While EastEnders fans were stunned when Dirty Den rose from the dead in 2003, and Coronation Street viewers were thrilled when Bet Lynch strutted back in 2002, avid Emmerdale watchers have had to wait much longer for the return of one of the show’s greatest icons, Kim Tate.
Claire King’s character left in 1999 – by helicopter. No humble bus to Hotten for this lady! Not surprisingly, her return in 2019 was suitably camp. During her welcome home party she was pushed off a balcony onto a fountain of champagne glasses. But it wasn’t long before she was gone again and sent back to prison.
Now, Claire’s at the centre of a huge storyline that’s set to run for months. Kim’s son Jamie (Alex Lincoln) has got Gabby (Rosie Bentham) pregnant. And while he wants nothing to do with the baby, Kim likes the idea of a new grandchild to continue her empire.
Here, Claire, 58, talks about returning to the much-loved show after 20 years away, why she had to take some time off and losing loved ones...
Claire, are you pleased to have this juicy plot to get your teeth into?
I’m thrilled with this storyline because it involves quite a few different people, and a lot of different emotions. It has longevity, which is good, because nowadays, particularly in soaps, a storyline can be over in two weeks because there are so many episodes going on! Kim’s going to have a lot of fun with this storyline.
Does it feel like a very different show to the one you joined back in 1989?
Esta historia es de la edición March 01, 2021 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 01, 2021 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
SEASONAL SHOPPING
Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy
THE ROYAL WEEK
Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot
