ITV Emmerdale legend Claire King’s real name shocks fans as they admit ‘my mind is blown’

Claire King is an Emmerdale legend after playing Kim Tate for years, but it turns out the actress has a totally different real name – and fans are floored

Emmerdale fans are only realising soap legend Claire King has a very different real name.

The telly icon, 62, has been a staple on screens since the 80s. Claire is best known for playing Kim Tate on the ITV soap – making her debut in 1989.

And Kim quickly became one of the show’s most iconic characters. Claire ended up leaving in 1999 in a bid to explore other opportunities. However, 20 years later, she made an epic to the ITV soap.

Throughout her years on the soap, the character has been involved in some of its biggest storylines. From saucy affairs to even faking her own death, her time in the Dales has not been short of drama.

**Fans are stunned after discovering Claire’s real name** (Image: ITV)

So much so at the moment, as over in the Dales recently, she has gone to war with cheating ex-husband Will Taylor (Dean Andrews). Will cheated on Kim earlier this year with his former wife Rose Jackson (Christine Tremarco).

Will was then blackmailed by a mystery person – only for it to be revealed as none other than Kim – who knew everything. Since then, Kim has become determined not to let Will get his hands on her fortune and estate.

However, in recent episodes, it has been hinted that the pair could soon rekindle things, especially after the passing of Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) recently.

**Claire has been a firm favourite on the soap for years**

However, away from the soap, fans have been left floored after only just learning Claire King has a very different real name. Claire was born Jayne Claire Seed.

“I was today year’s old when I found out Clare King’s real name is Jayne Seed,” said one person on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page. Someone else wrote: “No way, my mind is actually blown.” A third penned: “She doesn’t look like a Jayne.”

It’s fair to say it’s been a dramatic 38 years since Claire King first stepped onto the Dales but it’s not the only soap role that the actress has had. Claire also starred in rival soaps Hollyoaks as Andrea Mason QC from 2005 until 2012 and Coronation Street as Erica Holroyd from 2014 until 2017.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm