Emmerdale star sets record straight as Billy's attacker finally revealed

A stunning revelation has emerged in Emmerdale. ITV soap fans will know that Billy Fletcher (played by Jay Kontzle) was attacked at the depot, resulting in him slipping into a coma. Suspicion immediately fell upon Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), who was visibly angered after discovering that Billy had attempted to kiss his fiance, Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley) - who is also Billy's former wife.

Joe was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, but was subsequently released as he persisted in protesting his innocence. Matters escalated when Caleb Miligan (Will Ash) persuaded Billy that Joe was probably culpable. Billy then informed Dawn that he was convinced that Joe was behind the attack, causing her to question her future. But a further twist was shortly forthcoming, reports OK!.

During the latest instalment on Tuesday (August 11), which is currently available on ITVX, it emerged that Joe was, in fact, innocent, with Kev Barton (Chris Coghill) being unmasked as Billy's assailant instead.

Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly) was shocked to witness Kev attacking Billy through her husband's laptop recordings.

Outlining his plan, Caleb said: "Kev's an idiot, right. He'll always turn up where he's not wanted. He'll get into fights, some he'll win, some he'll lose. Then he'll get caught and end up back inside cracking jokes with the screws, but Joe is different.

"Joe is everything that is wrong with the world. The system's on his side. He'll never get punished, he'll just slip away like he always does. Not this time, because this time he loses."

Caleb then disclosed that he was prepared to assist Dawn and Billy in fleeing Joe's clutches along with their children. "We better make damn sure they can't be found," Ruby concluded.

Kev actor Chris Coghill has since spoken out about the surprising attack storyline twist.

Speaking to the Daily Express and other press at a recent press event in Leeds, Chris explained: "The whole thing with me attacking Billy, it's a little bit weird because you don't, it's never sort of seen on screen in context or why it happens or when it happens. It has to get explained later."

He then hinted at a forthcoming Kev storyline involving Caleb and Ruby, saying: "They essentially use it to blackmail me. It looks bad."

Chris continued: "The fact is, after Claudette's elbowed Steve and told him to leave - all this is off screen which is why it is quite hard to get your head around. He heads up to the depot for one last job, but like I say it's never said on screen and I follow him to stop him.

"And yeah, Billy's just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think I've just given him a little love tap... just to stop him in his tracks, but it's a bit more serious than that."

The actor added: "[Kev] assumes [he's] got away with it for a bit and obviously Kev is trying not to hurt people anymore. It is on his conscience."

Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX