I was in the room with Emmerdale’s Claire King and one thing surprised me
Emmerdale legend Claire King is turning 64 today.
Emmerdale actress Claire King is marking her birthday today (Image: ITV)
Claire King, who portrays Emmerdale’s merciless businesswoman Kim Tate in the ITV soap, has been part of the popular programme on and off since 1989. During her tenure on the Yorkshire Dales-based drama, she’s been embroiled in multiple affairs and even faked her own death before watching her then husband Frank Tate (played by Norman Bowler) slowly d.i.e in front of her after suffering a heart attack. While her Emmerdale character has always been extremely ruthless with an insatiable appetite for wealth and power, Claire couldn’t be further away from Kim in real life. As the actress turns 64, here’s what surprised me about the star in person.
The actress portrays businesswoman Kim Tate (Image: ITV)
One of the first times I met Kim was at a press event linked to her 2022 wedding special, when she was getting married to Will Taylor (Dean Andrews), before the romantic event descended into chaos due to a d.e.a.d.l.y storm.
While the couple survived the natural disaster, which claimed the lives of Harriet Finch (played by Katherine Dow Blyton) and Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele).
Kim’s marriage didn’t last long when Will betrayed her and later d.i.e.d of a heart attack on Christmas Day in 2024 following a row with her. It was a real deja vu moment for longtime fans!
During the 2022 press event and others which followed on Zoom over the years, Kim actress Claire has always been a joy to speak to.
What surprises me the most about her is how funny she is and that she does not take herself too seriously, despite being perhaps the highest-paid cast member.
The actress, who hails from Bradford, always gives comprehensive answers to questions and her anecdotes about Emmerdale and behind-the-scenes moments are always hilarious. Please don’t change!
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.
