Inside Claire King's life, from a secret illness to a co-star romance on Emmerdale

The 61-year-old actress, who debuted on television in 1989 as Kim Tate, is without a doubt one of Emmerdale’s most recognizable figures.

The legendary Claire King of Emmerdale has faced many challenges throughout her life, including fighting a “invisible” disease and having her heart shattered by a co-star.

The Kim Tate actress has been candid in discussing her rheumatoid arthritis and how it nearly prevented her from working.

She said, “OK! When she was 28 years old, the sickness was discovered to be present in her.

Although my symptoms don’t always show, it doesn’t mean I’m not in pain or feeling weary, Claire said. “I struggled to go to work and do the things I love, like horse-riding, because of the terrible pressure it put on my knees.”

The actor, who has sporadically appeared in Emmerdale throughout the years, has also talked about her personal tragedy.

In Emmerdale, Claire’s character has been married five times, yet Claire has only ever been in one wedding.

She spent ten years in marriage to ITV soap opera co-star Peter Amory, who portrayed her stepson Chris Tate.

They were married in 1994, but Claire’s world fell apart when she learned he was having an affair.

According to LeedsLive, it is believed that the affair occurred with a fellow Emmerdale cast member.

The 61-year-old actress has stated that she and Pete are “on good terms” ever since.

The soap opera diva doesn’t have any biological children, but she and her partner have two stepdaughters.

Regarding her hysterectomy and the reasons she is unable to conceive children naturally, Claire has always been open and honest.

She said to OK! : “By the time we split up, I was just on the cusp of losing that window. My ex didn’t want kids because he already had one.

But after being unwell and needing a hysterectomy, I realized it wasn’t meant to be for me.

The soap icon continued, “Fortunately, I’d already experienced the experience of toddler to teenager because my ex-husband Pete had a kid.

“As a result, I was ready when my present partner and two teenagers entered my life. I want to think that I supported them during some of their formative years.

Currently, Claire continues to play a significant role in Emmerdale storylines. As Super Soap Week approaches, will Kim be at the center of a dramatic scheme?