It has been three months since Kev Johns MBE suffered a stroke that left Swansea holding its breath. On Thursday, the city got the moment it had been waiting for — Kev was back.
The much-loved entertainer, radio host, panto star and Swansea City matchday announcer made his first public appearance since his stroke in February at the official opening of the new CK Foodstores in Bynea — a store that carries the message “Proud to serve Bynea” above its entrance, and a community the store says it is proud to be part of.
Kev cut the ribbon at noon and made what those present described as a wonderful address to the crowd gathered to welcome the new store.
The occasion had all the hallmarks of a proper community event — including an appearance from Mr Leek, the CK Foodstores mascot, who was on hand to welcome shoppers to the new store alongside Kev and the team.
Siany Martin, drivetime presenter on Swansea Bay Radio and a long-time colleague of Kev’s from their days together at The Wave and Swansea Sound, said it had been an emotional day. “Just look at this incredible man — who even through recovery is still here for the community,” she wrote.
The pair’s radio history runs deep — Kev has hosted a Sunday morning show on Swansea Bay Radio, and the two go back years to the former sister stations The Wave and Swansea Sound, where Kev built much of his broadcasting reputation alongside a generation of local talent.
Siany said Kev had been determined to be present for the opening because he had been part of the store’s story from the beginning — and that she echoed his words about the Bynea community and how much the store was needed there.
CK Foodstores said they could not have been more thrilled to welcome Kev to their newest store. “Kev, we’ve missed you,” the company said — adding thanks to Kev and his partner Rosie for making the effort to be there.
Kev himself described the occasion as a great honour. “Very honoured today to cut the ribbon that officially opened the excellent new CK store in Bynea,” he said.
The outpouring of warmth that followed on social media showed how much Swansea has missed him. Fans and friends described him as a legend, a miracle man and a community superstar — with one noting that a 12-year-old in their family had asked out of the blue that very evening how Kev was getting on.
One long-time supporter wrote that their first memories of Kev were as Clown Kev, then his radio shows on Swansea Sound, and his pantomime performances at the Grand Theatre — a career spanning decades that has woven him into the fabric of Swansea life.
Kev is one of Swansea’s most beloved figures — a man who has given the city his voice, his humour and his heart for more than 30 years. He is the long-serving club chaplain and matchday announcer at Swansea City, a veteran of dozens of pantomimes at the Grand Theatre, and a tireless charity champion.
In 2022 he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Swansea in recognition of his decades of community service. He has also been open about previous health challenges — in 2023 he thanked the NHS after undergoing cancer treatment, saying he was determined to keep performing.
When news of his stroke broke in February, the tributes and messages of support were immediate and overwhelming — from Swansea City supporters, from the entertainment world and from ordinary people across the city whose lives he has touched.
Thursday’s appearance was a first step — and those who were there say he looked well and was clearly moved by the warmth of the reception. The road back continues, but for one afternoon in Bynea, Swansea got its Kev back.
The new CK Foodstores opened its doors at 9am on Thursday, with the first 50 shoppers receiving a free Brace’s Bakery loaf. Suppliers including Felinfoel Brewery and Daisy Bank Dairy were also in attendance.
Kev is expected back at the Swansea.com Stadium — where he has been the voice of matchdays for years — when he is ready. Those who saw him on Thursday said he was on his way back.
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