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?
Denne historien er fra March 01, 2021-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 01, 2021-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event
