Emmerdale welcomed a mysterious new arrival on Friday’s episode (July 24), but viewers didn’t need long to recognise the familiar face behind newcomer Steve. The character is played by Jason Done, the much-loved actor whose unforgettable role in Waterloo Road left millions of fans devastated.
And judging by Steve’s dramatic entrance, it 
A Familiar Face From Kev’s Past Brings Fresh Trouble
Steve arrives in the village claiming to be an old friend of Kev Townsend, immediately raising suspicions from Kev’s son, Lewis.
Lewis first spots the stranger quietly watching Kev from across the café before discovering he’s someone from his father’s past in Manchester.
While Steve charms everyone with stories about Kev’s younger days and quickly secures a place to stay with Charles and Claudette, it soon becomes obvious that he hasn’t arrived simply for a friendly reunion.
Unlike Kev, who insists he’s left his criminal lifestyle behind in order to rebuild his relationship with Lewis, Steve appears determined to drag his old mate back into trouble.
And his first day in the village suggests Lewis’ fears may have been well founded.
Who Is Jason Done?
At 53, Jason Done is one of British television’s most recognisable actors.
Born in Lancashire and raised in Salford, he has spent decades appearing in some of the UK’s biggest television dramas, earning a loyal fanbase through a series of memorable roles.
Although he’s new to Emmerdale, soap viewers may also remember him from Coronation Street, where he portrayed P.C. Bathurst during the mid-1990s.
More recently, he’s appeared in acclaimed productions including:
- The Long Shadow
- Brassic
- The Innocents
- The Hack
- Silent Witness
But for many viewers, one role stands above all the rest.
The Waterloo Road Character Fans Never Forgot
Jason became a household name playing English teacher Tom Clarkson in Waterloo Road, appearing in the BBC school drama from 2006 until 2013.
Tom was a popular character (Credit: BBC THREE)
Tom wasn’t simply another teacher.
Over seven seasons, viewers watched him evolve from a flawed English teacher into Deputy Head while enduring some of the show’s most emotional storylines.
His complicated love life, including an affair with fellow teacher Izzie Redpath, caused huge controversy early in the series.
Later, Tom suffered unimaginable heartbreak after losing both Izzie and his wife Lorna Dickey, leaving him struggling with overwhelming grief.
Despite everything, he remained one of the school’s most respected and compassionate teachers.
The Death That Left Fans Heartbroken
Jason’s departure from Waterloo Road remains one of the series’ most emotional moments.
In 2013, Tom sacrificed himself while trying to rescue troubled student Kyle Stack.
During the dramatic rescue, Tom fell from a rooftop and later died from his injuries.
His death shocked viewers and remains one of the most talked-about exits in the history of the programme.
More than a decade later, many fans still remember Tom Clarkson as one of Waterloo Road‘s greatest characters.
A Quiet Family Life Away From The Cameras
Away from television, Jason keeps a much lower profile.
He has been married to agency director Anoushka Done since 2009, and together they have two children.
Unlike many stars, the couple rarely share details of their private life, preferring to keep their family away from the spotlight.
Steve’s Plans Could Destroy Everything Kev Has Built
If viewers hoped Steve had genuinely turned over a new leaf, next week’s spoilers suggest otherwise.
After seeing the wealth surrounding Home Farm, Steve questions why Kev hasn’t taken advantage of the opportunities available.
Kev makes it crystal clear that his criminal past is over and that rebuilding his bond with Lewis is now his only priority.
Steve isn’t interested.
Instead, he proposes that the pair burgle Home Farm together.
Kev refuses outright, warning Steve to stay away from his new life.
But Steve appears determined to go ahead regardless.
While Kev joins Charles and Claudette in preparing a birthday surprise for Lewis, Steve secretly begins planning his own dangerous mission.
His actions could not only threaten Kev’s fresh start but also drag several villagers into serious trouble.
With Steve refusing to leave his criminal lifestyle behind, viewers may not have seen the last shock he brings to Emmerdale.
