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{{Short description|Fictional character from Emmerdale}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
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{{More citations needed|date=March 2012}}

{{Infobox soap character
{{Infobox soap character
| series = Emmerdale
| series = Emmerdale
| name = Steve Marchant
| name = Steve Marchant
| image = Steve Marchant2.jpg
| image = Steve Marchant2.jpg
| imagesize = 200px
| imagesize = 200
| portrayer = [[Paul Opacic]]
| portrayer = [[Paul Opacic]]
| introducer = Mervyn Watson
| introducer = Mervyn Watson
| years = 1996–1999
| years = 1996–1999
| first = 26 March 1996
| first = {{start date|1996|03|26|df=y}}
| last = 20 January 1999
| last = {{end date|1999|01|20|df=y}}
| classification = [[List of past Emmerdale characters#Last appeared in 1999|Former; regular]]
| classification = [[List of former Emmerdale characters#Last appeared in 1999|Former; regular]]
| occupation = Businessman
| occupation = Businessman
| home = Outside Emmerdale
| father = John Kenyon
| father = John Kenyon
| mother = Ms Marchant
| wife = [[Kim Tate]] (1998–1999)
| wife = [[Kim Tate]] (1998–1999)
| stepsons = [[James Tate (Emmerdale)|Jamie Tate]] (1998–1999)
| stepsons = [[James Tate (Emmerdale)|Jamie Tate]] (1998–1999)
}}
}}


'''Steven "Steve" Marchant''' is a [[Character (arts)|fictional character]] from the [[Television in the United Kingdom|British]] [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] [[soap opera]], ''[[Emmerdale]]'', played by [[Paul Opacic]]. He made his first screen appearance on 26 March 1996 and departed on 20 January 1999.
'''Steve Marchant''' is a fictional character from the [[Television in the United Kingdom|British]] soap opera ''[[Emmerdale]]'', played by [[Paul Opacic]]. He made his first on-screen appearance on 26 March 1996. Opacic originally auditioned for the role of Sean Rossi, before he was cast as Steve for an initial six-episode stint, and was introduced as a former university friend of [[Rachel Hughes]] ([[Glenda McKay]]). Series producer Kieran Roberts decided to write the character out in 1998, and Opacic made his final appearance on 20 January 1999. Later that year, Steve was named one of "The 30 greatest ''Emmerdale'' residents" by ''[[Inside Soap]]''.

The character's story arc began with Steve developing a romantic interest with local businesswoman [[Kim Tate]] ([[Claire King]]), up to the point where they ended up getting married in 7 May 1998 — nearly a year after Steve went into companionship with Kim's estranged husband [[Frank Tate (Emmerdale)|Frank]] ([[Norman Bowler]]) until the latter's subsequent death. During his time on the show, Steve established a feud with Kim's stepson [[Chris Tate|Chris]] ([[Peter Amory]]); befriended his sister [[Zoe Tate|Zoe]] ([[Leah Bracknell]]); formed a brief relationship with Chris' ex-wife [[Rachel Hughes]] ([[Glenda McKay]]); and contributed to Kim's business partnership with fellow entrepreneur [[Lord Alex Oakwell]] (Rupam Maxwell). The events of Steve's departure from the programme featured the character running over Rachel's best-friend, [[Kathy Glover|Kathy Bates]] ([[Malandra Burrows]]), whilst stealing a horse in a desperate bid to help Kim solve their financial troubles; in the end, Kim framed Steve for their crimes and he was consequently sentenced to 10 years in prison, he was then released from prison off-screen in 2011.


==Casting==
==Casting==
Opacic originally auditioned for the role of chef Sean Rossi. An ''[[Inside Soap]]'' writer said he proved perfect for the role of "shady dealer" Steve instead.<ref>{{cite journal|date=26 June – 9 July 1999|title=100 amazing facts about Emmerdale|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=Attic Futura (UK) Ltd|issue=130|page=43}}</ref> Opacic was initially signed for six episodes and his casting was announced in February 1996.<ref name="Hey">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BY+X%2c+IT'S+PAUL!-a061336441|title=By X, it's Paul!|last=Hey|first=Sarah|date=23 February 1996|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|accessdate=10 April 2012}}</ref> The ''[[Daily Mirror]]'s'' Sarah Hey said "He turns up as entrepreneur Steve, who's a blast from Rachel's past. The pair went to university together and it isn't long before Chris feels jealous."<ref name="Hey"/>
Opacic originally auditioned for the role of chef [[Sean Rossi]], but he proved perfect for the role of "shady dealer" Steve instead.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=26 June – 9 July 1999|title=100 amazing facts about Emmerdale|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=130|page=43}}</ref> He was initially signed for six episodes, and the announcement of his casting came in February 1996.<ref name="Hey">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BY+X%2c+IT'S+PAUL!-a061336441|title=By X, it's Paul!|last=Hey|first=Sarah|date=23 February 1996|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|access-date=10 April 2012}}</ref>

