Emmerdale fans are buzzing with excitement as speculation mounts over the possible return of one of the soap’s most beloved characters—Dave Glover.
Though he met a tragic end nearly three decades ago, some viewers believe the long-lost love of Kim Tate could make a dramatic comeback.
Kim Tate’s Tumultuous Love Life
Kim Tate, played by Claire King, has been at the center of Emmerdale’s most explosive storylines since her arrival in 1989.
Known for her ruthless and cunning ways, Kim has had a string of high-profile romances,
from her marriage to Frank Tate (Norman Bowler) to her more recent relationship with Will Taylor (Dean Andrews).
But among all her entanglements, one relationship continues to captivate fans—the passionate affair she shared with Dave Glover.
Back in the mid-1990s, Kim found herself drawn to the charming and much younger Dave, played by Ian Kelsey. Despite being married to Frank, she and Dave embarked on a passionate romance, leading to one of Emmerdale’s most dramatic love triangles. Their affair sent shockwaves through the village, especially when Kim fell pregnant with her son, Jamie Tate. While Frank ultimately claimed paternity after a secret DNA test, some fans—and even Kim herself—have never been entirely convinced of the results.
Dave Glover’s Tragic Demise
The affair between Kim and Dave came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end on Christmas Day in 1996. In one of the soap’s most unforgettable moments, Dave heroically rescued baby Jamie from a fire that engulfed Home Farm’s nursery. Though he managed to save the infant, he suffered severe burns and succumbed to his injuries shortly after. His death devastated Kim and left fans mourning the loss of a beloved character.
For years, Dave’s tragic demise seemed to mark the final chapter of his story. However, recent discussions among Emmerdale fans suggest that soapland may have other plans.
Fans Speculate on a Dramatic Comeback
The possibility of Dave’s return has sparked a frenzy of discussion online, particularly within Emmerdale fan groups on social media. One post questioning whether Dave could ever come back reignited the debate, with numerous fans weighing in.
“I loved him, Kim’s true love for sure,” one fan commented, while another suggested, “They should have him return.” Some even theorized how his comeback could be explained, with one viewer proposing: “He’s dead, but he could have been in witness protection or something.” Another agreed, adding: “True, it’s soap land—anything can happen!”
Soap operas are no strangers to bringing characters back from the dead. Over the years, Emmerdale has reintroduced characters in unexpected ways, with long-lost relatives and secret survival stories keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. While Dave’s fiery demise seemed final, some fans believe there could be a loophole in his story.
Claire King’s Thoughts on Dave’s Role in Kim’s Life
Even Claire King, who portrays Kim Tate, has acknowledged Dave’s importance to her character’s past. In a 2020 interview, she reflected on Kim’s romantic history, admitting, “I honestly believe that he was [her true love]. I think she still believes that it was possibly Dave’s baby.”
She also addressed the lingering mystery surrounding Jamie Tate’s paternity, stating, “Frank went to get a test done, but he had to bribe them, so there’s still that grey area. Although Jamie thinks Frank’s his father and Kim’s let that ride, I think in her heart of hearts, she still thinks there’s a possibility it could be Dave’s.”
These remarks have only fueled fan theories, with some wondering whether a future storyline could explore the unresolved paternity question—perhaps even with Dave himself returning to settle the mystery once and for all.
Could Dave Glover Really Return?
While there’s no official confirmation from ITV regarding Dave’s return, the excitement among Emmerdale fans continues to grow. The soap has a history of shocking comebacks, and with modern storytelling, there are endless possibilities. Whether through flashbacks, a twist revealing he survived the fire, or even an unexpected doppelgänger, Emmerdale could certainly find a way to bring Dave back into the fold.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if their speculation turns into reality. But one thing is certain—if Dave Glover ever sets foot in the Dales again, it will be a moment to remember.
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