Emmerdale return ‘sealed’ for Kim Tate’s former lover nearly 30 years after tragic exit
ITV Emmerdale fans are calling for a major soap comeback after one of the show's biggest stars was paid a touching tribute by his real-life girlfriend
Emmerdale enthusiasts are pleading with the soap’s bosses to bring back actor Ian Kelsey, nearly three decades after he left the popular programme as David Glover.
David Glover first made his appearance in the Dales in 1994 and began an affair with Home Farm’s queen bee, Kim Tate (played by Claire King), while she was still wedded to Frank Tate (Norman Bowler).
However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Kim’s true love, Dave, tragically lost his life on Christmas Day in 1996 after rescuing Jamie Tate from a nursery fire at Home Farm.
Dave managed to get Jamie out through the window but found himself trapped amidst the flames. He was eventually saved and rushed to hospital, but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Away from Emmerdale, actor Ian Kelsey, 58, is the real-life partner of current Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly, who portrays Ruby Miligan, reports Belfast Live.
The 48-year-old actress joined the ITV soap in January 2024 as the wife of local businessman Caleb Miligan (William Ash), and they have since become one of the village’s most adored couples.
Ruby has been at the heart of some rather distressing storylines, including a sexual abuse plot where her character was victimised by her father, Anthony Fox, during her teenage years.
She is also currently entangled in a m.u.r.d.e.r plot after she k.i.l.l.e.d Anthony earlier this year at Caleb’s depot, although his body has yet to be found.
Beth has taken to her Instagram account to post a loving farewell as Ian steps away from his role in Mamma Mia the Party.
Postinig an adorable snap of Ian, she penned: “This is why. #lovethisface Goodbye @mammamiatheparty last show Sunday. No more Abba #sadtimes but new adventures ahead.
“Namely getting back on that motorbike (and doing my bathroom please, Kelsey #todolist ) #triumph #motorbike #watchthisspace #iloveyou @iankelseyofficial Brilliant headshot @yellowbellyphoto You got him. X.”
D.i.e-hard Emmerdale aficionados swarmed the comments to plead for Ian’s comeback as either his character Dave Glover, who ‘surely didn’t perish in the blaze’, or as Dave’s secret identical twin.
A follower commented with speculation: “You need to sneak him into background of a shot in the Woolly and see if anyone notices Dave Glover has risen from the dead.”
Another quipped about Dave Glover’s possible resurrection: “Time for Dave Glover to rise from the dead? !”, meanwhile another threw in the idea: “Dave Glover definitely had a long lost twin.”
Reflecting on iconic moments, a fan mused: “Bobby Ewing came back in the shower I’m sure I’m not alone wishing Dave Glover aka ‘your one and only’ too could come back to Emmerdale in the shower hey”.
“Definitely needs to be in the background of a pub shot to make Kim do a double take”, jested yet another commenter.
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX