Emmerdale icon Claire King has a special honour which viewers will see as part of the soap’s 50th anniversary special episode.
Claire King, 60, and her alter ego Kim Tate, one of Emmerdale’s most famous characters, will be front and centre of the action during the soap’s hour-long special airing on Sunday, October 16 - 50 years to the day since Emmerdale first aired. The action will follow Kim Tate’s wedding to Will Taylor, played by Dean Andrews, with the previously revealed storm set to hit the village.
Claire, a stalwart of Emmerdale history, has spoken of her excitement for the scenes and revealed how she is part of a nod to the soap’s very first episode. Kim will arrive riding a horse to her wedding, making reference to the lady of the manor seen on a horse in Emmerdale’s first episode.
Read more: Emmerdale to host special tour for their 50th anniversary
Claire explained: “We have filmed the hand going through a cornfield and getting on a horse. Both were replicated from the first episode which is very special. To be a part of this show 50 years on is amazing.”
Claire has told fans a little more about the horse which is part of the nostalgic moment. She said: “He’s called Ice Tea. It suits him as he’s a grey Andalusian. He’s 18 years old but you wouldn’t know it.
“He’s so comfy and he’ll do whatever you want. He’s forward going but feels safe. I’m used to riding thoroughbreds that are completely bonkers so I expect them to jump at a crisp packet but Ice had drones flying overhead, booms, cameras, people clapping and cheering. He’s just perfect. He came from AB Film Horses and he’s done some amazing films. His CV is huge.”
Milestones, such as a 50th anniversary, offer an opportunity to take a look back. Claire first played Kim Tate in Emmerdale between 1989 and 1999 before returning in 2018. Down the years, she’s been involved in some major storylines and despicable schemes as well as sharing her bed with many lovers.
Reflecting on her time as Kim Tate, Claire said: “She’s very direct and doesn't mess around. If she thinks something, then she’ll say it. She gets away with saying and doing things most people would love to, but hold back from doing in real life. Sometimes Kim should probably hold back more but she’s learning from Will. You certainly know where you stand with Kim.
“She’s strong, single minded. There are things she still needs to improve on with her character but she’s getting there and she has mellowed. I think it’s nice we can now see the softer side of her and there’s a fun side which we will see at her hen party.”
Asked to pick her favourite scene she’s been involved with, it is something of a no-brainer. Claire concluded: “It has to be the one where Frank Tate dies and Kim checks his breath. She’s withholding his heart tablets and she checks his breath with her compact mirror and once she knows he’s dead she checks her make-up. It is as camp as Christmas but it is one everyone seems to remember.”
You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars. There you'll also find our Emmerdale features and news about the show's 50th anniversary plans.
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