==Development==
The ''[[Daily Mirror]]'s'' Sarah Hey reported that Opacic's character was an "entrepreneur" and a former friend of established regular [[Rachel Hughes]] ([[Glenda McKay]]). Hey said: "The pair went to university together and it isn't long before Chris feels jealous."<ref name="Hey"/> Opacic explained that Steve moves to the village because he has become fed up with city life, but it is no coincidence that he comes to Emmerdale where Rachel is living.<ref name="Childs">{{cite magazine|last=Childs|first=Helen|date=5–18 October 1996|title=The New Hunk of the Dales|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=59|page=25}}</ref> He continued: "He's been there and done that, but most of the people he met were very shallow. It led him to think, 'Where's that girl I fell in love with all those years ago?' And he comes back to reclaim her."<ref name="Childs"/> Opacic thought Steve liked Rachel because she was "genuine", easy to talk to and trust. He said she was the kind of person you fall in love with, rather than lust after. Opacic believed his character was "disappointed" when he learned that Rachel was married, but this showed off his determined side as he pursued her, hoping she would feel the same way.<ref name="Childs"/> Opacic found that Steve had something in common with Rachel's husband [[Chris Tate]] ([[Peter Amory]]); "He will manipulate other people to get what he wants. If their useful time has expired it's bye-bye."<ref name="Childs"/> Steve plots to get rid of his girlfriend [[Faye Clarke]] (Helena Calvert), as he goes after Rachel, as he feels that she has outlived her usefulness. Opacic said Steve's ruthlessness comes out as he sets Faye up with a job in Leeds, but makes her think she has been head-hunted. He also said that it shows what kind of person he could be, as you have to be hard to succeed in his career.<ref name="Childs"/>


In September 1998, Matthew Wright of the ''Daily Mirror'' reported Opacic and two other cast members had been axed by new series producer Kieran Roberts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Murder+on+the+Farm%3b+Emmerdale+trio+axed.-a060609555|title=Murder on the Farm; Emmerdale trio axed|last=Wright|first=Matthew|date=3 September 1998|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|accessdate=14 March 2012}}</ref> Of his departure, Opacic said "I will miss being on ''Emmerdale'', but it's time to move on and do other things. The door has been left open for me to return once Steve gets out, though. It would be great to be a recurring character."<ref>{{cite journal|last=Murphy|first=Steven|author2=Dasey, Annette |author3=Brand, Claire |date=14–27 November 1998|title=Gotcha!|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=Attic Futura (UK) Ltd|issue=114|page=15}}</ref>
In September 1998, Matthew Wright of the ''Daily Mirror'' reported Opacic and two other cast members had been written out by new series producer Kieran Roberts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Murder+on+the+Farm%3b+Emmerdale+trio+axed.-a060609555|title=Murder on the Farm; Emmerdale trio axed|last=Wright|first=Matthew|date=3 September 1998|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|access-date=14 March 2012}}</ref> Of his departure, Opacic said "I will miss being on ''Emmerdale'', but it's time to move on and do other things. The door has been left open for me to return once Steve gets out, though. It would be great to be a recurring character."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Murphy|first=Steven|author2=Dasey, Annette |author3=Brand, Claire |date=14–27 November 1998|title=Gotcha!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=114|page=15}}</ref>


