Emmerdale legend Claire King has been a staple of the ITV soap since 1989, but her latest revelation has fans talking. After the shock departure of several key cast members, including Dean Andrews (Will Taylor), Claire admits it’s been a “weird” time on set. She reflects on missing her former co-stars and how she’s adjusting to a new, younger cast. How will Kim Tate’s storyline evolve as Claire signs a fresh contract with Emmerdale?

Emmerdale’s Claire King Talks “Weird” Time on Set After Mass Cast Cull and Loss of Co-Stars

Claire King, who has been a beloved icon on Emmerdale since 1989, is no stranger to dramatic twists and turns, both on and off screen. Known for her role as Kim Tate – the fierce femme fatale with a rich history of rivalries and power plays – Claire has captivated fans for decades. However, recent behind-the-scenes changes on the soap have left the actress reflecting on the shifts in the show’s dynamic, especially following the tragic departure of co-star Dean Andrews, who played her on-screen love interest, Will Taylor.

In a candid interview with Reach and other media outlets, Claire spoke about the emotional impact of these changes. “It’s been weird,” she confessed, referring to Will’s exit, which had a profound impact on Kim’s character. “I mean, it’s great for the character. Characters move on, and you get somebody else to play with, but I kind of miss Dean!”

As Kim Tate, Claire’s character has experienced everything from complex love stories to ruthless power struggles, and the loss of a central character like Will leaves a gap both on and off-screen. Claire went on to describe the age gap she now faces with the new, younger cast. “He was my age, and now I’m dealing with a whole load of 30-year-olds!” she laughed. “And I don’t do TikTok, so I kind of stand there like ‘what on earth are you talking about?’”

It’s clear that Claire misses her camaraderie with Dean, as they’d often talk about their shared interests, such as horse racing or rugby. “Whereas Dean and I would talk about those things, now I’m navigating a very different landscape with my co-stars.”

Despite the ongoing changes, Claire’s time on Emmerdale is far from over. At 63, the actress is reportedly set to continue her reign as Kim Tate for at least another year, after reportedly signing a new contract with the soap. An insider shared with The Sun that the bosses are thrilled to have Claire on board for more, saying, “Kim Tate is one of the soap’s all-time greats, and it’s only right that she has a massive storyline ahead.”

Kim Tate is not going anywhere, and her story is about to take an even darker turn. The upcoming plotlines will delve deeper into Kim’s backstory, exploring the grit and determination that made her the ruthless character fans know and love. Claire’s portrayal of Kim will see her character stop at nothing to achieve her goals, making more enemies in the process, and potentially changing the entire village of Emmerdale forever.

With all the new drama, Claire is embracing her future with Emmerdale. The loss of her co-stars has certainly made her reflect on the passage of time, but it’s clear that Kim Tate will continue to be at the center of explosive stories, captivating fans for years to come.

What do you think of Kim Tate’s upcoming storylines? Will Claire King’s iconic character continue to shape the future of Emmerdale? Join the discussion below and share your thoughts on the changes in the soap world!