Emmerdale viewers believe Steve Marchant's return to the ITV soap could spark a revenge storyline against his ex Kim Tate, with some suggesting Graham Foster may be helping him.
Steve, who is returning nearly 30 years after his exit, comes back to the village after learning from Thea Ramsden that she is his daughter. While he wants answers, his history with Kim has fans thinking he will seek payback. In the past, Kim framed him for her own crimes, and he was sent to prison.
Graham's mysterious phone call
Graham, who is currently on good terms with Kim, was plotting against her just months ago and even tried to kill her. In a recent scene, Graham phoned someone to say their plan had not worked, seemingly parking the idea, but viewers are confused why this was never revisited or explained.
Some fans now wonder if Steve is the person Graham was talking to. Taking to X, one fan said: "To anyone who remembers Graham's poisoning of Kim and his reference to 'we're going to have to find another way to get rid of this pain in the neck'. Could his contact be Steve?"
Another replied: "Yeah that plot line went quiet very quickly. Hope they don’t ignore it." A third added: "I know Graham tried to kill Kim now their best friends makes no sense." A final post suggested: "Is Graham someone who would work with Steve though? Steve always seemed slightly out of his depth, and not someone Graham would trust, even for revenge. Could it be Ramsden? There was also a scene when she was introduced where Graham seemed to recognised her."
Actor teases bitter return
Actor Paul Opacic, who reprises the role after almost 30 years, teased: "Things were left rather bitter between Kim and Steve, so he’s very surprised when a solicitor contacts him out of the blue. He guesses something is afoot when Kim starts brandishing notes to keep him away."
He added: "With the sniff of more cash to be made, Steve wonders what is going on. And soon Thea leaves him a jaw-dropping voicemail."
Producer Laura Shaw also teased what lies ahead for Steve, Thea, and Kim. She commented: "Determined to uncover the truth about her father, Thea devises a clever ruse to lure him into a meeting under false pretences. But will Steve fall for her deception, and does he even realise he has a child - or could he know secrets that even Kim isn't aware of?"
The storyline promises more twists, with questions over whether further bombshells will be revealed and whether it could risk Thea and Kim's relationship. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
