Emmerdale‘s Claire King has teased a life-changing story for her character Kim Tate next year. Kim has already endured her fair share of drama in 2025, from a sinister new boyfriend to a huge betrayal from Lydia Dingle. But could things possibly get worse?

Recent episodes have laid the groundwork for a pretty lonely Christmas at Home Farm, as a slighted Kim pushed away her loved ones. Despite Joe’s attempts to reconcile, Kim cancels her festive family dinner and mopes about the house alone, plagued by memories of her past.

Speaking about Christmas in the village, King hinted at an “action-packed” event, with “Lydia and Kim’s friendship tested to the limit”.

“But it can be a happy time, or it can be a disastrous time, as there’s usually a birth or a death at this time of year. So, who knows what we’re getting this year?”

The actor went on to tease a huge storyline for Kim in 2026, claiming she’ll need a break ahead of the chaos.

“I’m looking forward to a break at Christmas. I think we are all looking forward to it,” she said. “I will need a break as there’s more drama in store for Kim, in the New Year, and this could turn her world upside down.
It’s all very, very exciting and very secretive.”

King considered what her character’s New Year’s resolutions should be, following a year of schemes, betrayals and loss. She decided that Kim should “trust people less”, adding: “She’s gone a bit too soft recently.”

One person Kim clearly regrets trusting is her best friend Lydia, who went behind her back to organise a secret shoot on Home Farm land. Lydia and her husband Sam believed they could make some quick money, but the situation spiraled out of control when Kim and her beloved horse Ice were seriously injured by a rogue snare.

Lydia eventually came clean about her part in the horrific incident, causing a huge rift between the pair and ultimately losing her job. But could there be more conflict between the former friends in the new year?