Emmerdale has confirmed that Steve Marchant is Thea Ramsden's father, prompting questions about whether the character, played by Paul Opacic, will return to the ITV soap. Steve was Kim Tate's second husband until 1999, when she set him up and he ended up in prison.
On Monday, Kim revealed to Thea that Steve is her dad. Kim had discovered last week that Thea is her long-lost daughter Anthea. Thea now wants answers about her father, and Kim told her it was Steve, whom Kim has not seen in nearly 30 years.
Fan Reactions and Theories
With Thea hoping to find out more and possibly track down her father, fans believe Steve could be returning to the show. On X, one fan said: "This is the best decision they could have made btw. Graham would not have fitted the timeline at all and miss Thea is Steve through and through!!! 90s Emmerdale forever and long live Kim Tate hell YEAH."
Another fan predicted: "What are we betting Steve turns up on Christmas Day with a 'Hello Kim.'" A third added: "Steve return in the bag and hopefully Dave Glover too, we are so back." A further post read: "Steve would be out for revenge too."
Other Possible Fathers
Many fans had guessed Steve could be the dad after learning Thea was Kim's daughter. Other possible fathers mentioned by fans included Frank Tate, Chris Tate, Graham Foster, and Dave Glover. One theory suggested Kim had a one night stand with Chris Tate and is too embarrassed to admit it, but some fans doubt Steve is the father, noting that Steve was on remand when Kim would have fallen pregnant.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
