Emmerdale has dropped a major bombshell as DS Thea Ramsden was unmasked as Kim Tate's secret daughter. During tonight's episode, it was revealed how Detective Thea Ramsden was desperate to bring down Kim Tate, played by Claire King. Newcomer Chelsea Edge, who plays Ramsden, arrived a few weeks ago but has been hiding quite the secret.
The adoption reveal
At the end of tonight's episode, a younger Kim Tate stands in the hospital looking at a baby in the newborn unit, before a nurse came by and asked if she wanted to proceed with the adoption. When asked about a name, she said she had been fond of Anthea. Soon, it returned to the present day, with DS Thea Ramsden's police name badge, confirming the detective is the daughter Kim gave up decades ago.
Actress Chelsea Edge speaks out
Speaking about keeping the secret, Chelsea said: "I have loved joining Emmerdale and keeping this secret. I think it became apparent fairly quickly to the viewers that DS Ramsden and Serena already knew each other from their work in the police, but little did they know that was just the tip of the iceberg."
"The real mystery - that Kim is actually Thea's mother - was still to be discovered. I hope that now it’s out in the open the viewers will follow the story and see how Thea’s determination and bitterness develops. It's clear she’s very keen to understand why Kim, who seemingly has everything, status, wealth and power to give her away all those years ago. As to how far the apple falls from the tree… I guess we’ll have to wait and see, but there’s certainly a lot more drama to come."
Producer Laura Shaw on the storyline
Laura Shaw, Emmerdale producer, added: "While the viewers have been granted access to the mystery surrounding DS Ramsden's true identity, it will be some time before Kim suspects that the child she surrendered is operating within her immediate circle."
"As Kim desperately tries to prevent Joe Tate from proceeding with Baby Tate's adoption, the painful recollection of giving up her own baby remains vividly present. She is completely unaware that the daughter she left behind is actually right under her nose."
Claire King warns of trouble ahead
Kim Tate actress Claire King has warned there will no doubt be trouble ahead when Kim finds out about Thea. Asked if she'd like to see Jamie, Joe and Thea all around the same table at Christmas, she said: "I think it'd be lovely to have all the kids together, but it'd be absolute carnage what with what we know!"
Discussing how Kim might feel on learning about Thea's return to the village, she added to The Mirror: "I think to a certain extent, she always has that, 'Oh, I'd never forget you, I would never have forgotten you,' but I think she really wanted to just wipe it out of her brain because she thought she was giving her to a good home. She's just put it in the back of her mind."
"I think she'd particularly want to establish a bond with her because she thought she had a bond with Jamie, loved him, gave him the world, but it all went sour. She'd be hesitant, and she'll be treading very carefully, but I think she would love to have a bond."