==Storylines==
==Storylines==
Steve Marchant first arrived in Emmerdale in March 1996. It soon transpired that he was an old university friend of local resident [[Rachel Hughes]] ([[Glenda McKay]]). Their bond sparked jealously from Rachel's estranged husband, [[Chris Tate]] ([[Peter Amory]]), and they soon dated after Rachel's marriage to Chris ended. Soon afterwards, Steve formed a companionship with Chris' sister [[Zoe Tate|Zoe]] ([[Leah Bracknell]]) and later started working on a business association with their father [[Frank Tate (Emmerdale)|Frank]] ([[Norman Bowler]]); however, his attempts to establish the Tate assets grew obstructed over Rachel and her son [[Joe Tate (Emmerdale)|Joseph]] — up to the point where Steve ends his relationship with Rachel and briefly dates her neighbour [[Charlie Cairns]] (Sarah Graham).
Shortly after arriving in the village, it emerges that Steve is an old university friend of local resident Rachel Hughes. Rachel's estranged husband, Chris Tate is jealous of their bond, and after Rachel's marriage to Chris ends, Steve and Rachel date. Soon afterward, Steve befriends Chris' sister [[Zoe Tate]] ([[Leah Bracknell]]) and starts working on a business association with Chris and Zoe's father [[Frank Tate (Emmerdale)|Frank Tate]] ([[Norman Bowler]]). His attempts to establish the Tate assets are obstructed over Rachel and her son [[Joe Tate (Emmerdale)|Joseph]] – up to the point where Steve ends his relationship with Rachel and briefly dates her neighbour [[Charlie Cairns]] (Sarah Graham).


Frank is soon killed when his estranged former wife [[Kim Tate|Kim]] ([[Claire King]]) reappears — after it was alleged that she has died and Frank was implicated behind her "death" — and causes him to die of a fatal heart attack without proving help for her husband. In light of Frank's funeral, Kim gains solace in Steve and they proceed to form a romantic bond within each other. The pair soon become engaged, but Steve becomes reluctance when Kim proceeds to establish a business partnership with [[Lord Alex Oakwell]] (Rupam Maxwell). On the night of Kim and Steve's engagement party, Alex Oakwell ends up causing the death of Zoe's best-friend [[Linda Fowler]] ([[Tonicha Jeronimo]]). The follow-up to Linda's death sparks a feud with her husband [[Biff Fowler]] ([[Stuart Wade]]) and father [[Ned Glover]] ([[Johnny Leeze]]), as well as Alex Oakwell's trophy-wife [[Tara Thornfield|Tara Cockburn]] ([[Anna Brecon]]). Despite this, Steve continues to support Kim and later comforts his fiance when she is mysteriously blackmailed and later on her son [[James Tate (Emmerdale)|James]] gets kidnapped on Christmas Day 1997; he manages to sort out her troubles by confronting her blackmailer and James is soon rescued when police arrest his kidnapper, who turns out to be Linda's grieving mother [[List of Emmerdale characters (1994)#Jan Glover|Jan]] (Roberta Kerr).
Frank dies of a heart attack when his estranged former wife [[Kim Tate]] ([[Claire King]]) returns, though it was alleged that she was dead; Frank was implicated in her "death." Kim finds solace with Steve after the funeral, and they form a romantic bond. They become engaged, but Steve is hesitant to marry when Kim proceeds to establish a business partnership with [[Lord Alex Oakwell]] (Rupam Maxwell). On the night of Kim and Steve's engagement party, Alex ends up causing the death of Zoe's best-friend [[Linda Fowler]] ([[Tonicha Jeronimo]]). The follow-up to Linda's death sparks a feud between her husband [[Biff Fowler]] ([[Stuart Wade]]) and father [[Ned Glover]] ([[Johnny Leeze]]), as well as Alex's trophy-wife [[Tara Thornfield|Tara Cockburn]] ([[Anna Brecon]]). Despite this, Steve continues to support Kim and later comforts her when she is mysteriously blackmailed. On Christmas Day, Kim's son [[James Tate (Emmerdale)|James Tate]] is kidnapped. Steve manages to sort out her troubles by confronting her blackmailer. James is soon rescued and the police arrest his kidnapper, who turns out to be Linda's grieving mother [[Jan Glover]] (Roberta Kerr).


