EMMERDALE viewers reckon a former character’s return is ‘sealed’ after 27 years away from the village – amid a huge Kim Tate bombshell.

The businessman was, when he was sent to prison.

Steve Marchant (Paul Opacic) sits in court, wearing a dark suit with a patterned tie, looking to the side.Emmerdale viewers think Steve Marchant could be returning to the show after 27 years away Credit: ITV A man placing a ring on a woman's finger at a wedding.Steve, portrayed by Paul Opacic, was married to Kim Tate Credit: ITV

Steve Marchant – played by Paul Opacic – appeared on from 1996 to 1999.

He dated and eventually married show stalwart Kim Tate (Claire King) during this time.

The pair memorably committed financial fraud after facing money troubles.

Although Kim ultimately framed Steve for their crimes, while she escaped the village in a helicopter.

Thea Ramsden looking surprised.Viewers learned DS Ramsden is secretly Kim’s biological daughter – and think Steve could be her dad Credit: ITV Two female police officers listening to a woman.Ramsden was shown to have a grudge against Kim – and viewers now know why Credit: ITV

Viewers just learned mysterious DS Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) – who was shown to have a grudge against Kim – is .

With Kim having given her for adoption, fans have suggested Steve could be the father.

One wrote on X: “Surely Steve is Thea’s dad?”

Another penned: “The casting for Thea is insane. I haven’t been this excited or invested in a storyline for #Emmerdale in a long time!!!

“Kim Tate back at the forefront of the Dales, we love to see it – Now let’s have Steve come back!!!!”

A third commented: “This was very cleverly done! So who’s the dad? I’m hoping Steve Marchant.”

A fourth shared: “Wow. Didn’t see this coming. Kim had a baby girl we are not aware of after she fled Emmerdale in 1999. Wonder will we see Steve return again soon.”

In Tuesday’s (September 1) episode, a flashback showed a younger Kim at a special care baby unit, contemplating putting her baby up for adoption.

Kim told a nurse that she’d always liked the name Anthea, before the camera showed DS Thea Ramsden’s police badge.

Elsewhere, viewers have just seen a classic character return, with after 20 years away.