Emmerdale's Claire King talks Kim's response to shock Jamie twist

Emmerdale star Claire King has opened up about Kim Tate's response to learning that her son Jamie is alive.

In new scenes airing next week, Kim discovers that Jamie faked his death last year after speaking with his mother-in-law Hazel, learning that they had a secret alliance.

"Hazel comes out with it that she was pushed down the stairs by a narcissistic person and asks Kim if it rings any bells," Claire explains. "Kim initially wonders if Hazel is trying to pin it on her, but Hazel says that it was Jamie. Hazel confirms that Jamie isn't dead and he's the one who pushed her down the stairs.

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"Then Kim has to go through all the rigmarole, all over again, that Jamie is alive and he has actually committed this awful act of violence against Hazel – and has then done a runner.

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"Jamie is wanted by the police, so they start investigating and they show Kim a picture of him leaving for Rotterdam on a ferry. It's confirmed for Kim as she sees on video that he's alive.

"Kim has to go through all these emotions again – but this time she's had enough," Claire added. "She thinks it's one step too far and she needs to cut Jamie out of her life."

Amid the shock scenes, Kim ends up smashing Home Farm in her anger, Claire confirming that "it's only the mantelpiece, basically" that sustains damage.

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She said of Kim's feelings: "Jamie has sent Kim a letter which arrives from Rotterdam, saying that he's now on the run. He's left an envelope for Thomas and Millie for when they reach 18. Kim just says to Will: 'I'm not even reading them, just burn them, get rid of them'. She's absolutely furious."

Claire explained that "this whole emotive anger comes out", elaborating: "Kim is furious with Jamie for making out he was dead. She thinks he must hate her more than anything in the whole wide world – that hatred has been proven now.

"Out of frustration, she's had a couple of brandies, she goes over to the mantelpiece and smashes his photo. She never wants to see his face in the house again. She demands that his photos are removed and anything that belonged to him burned. No trace of him left at all in their lives."

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.