Eventually, Steve and Kim get married on 7 May 1998. Shortly afterwards, however, the pair are shocked to learn that their respective partner is on the verge of financial bankruptcy — which consequently puts their businesses and ownership of Frank's old property, Home Farm Estates, in jeopardy. Desperate to solve their financial troubles, Steve plans to steal a horse from one of Kim's business rivals. He is initially successful until Steve ends up driving towards Rachel's best-friend, [[Kathy Glover|Kathy Bates]] ([[Malandra Burrows]]); she ends up getting run over and Steve leaves her to die rather than help her. When Kathy is later hospitalized, Steve attempts to kill her by smothering the latter with a pillow; however, Kim — after learning about what Steve did to Kathy — rushes to the hospital and stops him at the last second. Kim later urges her husband to abscond the country until the investigation into both the horse theft and its contribution to Kathy's hit and run incident blows over. Steve agrees and rushes to the airport, but ends up getting arrested just before he could enter the plane. Steve is then gets taken to the police station, where he gets charged for theft and attempted murder. When it appears that Kim will bail Steve out of the police station, she instead fabricates a story where she has ended their marriage in light of attempting to kill Kathy and later grew wary of his behaviour in reaction to their impending "divorce". Upon learning of his wife's statement, Steve realizes that Kim is planning to frame him for their conspiracy plan and vows to bring her down. While Kim is able to gain support from both Kathy and Zoe over the incident, Chris agrees to help Steve bring down Kim — albeit merely due to the fact that Chris and Kim are archenemies ever since he resented her for allegedly killing his father, and cheating on Frank with both his old friend The Rt Hon. Neil Kincaid ([[Brian Deacon]]) and then Kathy's former lover [[Dave Glover|Dave]] ([[Ian Kelsey]]).
Eventually, Steve and Kim get married. Shortly afterward, the pair are shocked to learn that their business partner is on the verge of financial bankruptcy, which consequently puts their businesses and ownership of Frank's old property, Home Farm Estates, in jeopardy. Desperate to solve their financial troubles, Steve plans to steal a horse from one of Kim's business rivals. He is initially successful until Steve strikes [[Kathy Glover|Kathy Bates]] ([[Malandra Burrows]]) with his car. Steve leaves Kathy to die, but she is found and hospitalised. Steve attempts to kill her by smothering her with a pillow. However, after learning about what Steve did to Kathy, Kim rushes to the hospital and stops him at the last second. Kim later urges her husband to leave the country until the investigation into both the horse theft and its contribution to Kathy's hit and run incident blows over. Steve agrees and rushes to the airport, but ends up getting arrested just before he can board the plane. He is then taken to the police station, where he is charged with theft and attempted murder. Kim fabricates a story where she has ended their marriage because of the murder attempt on Kathy and her wariness of his behaviour in reaction to their impending divorce. Upon learning of his wife's statement, Steve realises that Kim is planning to frame him for their conspiracy plan and vows to bring her down. While Kim is able to gain support from both Kathy and Zoe over the incident, Chris agrees to help Steve bring Kim down.


Before the trial, Steve pleads guilty to his involvement behind the horse theft and obtaining money by deception — to which Kim pleads not guilty from both offenses — whilst also pleading not guilty for attempted murder regarding Kathy's hit and run incident. The trail starts badly for Steve after Kim manages to gain support over her theory of the story and Chris' efforts to expose her role in Frank's death are dismissed, but then Kathy gradually deduces Kim's involvement behind Steve's crime and ends up changing her statement. Following Kathy's testimony, Steve believes that Kim will be the one going to prison while he ends up getting acquitted for their illegitimate activities. On the night before the verdict, however, Kim ends up fleeing the village with James after confronting Chris for withholding the £190,000 that she buried at Frank's grave; she steals back the money after knocking Chris out with a paperweight and then escaping the village with James in a getaway helicopter. A couple of hours later, Steve learns about Kim's escape and the verdict ends up being announced without her presence. Although Kim is found guilty of theft and obtaining money by deception, Steve is found guilty of attempted murder. While he later receives 12 months to each charge of theft and obtaining money by deception, with the judge granting Steve's good judgement for his guilty plea and corporation with the police behind Kim's crimes, Steve ends up being sentenced to 10 years for attempted murder for Kathy's hit and run incident. Outraged and ranting that justice isn't served because Kim got away with their crimes scot-free while he himself is going to prison for them, Steve attempts to escape — only to be tackled by police guards and dragged away from the courtroom.
Before the trial, Steve pleads guilty to horse theft and obtaining money by deception – to which Kim pleads not guilty for both offenses – while also pleading not guilty for attempted murder regarding Kathy's hit and run incident. The trial begins badly for Steve after Kim manages to gain support for her theory of the story. Chris' efforts to expose her role in Frank's death are dismissed. Kathy gradually figures out Kim's involvement behind Steve's crime and ends up changing her statement. Following Kathy's testimony, Steve believes that Kim will be the one going to prison while he ends up getting acquitted for their illegitimate activities. On the night before the verdict, however, Kim ends up fleeing the village with James in a helicopter. Steve learns about Kim's escape and the verdict ends up being announced without her presence. Although Kim is found guilty of theft and obtaining money by deception, Steve is found guilty of attempted murder. While she receives 12 months to each charge of theft and obtaining money by deception, with the judge granting Steve's good judgement for his guilty plea and co-operation with the police behind Kim's crimes, Steve ends up being sentenced to 10 years for attempted murder for Kathy's hit and run incident. Outraged that he is going to prison and Kim is not, Steve attempts to escape – only to be tackled by police guards and dragged away from the courtroom.


