Emmerdale actor admits they were ATTACKED in street because of their character

This iconic Emmerdale star reveals fans found it hard to separate fact from fiction

Emmerdale logo

by heatworld |
Updated on

Emmerdale legend Claire King has opened up about the abuse she dealt with as a result of her playing Dales baddie Kim Tate, revealing that she has even been attacked in the street.

Claire's character Kim, who first joined the soap in 1989, has been at focus of many storylines over the years, including failed marriages as a result of steamy affairs and even faking her own death.

claire-king-emmerdale
©Getty

In a candid chat with This Morning, the 57-year-old, who recently returned to the ITV soap after twenty years away, revealed the true extent of the abuse she has had over the years.

"People used to hit me over the head with umbrellas in the old days because they couldn't believe how vile she was," she revealed.

"Now it seems to be less physical and more behind the keyboard but I don't pay attention to it."

Kim Tate Emmerdale
©ITV

However, it looks like Claire believes Kim may have mellowed in recent years, admitting that she even has a soft spot for her - despite going on to admit that she is a "hurricane".

"I do actually like her, I think there's a bit of a softer side to her."

Check out this week's Emmerdale spoilers:

Gallery

Emmerdale spoilers: week 13

Emmerdale spoilers1 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

With Rishi and Manpreet finally back from their holiday, Jai senses something is up.

Emmerdale spoilers2 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Rishi and Manpreet are just about to announce some big news when high maintenance daughter turns up on their doorstep looking for a place to stay.

Emmerdale spoilers3 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

She's been dumped by her boyfriend and kicked out of their home. Jai is furious – but he's yet to hear Manpreet and Rishi's news...

Emmerdale spoilers4 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

They've got married! They decided on a whim to tie the knot while they were out in Las Vegas.

Emmerdale spoilers5 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Stunned, Jai realises that things around Holdgate are going to be very different from now on.

Emmerdale spoilers6 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Elsewhere, Police show up at the park where Billy and Tracy are waiting for April, explaining they've had a complaint from another parent who thinks he's acting suspiciously.

Emmerdale spoilers7 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Tracy is livid when she realises the complaint is racially motivated and goes to confront the other parent who called the cops.

Emmerdale spoilers8 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

But the confrontation quickly results in Tracy getting arrested herself, frustrating Billy who didn't want to cause a scene.

Emmerdale spoilers9 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Back at the house, and hearing of the news, Jessie gets emotional as she explains to Marlon the prejudice that she and her boys have faced.

Emmerdale spoilers10 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

But realising the whole village knows about the altercation, Billy blames Ellis and shoves him up against a wall. Tracy is shocked to see his behaviour.

Emmerdale spoilers11 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Meanwhile, after splitting from Graham Megan is touched when Frank tries to comfort her.

Emmerdale spoilers12 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

When Robert meets a potentially lucrative business client, he's keen to impress him, But Charity recognises him and warns Robert he's trouble.

Emmerdale spoilers13 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Nevertheless, she knows the client, Mike, could mean big money for Robert and agrees to help him win the contract.

Emmerdale spoilers14 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Charity agrees to accompany Mike as his date to an awards ceremony, but assures Vanessa that the dalliance is purely professional.

Emmerdale spoilers15 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Looking on from the bar, Vanessa is unimpressed by Charity's flirting and thinks her "act" is a little too convincing.

Emmerdale spoilers16 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Despite Charity working her best magic, later on Vanessa overhears Mike's plans to double cross her. Will she be able to intervene?

Emmerdale spoilers17 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Now that Cain is fearing the worst, Moira is worried about him knowing that the police might get involved.

Emmerdale spoilers18 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Unbeknownst to them, Kim has vowed to buy the Barton farm out from underneath them, and Moira and Cain are unnerved to find her in their kitchen.

Emmerdale spoilers19 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Later on, Noah is frightened when he overhears a conversation between Graham and Kim concerning Cain.

Emmerdale spoilers20 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Not realising they've been overheard, Kim is surprised when Cain turns up to confront her.

Emmerdale spoilers21 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Noah has reported the conversation back to them at the garage. But nothing prepares Cain for what Kim has to say.

Emmerdale spoilers22 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Emmerdale spoilers

Elsewhere, Laurel's panicked she's got a last-minute booking in the Pirate Ship as Arthur watches from the side-lines, stony faced.

Claire also teased what's in store for Kim on her return to the Dales, and the Dingles better watch out.

"Home farm is available, she's been keeping Graham and Joe on there, but obviously Joe went a little awry and off piste. She's got it in for Cain but Cain's got it in for her, so of course she's going to reciprocate that.

"She's going to get revenge, the Dingle's had better watch out."

Emmerdale continues every weeknight at 7pm on ITV.

If you’re a sucker for the Spice Girls and love a bit of One Direction, you need heat Radio in your life. We’re online at heatradio.com. You can still get us on the free app on your Android, iPhone or tablet. Tune in on Freeview channel 716 on the telly or get us on your smart speaker by asking it to "play heat radio."

Download our heat radio app on Android

Download our heat radio app on iOS

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us