Claire King, known for her iconic portrayal of Kim Tate on the long-running soap opera Emmerdale, has opened up about her struggles with a debilitating health condition that she has battled for decades. The actress, who has been part of the show since 1989, revealed her ongoing fight with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints.
Health Challenges Behind the Scenes
Throughout her career, King has faced numerous challenges due to her health condition. In an interview with OK! Magazine, she discussed the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on her daily life and work. “When I was first diagnosed, I was worried, as I was ignorant of the ins and outs of it. I was only in my twenties,” she explained, reflecting on her initial fears about the illness.
King has managed to cope with the condition through various treatments, including regular pills and injections. “My doctors are very good. I manage it,” she stated. Despite her resilience, she noted the limitations imposed by her condition, such as difficulty wearing high heels and challenges with tasks like buttoning her clothing and doing her hair due to joint issues.
In her candid remarks, King expressed her frustrations about the symptoms that are not always visible to others. “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,” she shared, highlighting the often-hidden struggles faced by those with chronic illnesses.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
The actress described her physical pain vividly, saying, “My joints swelled up, and my knees felt like someone had hit them with a mallet.” The emotional toll of the disease has also weighed heavily on her. “You just think, ‘this is an old person’s disease, am I going to end up in a wheelchair?’” she revealed, reflecting on her fears during the early stages of her diagnosis.
King’s portrayal of Kim Tate has been marked by drama, including significant storylines involving her character’s relationships and personal struggles. Recently, Kim faced a life-threatening situation on the show when she was thrown from her horse, Ice, after it was startled by gunfire. While Kim’s storyline will continue, King’s real-life health battle remains an ongoing challenge.
Despite the difficulties, King’s determination to continue her work and pursue her passions shines through. She admits that her love for activities such as horse riding has been affected, particularly due to the strain it places on her knees. Yet, she continues to engage with her career and the public, sharing her story to raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis and its impact.
Through her openness, Claire King serves as an inspiration to many facing similar health challenges, demonstrating resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