==Reception==
==Reception==
Steve was named as one of "The 30 greatest ''Emmerdale'' residents" by a writer for ''[[Inside Soap]]''.<ref name="Greatest">{{cite journal|date=12–25 October 2002|title=The 30 greatest Emmerdale residents...ever!|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|issue=216|page=54}}</ref> They said "The ''Emmerdale'' girls thought this Mulder from ''The X-Files'' lookalike was out of this world when he arrived - well, Rachel Hughes did at least! His downfall was getting involved with Kim Tate, who left him facing jail while she jetted off with a fortune."<ref name="Greatest"/> Diana Hollingsworth of ''[[Soaplife]]'' included Steve in her feature on [[wide boy]]s and she said "City slicker Steve married wealthy superbitch Kim Tate in the knowledge that he'd lost a fortune on the stock market. Unfortunately for him, Kim also had a secret. She wasn't quite as loaded as he'd hoped..."<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hollingsworth|first=Diana|title=The dodgy dealers of soapland|work=[[Soaplife]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]]|date=May 2000|issue=10|page=11}}</ref>
Steve was named as one of "The 30 greatest ''Emmerdale'' residents" by a writer for ''[[Inside Soap]]''.<ref name="Greatest">{{cite magazine|date=12–25 October 2002|title=The 30 greatest Emmerdale residents...ever!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=216|page=54}}</ref> They said "The ''Emmerdale'' girls thought this Mulder from ''The X-Files'' lookalike was out of this world when he arrived – well, Rachel Hughes did at least! His downfall was getting involved with Kim Tate, who left him facing jail while she jetted off with a fortune."<ref name="Greatest"/> Diana Hollingsworth of ''[[Soaplife]]'' included Steve in her feature on [[wide boy]]s and she said "City slicker Steve married wealthy superbitch Kim Tate in the knowledge that he'd lost a fortune on the stock market. Unfortunately for him, Kim also had a secret. She wasn't quite as loaded as he'd hoped..."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hollingsworth|first=Diana|title=The dodgy dealers of soapland|magazine=[[Soaplife]]|date=May 2000|issue=10|page=11}}</ref> In 2015, Lewis Panther from the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' called the character a "womaniser" and noted that Opaic had a successful stint on ''Emmerdale''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Panther |first1=Lewis |title=EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Emmerdale and Hollyoaks heart-throb swaps handling sexy stars for selling cars |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ex-emmerdale-hollyoaks-heart-throb-6388433 |website=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |access-date=3 February 2024 |date=5 September 2015}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 47: Line 45:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.mtv3.fi/ohjelmat/sivusto2008.shtml/sarjat/emmerdale/henkilot_poistuneet?791588 Character profile] at [[MTV3]]
* [http://www.mtv3.fi/ohjelmat/sivusto2008.shtml/sarjat/emmerdale/henkilot_poistuneet?791588 Steve Marchant] at [[MTV3]]


{{Emmerdale characters|past}}
{{Emmerdale characters|past}}
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[[Category:Emmerdale characters]]
[[Category:Emmerdale characters]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Fictional businesspeople]]
[[Category:Fictional businesspeople in soap operas]]
[[Category:Male characters in television]]
[[Category:English male characters in soap operas]]

