Ivan Jones arrived in the village working as a binman for "King & Sons" just after he separated from his wife. He started to outperform Jarvis Skelton in his new job role and had a fling with Toni Daggert. Ivan took an interest in Jasmine Thomas' liking of literature. He gave her a copy of the Charlotte Brontë novel Shirley and she lets him buy her a drink. Jasmine's aunt-by-marriage Laurel became concerned and warned Jasmine away from Ivan because of their age difference. Ivan moved in with Nicola and her boyfriend Simon Meredith.
When Nicola Blackstock revealed that she is attracted to Ivan, he revealed that he likes her half-brother Paul by kissing him on the cheek. Ivan and Paul soon started a sexual relationship; but Ivan didn't want anyone else to know, which Paul found difficult. Paul grew tired of being secretive and dumped Ivan. However, when Nicola arranged a meal that they both attended, Ivan and Paul got drunk and flirted with each other.
Ivan went to collect some things that he left behind at Jordan's house. Paul went with him and took Rodney's van. When he returns, Ivan found the van with graffiti reading "ladyboys" and Paul surrounded by men. Ivan threatened the homophobic group with a cricket bat and tiold them that he is Paul's boyfriend. Ivan was shocked that he finally admitted it to someone but still insisted that they remain quiet upon returning to the village. Nicola thought that Paul was seeing someone and attempted to find out who it was. She told Laurel that she still likes Ivan. When Paul performed his drag queen act "Thelma Louise" at The Woolpack, he made jibes about having a secret boyfriend and dropped hints. Furious, Ivan confronted Paul and the pair argued in the toilets, unaware that the whole pub can still hear them because Paul forgot to switch off his microphone. Ivan accused Paul of doing it on purpose, but he eventually dealt with being outed.
When Nicola felt down about Simon moving on, she decided to seduce Ivan. He rebuffed her advances but she told Simon's mother Lesley, her father Rodney and Laurel that she slept with Ivan. When Ivan tried to get the truth, she convinced everyone else that he was lying. Paul refused to speak to Ivan and made his father throw Nicola out of her home. She then told Laurel that she lied about the whole thing. Laurel then told everyone inside the pub that Nicola lied and Ivan refused to accept everyone's apologies. Rodney thought that Ivan and Paul should get back together and let the whole pub know. Ivan was annoyed but then realised he was right. When Ivan asked Paul for another chance, he turned him down and Ivan left the village. When he returned, Simon was annoyed with him for leaving him to pay the rent on Mulberry Cottage. He forgave him when Ivan revealed that he was just back for his job. He was made haulage manager for Matthew and Sadie King's new business after they poached him. However, the job soon ended and, along with Simon, left Emmerdale for a new life in Costa Rica.