Prior to his arrival in Albert Square, Steve owned and managed a number of bars and nightclubs across Southern Britain.
In November 1999, on a trip to Brighton with Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen), Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), Sam Mitchell (Danniella Westbrook) and Mark Fowler (Todd Carty), Steve has sex with Melanie, even though she has now become engaged to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).