# Steve Marchant

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Fictional character from Emmerdale

Soap opera character

Steve Marchant Emmerdale character Portrayed by Paul Opacic Duration 1996–1999 First appearance 26 March 1996 (1996-03-26) Last appearance 20 January 1999 (1999-01-20) Introduced by Mervyn Watson In-universe information Other names Trevor Marchant Occupation Businessman Father John Kenyon Wife Kim Tate (1998–1999) Stepsons Jamie Tate (1998–1999)

**Steve Marchant** is a fictional character from the [British](/source/Television_in_the_United_Kingdom) soap opera *[Emmerdale](/source/Emmerdale)*, played by [Paul Opacic](/source/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](/source/Rachel_Hughes) ([Glenda McKay](/source/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](/source/Inside_Soap)*.

## Casting

Opacic originally auditioned for the role of chef [Sean Rossi](/source/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

The *[Daily Mirror](/source/Daily_Mirror)'s* Sarah Hey reported that Opacic's character was an "entrepreneur" and a former friend of established regular [Rachel Hughes](/source/Rachel_Hughes) ([Glenda McKay](/source/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](/source/Chris_Tate) ([Peter Amory](/source/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](/source/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

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](/source/Zoe_Tate) ([Leah Bracknell](/source/Leah_Bracknell)) and starts working on a business association with Chris and Zoe's father [Frank Tate](/source/Frank_Tate_(Emmerdale)) ([Norman Bowler](/source/Norman_Bowler)). His attempts to establish the Tate assets are obstructed over Rachel and her son [Joseph](/source/Joe_Tate_(Emmerdale)) – up to the point where Steve ends his relationship with Rachel and briefly dates her neighbour [Charlie Cairns](/source/Charlie_Cairns) (Sarah Graham).

Frank dies of a heart attack when his estranged former wife [Kim Tate](/source/Kim_Tate) ([Claire King](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Linda_Fowler) ([Tonicha Jeronimo](/source/Tonicha_Jeronimo)). The follow-up to Linda's death sparks a feud between her husband [Biff Fowler](/source/Biff_Fowler) ([Stuart Wade](/source/Stuart_Wade)) and father [Ned Glover](/source/Ned_Glover) ([Johnny Leeze](/source/Johnny_Leeze)), as well as Alex's trophy-wife [Tara Cockburn](/source/Tara_Thornfield) ([Anna Brecon](/source/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](/source/James_Tate_(Emmerdale)) 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](/source/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](/source/Kathy_Glover) ([Malandra Burrows](/source/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

Steve was named as one of "The 30 greatest *Emmerdale* residents" by a writer for *[Inside Soap](/source/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](/source/Soaplife)* included Steve in her feature on [wide boys](/source/Wide_boy) 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](/source/Daily_Mirror)* called the character a "womaniser" and noted that Opaic had a successful stint on *Emmerdale*.[8]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** "100 amazing facts about Emmerdale". *[Inside Soap](/source/Inside_Soap)*. No. 130. 26 June – 9 July 1999. p. 43.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Hey_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Hey_2-1) Hey, Sarah (23 February 1996). ["By X, it's Paul!"](http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BY+X%2C+IT%27S+PAUL%21-a061336441). *[Daily Mirror](/source/Daily_Mirror)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305004420/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BY+X%2C+IT%27S+PAUL%21-a061336441) from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Childs_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Childs_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Childs_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Childs_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Childs_3-4) Childs, Helen (5–18 October 1996). "The New Hunk of the Dales". *[Inside Soap](/source/Inside_Soap)*. No. 59. p. 25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Wright, Matthew (3 September 1998). ["Murder on the Farm; Emmerdale trio axed"](http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Murder+on+the+Farm%3b+Emmerdale+trio+axed.-a060609555). *[Daily Mirror](/source/Daily_Mirror)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211800/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Murder+on+the+Farm%3b+Emmerdale+trio+axed.-a060609555) from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Murphy, Steven; Dasey, Annette; Brand, Claire (14–27 November 1998). "Gotcha!". *[Inside Soap](/source/Inside_Soap)*. No. 114. p. 15.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Greatest_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Greatest_6-1) "The 30 greatest Emmerdale residents...ever!". *[Inside Soap](/source/Inside_Soap)*. No. 216. 12–25 October 2002. p. 54.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Hollingsworth, Diana (May 2000). "The dodgy dealers of soapland". *[Soaplife](/source/Soaplife)*. No. 10. p. 11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Panther, Lewis (5 September 2015). ["EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Emmerdale and Hollyoaks heart-throb swaps handling sexy stars for selling cars"](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ex-emmerdale-hollyoaks-heart-throb-6388433). *[Daily Mirror](/source/Daily_Mirror)*. [Reach plc](/source/Reach_plc). Retrieved 3 February 2024.

