Forgotten Emmerdale Star Makes Dramatic Return to ITV Soaps After 27 Years
In a surprising twist for British television, actor Steve Evets is poised to make a significant comeback to the world of ITV soap operas. The 66-year-old performer, best known for his role as the sweary farmer Jim in the Sky comedy Brassic, has been cast in a brand new role on Coronation Street. This move comes more than a quarter of a century after his last appearance on an ITV soap, specifically a guest stint on Emmerdale back in the 1990s.
A Nostalgic Return to Soap Land
Steve Evets is no stranger to the dramatic landscapes of British soaps, having previously graced the screens of Emmerdale and Casualty decades ago. His upcoming debut on the iconic cobbles of Weatherfield is scheduled for later this month, where he will portray the long-lost father of reunited sisters Shona and Jodie. This casting decision has sparked considerable excitement among fans, particularly those who have followed the intricate plotlines involving these characters.
First-look photos from the upcoming episode reveal a poignant scene set in a psychiatric hospital. Jodie and Shona are shown gathered around a hospital bed, engaging with their confused and estranged father. ITV has teased the emotional depth of this storyline, stating: "Shona, convinced Jodie is hiding something, follows her to a psychiatric hospital where Jodie tearfully introduces their confused, estranged father. Jodie explains how she was left to care for him after their mother fled. Shona is touched and assures Jodie she's part of the family now."
From Emmerdale to Brassic: A Varied Career
Steve Evets originally appeared on Emmerdale in 1998, playing the character Tom Shepherd across three episodes. Since then, his career has flourished with notable roles in series such as Gentleman Jack, White Gold, Vera, and Silent Witness. His return to a soap opera format after such a lengthy hiatus highlights the enduring appeal of these long-running television dramas and the opportunities they present for seasoned actors.
Fan Theories and Plot Developments
Over recent weeks, Coronation Street enthusiasts have been actively speculating about the identity of Shona and Jodie's father. Many theories pointed to Emmerdale's Graham Foster as a potential candidate, given Jodie's past admissions about a controlling father and her mysterious ties to Graham's storyline. One fan elaborated online: "She spoke about a controlling dad. So unless that's a lie, my theory was: Graham is Jodie's controlling dad, she tried to run away from him but he caught her and tied her up in his van and was driving her to wherever he intended to take her. But the crash caused a problem and Graham caught sight of Joe Tate and in the process, Jodie escaped. Kit found her tied up and now she's reunited with Shona."
Another viewer added: "I get the feeling Graham might be Shona's dad." However, last night's episode provided new clues, revealing that the father's name is Doug. Shona managed to obtain the phone number of her dad's old friend Bernard, only to learn that Bernard had lost touch with Doug years ago. Unbeknownst to Shona, Jodie had overheard the conversation and preemptively called Bernard, hinting at further layers of secrecy and family drama.
This casting of Steve Evets not only brings a veteran actor back into the spotlight but also adds a rich layer of history and intrigue to Coronation Street's ongoing narrative. Fans can anticipate a blend of emotional reunions and tense revelations as this storyline unfolds on their screens.
