Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) is about to discover the identity of her biological father in Emmerdale, and it is Steve Marchant, Kim Tate's ex-husband, who left the village 26 years ago.
The revelation comes after Thea, who recently learned that Kim (Claire King) is her mother, asks Kim about her father. Kim confirms that Steve Marchant is Thea's dad, ending months of speculation among fans.
How Thea learned the truth
Thea grew up without either parent, and when she concluded that Kim and Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) were planning to sell Baby Tate, she resolved to save the baby, even if it meant kidnapping. In a Halloween-themed episode, Thea broke into the house to take the baby but ended up in an altercation with Kim, during which Thea was stabbed by her own mother.
The irony was that Kim thought she was protecting Baby Tate from a kidnapper, while the real culprit was the baby's father, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous). A guilt-ridden Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) confessed after being manipulated into going along with the plan by Joe.
Kim's confession to Thea
With the truth out, Kim was able to have an honest conversation with Thea and explain why she gave her daughter up all those years ago. Although Thea initially rejected Kim, she continues to probe for answers.
After Kim thanks Thea for lying to the police for her, Thea makes it clear she is still far from forgiving her. She asks about her father, and Kim reveals it is Steve Marchant.
Steve Marchant's history in the Dales
Steve appeared in Emmerdale from 1996 to 1999 as part of the village's power couple with then-wife Kim. Their relationship soured when Steve changed from a charming city entrepreneur into a desperate, opportunistic businessman, ending with Kim framing him for horse theft.
Fans had previously been sceptical that the father would be Steve, hoping Graham was the real father instead. Now that the truth is out, the revelation may affect Thea's relationship with Kim, and it remains to be seen whether Steve will return to the Dales for a family reunion.