Latest revision as of 21:16, 23 November 2024

Steve Marchant
Emmerdale character
Portrayed byPaul Opacic
Duration1996–1999
First appearance26 March 1996 (1996-03-26)
Last appearance20 January 1999 (1999-01-20)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byMervyn Watson
In-universe information
OccupationBusinessman
FatherJohn Kenyon
WifeKim Tate (1998–1999)
StepsonsJamie Tate (1998–1999)

Steve Marchant is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Paul Opacic. He made his first on-screen appearance on 26 March 1996. Opacic originally auditioned for the role of Sean Rossi, before he was cast as Steve for an initial six-episode stint, and was introduced as a former university friend of Rachel Hughes (Glenda McKay). Series producer Kieran Roberts decided to write the character out in 1998, and Opacic made his final appearance on 20 January 1999. Later that year, Steve was named one of "The 30 greatest Emmerdale residents" by Inside Soap.

Casting

[edit]

Opacic originally auditioned for the role of chef Sean Rossi, but he proved perfect for the role of "shady dealer" Steve instead.[1] He was initially signed for six episodes, and the announcement of his casting came in February 1996.[2]

Development

[edit]

The Daily Mirror's Sarah Hey reported that Opacic's character was an "entrepreneur" and a former friend of established regular Rachel Hughes (Glenda McKay). Hey said: "The pair went to university together and it isn't long before Chris feels jealous."[2] Opacic explained that Steve moves to the village because he has become fed up with city life, but it is no coincidence that he comes to Emmerdale where Rachel is living.[3] He continued: "He's been there and done that, but most of the people he met were very shallow. It led him to think, 'Where's that girl I fell in love with all those years ago?' And he comes back to reclaim her."[3] Opacic thought Steve liked Rachel because she was "genuine", easy to talk to and trust. He said she was the kind of person you fall in love with, rather than lust after. Opacic believed his character was "disappointed" when he learned that Rachel was married, but this showed off his determined side as he pursued her, hoping she would feel the same way.[3] Opacic found that Steve had something in common with Rachel's husband Chris Tate (Peter Amory); "He will manipulate other people to get what he wants. If their useful time has expired it's bye-bye."[3] Steve plots to get rid of his girlfriend Faye Clarke (Helena Calvert), as he goes after Rachel, as he feels that she has outlived her usefulness. Opacic said Steve's ruthlessness comes out as he sets Faye up with a job in Leeds, but makes her think she has been head-hunted. He also said that it shows what kind of person he could be, as you have to be hard to succeed in his career.[3]

In September 1998, Matthew Wright of the Daily Mirror reported Opacic and two other cast members had been written out by new series producer Kieran Roberts.[4] Of his departure, Opacic said "I will miss being on Emmerdale, but it's time to move on and do other things. The door has been left open for me to return once Steve gets out, though. It would be great to be a recurring character."[5]

Storylines

[edit]

Shortly after arriving in the village, it emerges that Steve is an old university friend of local resident Rachel Hughes. Rachel's estranged husband, Chris Tate is jealous of their bond, and after Rachel's marriage to Chris ends, Steve and Rachel date. Soon afterward, Steve befriends Chris' sister Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) and starts working on a business association with Chris and Zoe's father Frank Tate (Norman Bowler). His attempts to establish the Tate assets are obstructed over Rachel and her son Joseph – up to the point where Steve ends his relationship with Rachel and briefly dates her neighbour Charlie Cairns (Sarah Graham).

Frank dies of a heart attack when his estranged former wife Kim Tate (Claire King) returns, though it was alleged that she was dead; Frank was implicated in her "death." Kim finds solace with Steve after the funeral, and they form a romantic bond. They become engaged, but Steve is hesitant to marry when Kim proceeds to establish a business partnership with Lord Alex Oakwell (Rupam Maxwell). On the night of Kim and Steve's engagement party, Alex ends up causing the death of Zoe's best-friend Linda Fowler (Tonicha Jeronimo). The follow-up to Linda's death sparks a feud between her husband Biff Fowler (Stuart Wade) and father Ned Glover (Johnny Leeze), as well as Alex's trophy-wife Tara Cockburn (Anna Brecon). Despite this, Steve continues to support Kim and later comforts her when she is mysteriously blackmailed. On Christmas Day, Kim's son James Tate is kidnapped. Steve manages to sort out her troubles by confronting her blackmailer. James is soon rescued and the police arrest his kidnapper, who turns out to be Linda's grieving mother Jan Glover (Roberta Kerr).

