ITV Emmerdale: Kim Tate’s Old Nemesis ‘Set to Return’ After 18 Years in Explosive Twist
Emmerdale fans are buzzing with speculation after a wave of clues suggests one of Kim Tate’s most formidable rivals could be making a dramatic return to the Dales. If true, it would mark a shocking comeback nearly two decades in the making — and could reignite one of the soap’s most iconic feuds.

Kim Tate Faces the Ghost of Her Past
Ever since Claire King reprised her role as Kim Tate in 2018, the Home Farm matriarch has been at the centre of the show’s most ruthless and scandalous storylines. From manipulation and murder to betrayal and revenge, Kim has cemented her place as Emmerdale’s reigning queen of chaos.
But fans believe her reign could soon be challenged by none other than Lady Tara Thornfield (Anna Brecon) — her old adversary and one-time social rival.
Tara was last seen in Emmerdale in 2007, but her turbulent history with Kim goes all the way back to the late 1990s. Their rivalry began when Kim discovered Tara was engaged to Lord Alex Oakwell — the same man she was having an affair with behind Tara’s back.
In true Kim Tate fashion, revenge came swiftly. She lured Tara into attempting a dangerous horse jump, which ended in a nasty fall and a broken wrist. The wedding still went ahead, but the marriage quickly collapsed after Alex fled abroad following Linda Fowler’s tragic death.
Fans Demand Tara’s Return
Now, nearly two decades later, fans are convinced the show is setting the stage for Lady Tara’s grand return. With recent events once again revolving around Home Farm, viewers believe Kim is overdue for a fresh feud — one that matches her wit, wealth, and venom.
Social media has been flooded with speculation. On Reddit, one fan wrote, “I absolutely LOVED Lady Tara. The height of snootiness and cutting wit. She could bring out the best in Kim again.”
Another agreed, adding, “Yes! Tara would be a great return. There are a few returns they could do that are Kim-related, but Tara would certainly stir up trouble.”
A third fan echoed the excitement: “Tara was so great in Emmerdale. I hope she comes back and takes on Kim. We love a bit of Tate drama.”
And a fourth summed up the general mood perfectly: “I want to see feisty Kim again, and Tara can definitely bring that out of her. I would love this to happen.”

A Perfect Storm at Home Farm
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Kim’s world has already been rocked by a series of recent dramas — including the fallout from a school photo scandal involving young Clemmie Reed and ongoing tensions with the King family.
If Lady Tara were to make her comeback amid all this chaos, Emmerdale could be heading toward one of its most explosive rivalries in years. Two powerful women, one sprawling estate, and decades of bad blood — the stage is perfectly set.