What happened to Emmerdale’s Tate family as Kim makes a decision about Joe?
The Tate family have been a part of Emmerdale since the show's rebranding in 1989, but where are the actors who played them now?
Frank arrived with his family in 1989 after first purchasing Home Farm with the intention of retiring there(Image: ITV)
The Tate family, a cornerstone of Emmerdale since their debut in November 1989, have certainly made a huge impact on the soap.
Headed by Frank Tate and comprising of his son Chris, daughter Zoe and wife Kim, the family was introduced during the show’s transition from Emmerdale Farm to simply Emmerdale. They brought a wealth of drama and captivating storylines to the ITV soap.
Kim, played by Claire King, is the sole original member of the Tate family still gracing Emmerdale. And in recent scenes, the Home Farm owner is not in cahoots with her step-grandson (Joe Tate). But what happened to the other members of the Tate family?
Frank Tate – Norman Bowler
Frank, portrayed by Norman Bowler, was the soap’s inaugural ‘true’ villain, notorious for his explosive temper and propensity for domestic violence. Before Kim assumed control of Home Farm, it was Frank who held sway, reports OK!.
Emmerdale character Frank Tate was played by Norman Bowler
His character met a dramatic demise in 1997 when the shock of Kim’s return triggered a fatal heart attack, marking one of the most memorable episodes of Emmerdale.
Post-Emmerdale, actor Norman dedicated some time to charity work in India with his wife, Dianne. Following Dianne’s passing in 2012, Norman now divides his time between India and the UK.
Chris Tate – Peter Amory
Christopher ‘Chris’ Tate, the son of Frank and his first wife, Jean, was a quintessential character in Emmerdale. He had a stormy relationship with his stepmother Kim, swearing vengeance after learning she did nothing to save his father’s life.
Actors Peter Amory and Claire King in character as Chris and Kim Tate(Image: TV Times/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
However, Chris was no match for Kim, who left him hospitalised after hitting him with a hefty paperweight. In 2001, he tied the knot with his third wife, Charity Dingle (played by Emma Atkins), but their marriage was plagued by infidelity.
In a shocking turn of events, Chris poisoned himself to frame Charity for his m.u.r.d.e.r, with his character killed off in 2003.
Away from the ITV soap, Peter Amory, who portrayed Chris, has since led a more private life, taking on smaller roles in TV dramas. Interestingly, he married his on-screen stepmother, Claire King, who played Kim Tate, in 1994. They divorced ten years later but reportedly remain friends.
Leah Bracknell – Zoe Tate
Leah Bracknell is best remembered for her role as Zoe Tate, Chris’ sister and the only daughter of Frank and Jean. She first appeared in the Dales in 1989.
Leah Bracknell is best remembered for her role as Zoe Tate, the star sadly d.i.e.d in September 2019 (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Her character made history in 1993 when she came out as gay, becoming the first lesbian character in a British soap. Zoe bid farewell to Emmerdale in 2006, and her departure was honoured with the Best Exit award at The British Soap Awards.
After leaving the show, the actress was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in October 2016. Her husband, Jez Hughes, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her to receive treatment abroad due to limited options on the NHS.
Generous soap fans helped her raise over £50,000 for pioneering treatment in Germany. She began a new medication regime, but sadly revealed later that it had not been successful. The star sadly d.i.e.d in September 2019 at the tender age of 55.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX
