“Emmerdale actress Claire King has portrayed Kim Tate since 1989 and has openly spoken about her ongoing health struggles.”
“Emmerdale legend Claire King has previously been open about her ongoing health battles.
Claire has remained a cherished presence on the long-running soap since 1989, portraying the cunning village vixen Kim Tate and playing a pivotal role in countless major storylines.
From her numerous feuds across the Dales to orchestrating her own faked death, her time on the show has been full of dramatic twists and high-stakes moments over the years.
Kim has also been at the center of several unforgettable romances, including her scandalous relationship and marriage to Frank Tate (Norman Bowler) and her more recent affair with Will Taylor (Dean Andrews), who tragically died last Christmas.”
In recent episodes of the soap, Kim faced a life-threatening ordeal when her horse, Ice, was spooked by gunfire on the Home Farm grounds, throwing her violently from the saddle. Although she survived the accident, her beloved horse had to be put down due to a severe injury, according to the Mirror.
Off-screen, Claire has also faced serious health challenges. Over the years, she has been candid about her ongoing struggle with rheumatoid arthritis.
Speaking to OK!, Claire admitted: “When I was first diagnosed, I felt anxious because I didn’t really understand it. I was only in my twenties at the time.”
“Over the years, treatments have improved significantly, and my doctors are excellent. I manage it with a combination of pills and weekly injections and just get on with life. There are some things I can’t do at work, like wear high heels for more than five minutes.
“The costume team also has to fasten all my buttons for me, as it takes me a long time. Doing my hair and make-up takes longer too, since I have metal in some of my fingers.”
She added: “I found it difficult to go to work and enjoy the things I love, like horse-riding, because of the intense strain it put on my knees.”
“I can definitely relate to having an ‘invisible disease’ – just because my symptoms aren’t always visible doesn’t mean I’m not in pain or completely drained.”
Speaking to Health Awareness, Claire revealed: “My joints would swell, and my knees felt as if they’d been smashed with a mallet.”
In a heartfelt reflection, she added: “You can’t help but think, ‘this is an old person’s disease – am I going to end up in a wheelchair?’
“Back then, there were very few treatment options. You just assume the worst.”
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