Eventually, Steve and Kim get married. Shortly afterward, the pair are shocked to learn that their business partner is on the verge of financial bankruptcy, which consequently puts their businesses and ownership of Frank's old property, Home Farm Estates, in jeopardy. Desperate to solve their financial troubles, Steve plans to steal a horse from one of Kim's business rivals. He is initially successful until Steve strikes Kathy Bates (Malandra Burrows) with his car. Steve leaves Kathy to die, but she is found and hospitalised. Steve attempts to kill her by smothering her with a pillow. However, after learning about what Steve did to Kathy, Kim rushes to the hospital and stops him at the last second. Kim later urges her husband to leave the country until the investigation into both the horse theft and its contribution to Kathy's hit and run incident blows over. Steve agrees and rushes to the airport, but ends up getting arrested just before he can board the plane. He is then taken to the police station, where he is charged with theft and attempted murder. Kim fabricates a story where she has ended their marriage because of the murder attempt on Kathy and her wariness of his behaviour in reaction to their impending divorce. Upon learning of his wife's statement, Steve realises that Kim is planning to frame him for their conspiracy plan and vows to bring her down. While Kim is able to gain support from both Kathy and Zoe over the incident, Chris agrees to help Steve bring Kim down.

Before the trial, Steve pleads guilty to horse theft and obtaining money by deception – to which Kim pleads not guilty for both offenses – while also pleading not guilty for attempted murder regarding Kathy's hit and run incident. The trial begins badly for Steve after Kim manages to gain support for her theory of the story. Chris' efforts to expose her role in Frank's death are dismissed. Kathy gradually figures out Kim's involvement behind Steve's crime and ends up changing her statement. Following Kathy's testimony, Steve believes that Kim will be the one going to prison while he ends up getting acquitted for their illegitimate activities. On the night before the verdict, however, Kim ends up fleeing the village with James in a helicopter. Steve learns about Kim's escape and the verdict ends up being announced without her presence. Although Kim is found guilty of theft and obtaining money by deception, Steve is found guilty of attempted murder. While she receives 12 months to each charge of theft and obtaining money by deception, with the judge granting Steve's good judgement for his guilty plea and co-operation with the police behind Kim's crimes, Steve ends up being sentenced to 10 years for attempted murder for Kathy's hit and run incident. Outraged that he is going to prison and Kim is not, Steve attempts to escape – only to be tackled by police guards and dragged away from the courtroom.

Reception

[edit]

Steve was named as one of "The 30 greatest Emmerdale residents" by a writer for Inside Soap.[6] They said "The Emmerdale girls thought this Mulder from The X-Files lookalike was out of this world when he arrived – well, Rachel Hughes did at least! His downfall was getting involved with Kim Tate, who left him facing jail while she jetted off with a fortune."[6] Diana Hollingsworth of Soaplife included Steve in her feature on wide boys and she said "City slicker Steve married wealthy superbitch Kim Tate in the knowledge that he'd lost a fortune on the stock market. Unfortunately for him, Kim also had a secret. She wasn't quite as loaded as he'd hoped..."[7] In 2015, Lewis Panther from the Daily Mirror called the character a "womaniser" and noted that Opaic had a successful stint on Emmerdale.[8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "100 amazing facts about Emmerdale". Inside Soap. No. 130. 26 June – 9 July 1999. p. 43.
  2. ^ a b Hey, Sarah (23 February 1996). "By X, it's Paul!". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e Childs, Helen (5–18 October 1996). "The New Hunk of the Dales". Inside Soap. No. 59. p. 25.
  4. ^ Wright, Matthew (3 September 1998). "Murder on the Farm; Emmerdale trio axed". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
  5. ^ Murphy, Steven; Dasey, Annette; Brand, Claire (14–27 November 1998). "Gotcha!". Inside Soap. No. 114. p. 15.
  6. ^ a b "The 30 greatest Emmerdale residents...ever!". Inside Soap. No. 216. 12–25 October 2002. p. 54.
  7. ^ Hollingsworth, Diana (May 2000). "The dodgy dealers of soapland". Soaplife. No. 10. p. 11.
  8. ^ Panther, Lewis (5 September 2015). "EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Emmerdale and Hollyoaks heart-throb swaps handling sexy stars for selling cars". Daily Mirror. Reach plc. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
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