Emmerdale boss teases Kim Tate's next fling

\'Emmerdale\' fans will be shocked by Kim Tate\'s next fling.

Executive producer Jane Hudson has teased plans for Claire King\'s big return and promised soap bosses have "her next man" already in the pipeline.

She told Inside Soap magazine: "Kim always has her high on her next man, and there is one lined up that I think is going to surprise people.

"Wait and see who Kim goes for next!"

Meanwhile, she also opened up on plans for the ITV show\'s Christmas Day episode, with a "big surprise set" for the December 25 edition later this year.

She added: "I can\'t wait for our Christmas Day episode.

"There\'s a big surprise set to be unwrapped when \'Emmerdale\' comes on, and I think all our viewers will be watching the screen with their hands over their faces going, \'No, I did not see that coming!\' "

Earlier this month, it was revealed Kim would be returning to the Dales in October after actress Claire had an extended period away, due to shielding amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Most of the 57-year-old star\'s cast mates had already returned to set amid the health crisis, but because Claire has a low immune system due to suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since her 20s, she was granted extra time off.

She recently explained: "I had 12 weeks and then I got a doctor\'s note. I could\'ve gone back in June, but they were unsure at work. So, they wrote me out for a few extra months, due to my Rheumatoid arthritis.

"I do go back next month, so fingers crossed ... if the old brain\'s working OK. That\'s the worry.

"It was 30 years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis, and this is Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week. There are so many misconceptions that it\'s an old person\'s disease, but I was in my 20s when I was diagnosed."