Claire King has played Kim Tate on Emmerdale since 1989, but says her stints on reality TV shows during a 20-year hiatus put her off competing in any more
Emmerdale star Claire King admits she found reality TV shows ‘torturous’ and ruled out any future appearances after being left in hospital while filming Big Brother.
Soap fans will recognise Claire as the no-nonsense Kim Tate on Emmerdale, known for her withering one-liners and cold stares. The 62-year-old, who began playing Kim in 1989, says fans “adore” her alter ego.
Having joined the cast aged 27, Claire took a hiatus from Emmerdale in 1999, starring in ITV hit Bad Girls and rival soap Coronation Street. But it was in 2006 when she first took the plunge into reality TV, placing sixth in Strictly Come Dancing.
Claire entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2014 but left just 16 days in after being taken to hospital due to illness. She has now confessed the experience “put her off” more reality shows.
Claire King with Brendan Cole (
BBC)
Claire King returned as Kim Tate after two decades
When asked if she would consider I’m a Celeb or even Dancing on Ice, Claire told Woman’s Weekly: “Not a chance. I find them tortuous – just awful.
“I was persuaded to do them, but it wasn’t the best idea, they’re not for me and I wouldn’t think of doing it again. I got carted off to hospital after the last one, so that put me off.”
At the time, Claire’s agent denied rumours she had contracted MRSA, instead saying the illness was a “personal condition”. She subsequently appeared on sister-programme Big Brother’s Bit on the Side.
It comes as several concerns have been raised over the welfare of contestants on Strictly Come Dancing, with up to five professionals reportedly facing the axe.
Claire returned to Emmerdale in 2019, two decades after walking away from the show. Now into her sixties, the star confesses she has no plans to quit working.
