Major Emmerdale character confirmed as Thea’s dad by Kim 26 years after his exit

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published October 30, 2026 11:59pm Who’s the daddy? (Picture: ITV) DS Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) is about to discover the identity of her biological father – and Emmerdale fans are going to lose it. The Dales detective is about to find out the truth behind her long lost daddy, which is saying something, because she’s only just found out who her mum is. That would be the steely-eyed Queen of Home Farm herself, Kim Tate (Claire King). Growing up without either parent was hard for Thea, so naturally when she reached the conclusion that Kim and Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) were planning to sell Baby Tate, she was determined to save that baby – even if it meant kidnapping. Cue a Scream-style Halloween episode where Thea broke into the house to take the baby, only to end up in an altercation with Kim which ended in Thea getting stabbed by her own mother. The deadly conflict between mother and daughter (Picture: ITV) The irony? Kim thought she was protecting Baby Tate from a kidnapper… when the real culprit was the baby daddy, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous). A guilt ridden Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) spilled the beans after being manipulated into going along with the plan by the scheming businessman. Now with the cat out of the bag, Kim could finally have an honest conversation with Thea and explain why she gave her daughter up all those years. Kim reveals the truth to Thea about her father (Picture: ITV) Although Thea initially rejected Kim at first, she continues probing… and is about to get some stunning information about her father in upcoming episodes of Emmerdale. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. After Kim thanks Thea for lying to the police for her, Thea makes it clear that she’s still far from forgiving her for everything. She asks Kim about her father, and Kim reveals her dad as Steve Marchant. Die-hard fans may remember Steve during his time in Emmerdale from 1996-1999, as part of the village’s big power-couple with then-wife Kim. Steve and Kim in happier times (Picture: ITV) However, things turned sour when Steve changed from a charming city entrepreneur into a desperate, opportunistic businessman – ending in Kim framing him for horse theft. As you do. Fans have previously been sceptical of the idea that the daddy would be Steve, holding out hope that Graham was the real father instead. But now the truth is out there, how will affect Thea’s relationship with Kim? Will Steve be making a return to the Dales for an impromptu family reunion? Deals of the Day This Hoover vacuum is a game-changer for pet owners and muddy homes The wellbeing brand behind everyone's favourite candles has launched its biggest sale yet See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Arrow MORE: Kim’s fate confirmed as Emmerdale spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: The Chase repeats are defeating Coronation Street and Emmerdale – should we be worried? Arrow MORE: Does Thea die in Emmerdale as Kim stabs her? The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.