Since their debut in Emmerdale in November 1989, the Tate family has been a cornerstone of the soap, leaving an indelible mark on the show and its viewers.
Introduced as part of the series’ rebranding from Emmerdale Farm to simply Emmerdale,
the Tate family quickly became embroiled in some of the most dramatic and gripping storylines in the show’s history.
From power struggles to tragic deaths, the Tates brought both intrigue and conflict to the Dales.
However, as time has passed, only one original member of the Tate family remains in the village.
Let’s take a look at where the key actors from this iconic family are now and reflect on the legacy they’ve left behind.
Kim Tate – The Queen of Home Farm
Kim Tate, portrayed by Claire King, is the sole original member of the Tate family still in Emmerdale. Kim’s arrival on the scene was nothing short of explosive. A manipulative and ruthless woman, she quickly took control of Home Farm after marrying Frank Tate, her first husband. Over the years, Kim’s character has remained central to the drama in the village, involving herself in countless affairs, business schemes, and family feuds.
Although Kim is still a prominent character, Claire King’s own journey has been equally fascinating. After initially leaving Emmerdale in the early 2000s, Claire returned in 2018, much to the excitement of fans. Off-screen, she has remained active in the entertainment industry, with roles in a variety of television shows and stage productions. Her portrayal of Kim Tate has cemented her as one of Emmerdale’s most enduring characters.
Frank Tate – The First Villain of Emmerdale
Frank Tate, played by Norman Bowler, was one of the earliest examples of a ‘true’ villain in Emmerdale. Known for his fiery temper, domineering attitude, and history of domestic violence, Frank quickly became a central antagonist. He initially ruled over Home Farm with an iron fist, with his power and aggression driving many of the early storylines in the show.
In 1997, Frank’s character met a dramatic end when the shock of Kim’s return caused him to suffer a fatal heart attack. His death remains one of the most iconic and memorable moments in Emmerdale history. Following his departure from the show, Norman Bowler chose a quieter life, involving himself in charity work in India. Sadly, after the death of his wife, Dianne, in 2012, Norman split his time between India and the UK, living a peaceful life far from the spotlight.
Chris Tate – A Life of Turmoil and Tragedy
Chris Tate, played by Peter Amory, was Frank and Jean’s son and the elder brother of Zoe. His character was defined by the turbulent relationship he had with his stepmother, Kim. After discovering that Kim had played a part in his father’s death, Chris swore revenge, which led to one of the many dramatic confrontations between the pair. In 2001, Chris married Charity Dingle, though their marriage was marred by infidelity, deceit, and violence.
Chris’s exit in 2003 was equally dramatic. After attempting to frame Charity for his murder, he poisoned himself, leaving the village in shock. Following his time on Emmerdale, Peter Amory largely stepped out of the public eye, taking on minor roles in TV dramas and opting for a quieter life. Interestingly, Peter had a brief real-life relationship with his on-screen stepmother, Claire King (Kim Tate), whom he married in 1994. They divorced ten years later but are said to remain friends.
Zoe Tate – Breaking Barriers and Fighting Cancer
Zoe Tate, portrayed by Leah Bracknell, was one of the most groundbreaking characters in Emmerdale. The daughter of Frank and Jean, Zoe’s character made history in 1993 when she became the first lesbian character in a British soap. Her departure from the show in 2006 was met with critical acclaim, with her exit earning her the award for Best Exit at The British Soap Awards.
After leaving Emmerdale, Leah Bracknell faced a personal battle far more harrowing than anything her character endured. In 2016, she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Despite receiving generous donations from Emmerdale fans to fund treatment in Germany, Leah’s condition worsened, and in 2019, she tragically passed away at the age of 55. Fans and former co-stars alike continue to remember Leah, with tributes pouring in on social media, especially on what would have been her 60th birthday. Her portrayal of Zoe Tate left a lasting impression on Emmerdale fans, and her legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in British soaps is unforgettable.
The Enduring Legacy of the Tate Family
The Tate family’s time on Emmerdale may have been marked by turmoil, betrayal, and tragedy, but they undoubtedly helped shape the soap’s history. Frank, Kim, Chris, and Zoe each brought something unique to the show, from Kim’s manipulative reign over Home Farm to Zoe’s pioneering role as a lesbian character in mainstream television.
Although some of the original Tate family members have long since left the village, their impact on Emmerdale is still felt today. The family’s dramatic storylines continue to be remembered as some of the most unforgettable moments in the show’s history, and the actors who portrayed them have left behind lasting legacies in the world of television.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
