Emmerdale legend Claire King almost had to quit the ITV soap over a debilitating health condition.
The Kim Tate actress has battled arthritis, which she describes as an 'invisible disease', for around 32 years.
After being diagnosed at the age of just 28, Claire's condition became so severe that she had the joints in her fingers removed and replaced with plates in order to relieve her of symptoms.
“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,” she said.
“I can certainly relate to the ‘invisible disease’ – although my symptoms don’t always show, it doesn’t mean I’m not in pain or feeling exhausted," the soap star revealed as she spoke candidly about her experiences for national arthritis week in October 2021.
Claire also praised Emmerdale bosses as she revealed the lengths they'd gone to in order to make filming as comfortable as possible for her.
"You won't see Kim Tate in six-inch high heels anymore," she admitted.
"I wear flat riding boots, I can get away with Ugg boots or trainers or flip flops. It's just a case of being comfortable," she said on Steph's Packed Lunch.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. According to the NHS, the condition is most commonly found in the hands, feet and wrists.
Claire made her debut appearance as scheming Kim Tate in December 1989.
She left the soap in 1999 but made a triumphant comeback in 2018 and has remained a much-loved staple of the soap.
In the most recent episodes, Kim has been at the heart of the mystery of who will be taking over the village pub The Woolpack.
Kim was teased as the mystery bidder on the boozer, but it later transpired to be a giant red herring.
Charity Dingle and Ryan Stocks were the surprise buyers.
However, never one to let things slide, Kim had been doing some purchasing of her own as she bought out Charity's stake in Jimmy King's new company for her partner Will.
The gesture backfired as Will was unimpressed she went behind his back.
"Rich woman buys her fiancé something to keep him occupied while she flies to Dubai," Will complained.
"Yeah, why don't you just geld me?... I've already got a job. You bought the toy, you play with it! Because I ain't going anywhere near that haulage company!"
Needless to say, it's doubtful Kim will take to kindly to his response leaving their romance hanging in the balance...
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
