it’s very exciting.”

And after her comments about new character Kev, fans suspect the link further.

On Chris’ soap role, she said: “We are delighted that someone of Chris’ calibre has joined our cast.

“I think the viewers will be intrigued to see how the character of Kev will cause shockwaves this autumn.

“Kev has a strong connection to one of our characters and it’s safe to say his arrival is going to be a massive surprise that will have major repercussions for some of our villagers.”

Meanwhile, another fan suggested Kev is: “Someone Robert met in prison.”

Robert made a shock return to Emmerdale in May after six years away from the soap.

CHRIS’ TAKE

Talking of his new soap role away from EastEnders, Chris said: “I am really happy to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.

“Kev is definitely going to shake things up a bit and I’m looking forward to getting cracking!”

Chris has starred in a string of high profile shows including The Bay, Slow Horses and Shameless.