Paul Opacic Returns to Emmerdale as Steve Marchant After 28 Years

Actor Paul Opacic is returning to Emmerdale as Steve Marchant after 28 years away from the Dales, marking a major comeback for the soap. His return unfolds as part of a dramatic storyline involving DS Thea Ramsden, played by Chelsea Edge, who relentlessly tracks down her biological father.

The storyline took a major turn when Kim Tate, played by Claire King, revealed to Thea that her father is Steve Marchant. Kim told her, "Your former father is a man called Steve Marchant. We were married." Armed with this information, the detective sets out to locate him, unaware of whether he even knows she exists.

The character of Steve Marchant was originally played by Paul Opacic between 1996 and 1999. His departure came after Kim framed him for a financial fraud scheme, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence. Because of this bitter history, a romantic reunion between the former spouses is entirely off the table.

Discussing his return to the village, actor Paul Opacic explained that things were left on sour terms between Kim and Steve, leaving his character very surprised when a solicitor contacts him out of the blue. Opacic noted that Steve soon suspects something is amiss when Kim attempts to keep him away with money, ultimately prompting him to return after receiving a shocking voicemail from Thea.

Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw highlighted the mystery surrounding the character's return and whether he possesses hidden knowledge. Shaw stated that Thea devises a clever ruse to lure him into a meeting under false pretenses, raising questions about whether Steve will fall for the deception or if he holds secrets that even Kim is unaware of.

The revelation has also sparked skepticism among viewers due to Kim's complicated past with Steve. Some fans have questioned whether Kim is telling the truth or fabricating details about a man she has not seen in 26 years, creating an atmosphere of lingering tension and suspense around the family reunion.