Paul Opacic is returning to Emmerdale as Steve Marchant, nearly three decades after his dramatic departure from the village. Steve makes a shock comeback when DS Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) tracks him down in her relentless pursuit to uncover the identity of her biological dad.
In tonight's episode (Monday, November 2), Kim Tate drops a bombshell on Thea: "Your father is a man called Steve Marchant. We were married." With only a name to go on, the determined detective wastes no time initiating her search.
Thea's quest for answers
DS Thea Ramsden originally arrived in the village with a single-minded focus: seeking revenge on her estranged mum, Kim Tate (Claire King). Following months of stalking, escalating tension, and deep-seated misunderstandings, the two have recently reconnected and forged a tentative truce - leaving fans wondering whether their fractured relationship can truly be repaired.
With her mum finally tracked down, the ultimate question remains: Who is Thea's dad? When Kim finally discloses Steve Marchant's identity, Thea sets out to locate him - completely unaware of whether he even knows she exists.
A calculated reunion
Because Kim previously sent Steve to prison, a romantic reunion between the former spouses is out of the question. However, whether Steve can build a relationship with his detective daughter remains to be seen. In a calculated move, Thea poses as a solicitor during her initial contact. Cautious and suspicious, Steve is quickly drawn back toward the village in search of answers.
Speaking about returning to the village, actor Paul Opacic said: "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. 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 teases deception
Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw said: "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?"
Emmerdale airs at 8PM, weeknights on ITV1 and STV, or from 7AM on ITVX and STV Player and YouTube.