## External links

- [Steve Marchant](http://www.mtv3.fi/ohjelmat/sivusto2008.shtml/sarjat/emmerdale/henkilot_poistuneet?791588) at [MTV3](/source/MTV3)

v t e Emmerdale characters Present characters Robert Sugden Eric Pollard Kim Tate Victoria Sugden Sam Dingle Mandy Dingle Marlon Dingle Paddy Kirk Belle Dingle Charity Dingle Cain Dingle Bob Hope Rodney Blackstock Nicola King Rhona Goskirk Gabby Thomas Laurel Thomas Chas Dingle Aaron Dingle Jimmy King Sarah Sugden Moira Dingle Jai Sharma Ross Barton Bear Wolf Mary Goskirk Former characters Louise Appleton Seth Armstrong Chloe Atkinson Adam Barton Holly Barton John Barton Edna Birch Bernice Blackstock Amos Brearly Lily Butterfield Leanna Cavanagh Graham Clark Danny Daggert Toni Daggert Marcus Dean Anna De Souza Donald De Souza Miles De Souza Alice Dingle Debbie Dingle Del Dingle Eli Dingle Lisa Dingle Shadrach Dingle Tina Dingle Zak Dingle Betty Eagleton Daz Eden Nell Fairfax Liv Flaherty Adam Forsythe Ella Forster Jonny Foster Biff Fowler Linda Fowler Alicia Gallagher Dave Glover Kathy Glover Roy Glover Marshall Hamston Leyla Harding Chloe Harris Ella Hart Jamie Hope Viv Hope Billy Hopwood Rachel Hughes Perdita Hyde-Sinclair Eve Jenson Ivan Jones Meena Jutla Carl King Lexi King Matthew King Rosemary King Sadie King Tom King Emily Kirk Jason Kirk Ross Kirk Pearl Ladderbanks Lizzie Lakely Faye Lamb Ryan Lamb Paul Lambert Declan Macey Steve Marchant Paul Marsden Siobhan Marsden Suzy Merton David Metcalfe Scarlett Nicholls Lord Alex Oakwell Sam Pearson Val Pollard Hari Prasad Len Reynolds Sean Reynolds Nikhil Sharma Priya Sharma Grayson Sinclair Dolly Skilbeck Matt Skilbeck Jo Stiles Steph Stokes Andy Sugden Annie Sugden Diane Sugden Jack Sugden Joe Sugden Katie Sugden Pat Sugden Sarah Sugden Chris Tate Frank Tate Zoe Tate Ashley Thomas Jasmine Thomas Sandy Thomas Tara Thornfield Alan Turner Terence Turner Brenda Walker Gennie Walker Jackson Walsh Naomi Walters Chrissie White Henry Wilks Shelley Williams Donna Windsor Kelly Windsor Scott Windsor Vic Windsor Dawn Woods Terry Woods Amy Wyatt Maisie Wylde Mark Wylde Natasha Wylde Nathan Wylde By year 1972–1973 1974–1975 1977 1978–1979 1982–1983 1988 1989 1990 1991 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Steve Marchant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Marchant) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Marchant?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.