‘I’m nothing like Kim but she’s great fun!’
Emmerdale’s Claire King on her Marmite soap alter ego and the perks of playing an iconic bitch
When Kim Tate returned to the Dales in 2019, it was like she’d never been away, as everyone’s favourite soap bitch found new enemies to tear a strip off. And for actress Claire King, 58, it’s the perfect role, as it continues to deliver after three decades.
Her most recent Emmerdale storyline has shown a different side to the acid-tongued matriarch as she’s become confused after suffering a health scare. And things are not set to get any better this week as, while babysitting her granddaughter Millie, Kim collapses.
Here, Claire talks about showing Kim’s vulnerable side, memorable fan encounters and why she won’t be stepping back into the shoes of Bad Girls’ Karen Betts anytime soon…
Hi Claire, you’re currently in a big story. How’s it been?
Emmerdale
It’s great to show a more vulnerable side to Kim, as opposed to stomping round with her suit of armour on, decapitating people. She’s still got a sting in her tail, but she doesn’t have the comebacks she used to.
Gabby’s become Kim’s mini-me. What’s it like working more closely with Bentham?
Rosie
It’s great. We get on well and try to have a laugh between scenes – not that there’s a lot of time. I try to look after her. She’s a great actress, I’m glad I’m paired with her.
How do you switch off after a day’s filming?
I like to go home and have a glass of sherry in a hot bath to learn my lines. I don’t take my phone with me so it’s just peace and tranquility.
Do you watch the show?
I don’t think anyone likes watching themselves. If they do, they’re a narcissist!You’re your own worst critic, you just see all the bad things. That can be good because you should be able to watch yourself and think,“Oh, I’m doing that a lot.”
But I don’t have a lot of time at the moment. By the time I get home from work, I’ve missed the episode. It’s all on my catch-up to watch later.
Kim is one of soap’s most iconic bitches. That must be fun to play…
Absolutely! I get to say horrible things to people that you wouldn’t dream of saying in real life.You get all your frustrations out. I’m not like Kim but that’s why she’s fun to play. She’s one of those characters that’s like Marmite – you either love her or hate her… or love to hate her!
Are viewers surprised when you’re nice in real life?
Yes, but if people think that, more fool them. She was probably a bit of a shock for younger viewers who weren’t there the first time around, as there was a 20-year gap. At first, I think people thought, “Who is this awful bag? She’s dreadful!” But she’s been accepted back in.
What’s been your most memorable fan reaction over the years?
When we were doing the Frank, Kim and Dave love triangle, someone wrote saying they loved the way I looked and Dave was lucky. Then they asked what hair colour I used, what nail varnish, where I got my shoes, clothes and make-up. They said, “I want to have a sex change to become you.” It was very flattering.
During
your 20 years away, were you still called Kim in the street?
For a while, but after Bad Girls, I got Karen quite a lot. And then I started being called Claire, and I thought, “Right, that’s it! I’m an actress now.”
Could Bad Girls ever come back? We did a reunion online recently, and cast members do reunions for charity. But the production company folded so I doubt it would work. And it wouldn’t be the same now. We’d all be too old to do it [laughs]!
What has lockdown taught you?
It’s made me realise the importance of family and health. Also to buy paint in advance as I did the whole of my house in the first lockdown! And that I’m happy at home. I’m lucky to have space and a garden, so I’ve realised my life is pretty nice.