Who is Claire King? Kim Tate actress and Strictly star

Claire King has played Kim Tate in Emmerdale since 1989. Actress Claire is 63 years old – making her three years younger than her alter ego,...
Kerry Barrett
By Kerry Barrett

Claire King has played Kim Tate in Emmerdale since 1989.

Actress Claire is 63 years old – making her three years younger than her alter ego, Kim. She’s had a long career in showbiz, starting out as a DJ and in a punk band!

After a few small roles, Claire King landed the part of Kim Tate and she never looked back!

Other roles for Claire King

After 10 years in Emmerdale, she left Kim Tate behind and went on to star in Bad Girls as prison governor Karen Betts, a role that won her even more fans.

She also starred in Down to Earth, Dalziel and Pascoe, Holby City and Doctors. She played Justin Burton’s barrister in Hollyoaks and played Erica Holdroyd in Coronation Street for three years.

In 2006, Claire took part in Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Brendan Cole, and in 2014 she was in Celebrity Big Brother.

Marriage to Emmerdale co-star – and divorce

In 1994, Claire married her co-star Peter Amory, who played her step-son Chris Tate. They separated after 10 years together, when he fell for Claire’s fellow Emmerdale star Samantha Giles, who played Bernice Blackstock.

Claire has found love again though her partner prefers to stay out of the spotlight. She is a stepmum to his kids and has spoken about how rewarding she has found that part of her life.

Claire’s also had some health issues, being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis before she joined Emmerdale back in the 1980s. It’s an autoimmune condition that can cause joint pain and stiffness and Claire has admitted it’s meant sometimes it’s been a struggle to work, or enjoy the passion she shares with her alter ego Kim – horse riding.