Emmerdale's Claire King promises "nasty twist" as the identity of Kim Tate's new beau is revealed

Things were awkward when Kim told Will's daughter Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley), but the women came to an understanding.

But there was an almighty shock for Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), when Kim introduced him, and Dawn, to Eddie - only for Joe to recognise him.

The man is none other than Doctor Crowley (James Hillier), the man who performed Joe's illegal kidney transplant and went on to blackmail Joe, hold him hostage and bleed his bank account dry.

As Joe made plain to Crowley that he was not welcome at Home Farm, Kim remained unaware just who her new man really is, and that he's actually after her money.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press, actress King revealed what lies ahead from this new enemy for her alter ego.

"Everything's set in place that it's nice [for Kim], but of course it's placed there by 'Eddie' himself, who isn't who he says he is!

"He's very nasty and he'll go to any lengths to get her money, and he kind of does."

Asked if Crowley should watch his back, she declared that "the minute Kim finds out, it'll be more than his back he needs to watch, and I mean that!

"There's always a twist," King teased. "It all comes out in the wash and there's a very nasty twist!"

One thing's for sure – if her loved ones are at risk, Kim will be ready to fight.

"Her ruthless streak comes out mainly due to family, she's like a lioness. She protects her family, and particularly her kids. Family is number one for her."

Kim also has other matters to contend with, as she sets her sights on buying Butler's Farm from a struggling Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb).

"Which could be interesting," laughs King. "Kim and Moira are not the best of mates!"

But with farmer Celia, played by Jaye Griffiths, renting land from Kim, "those two are in cahoots, so to speak, which isn't good news for Moira".

Just as Kim is focusing on building up her empire, so too is Caleb Miligan (William Ash) – the long-lost son of her late husband Frank (Norman Bowler), as well as Joe's unwilling kidney donor.

"He's always been a threat, she knows that in the back of her mind. She did let him have a piece of land, but she basically calls it a vegetable patch, so she's not too worried as far as the land's concerned," said the actress.

"But it's just if he sides with Moira as a half-Dingle, half-Tate, which he will do because he'll do anything to go against Kim – he has this long grudge against her - then that could be dangerous and there will be gang and warfare."

Read more:

• 5 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Will John Sugden confess as tensions rise at Nate's funeral?
• Emmerdale finally returns to ITV1 – with a brutal attack against soap villain
• Where is Bear Wolf in Emmerdale and what's wrong with him?
• 6 Emmerdale spoilers: Joe Tate in kidnap drama and Robert Sugden makes a threat
• Emmerdale teases Robron future in emotional Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden scenes
• Emmerdale star opens up on future of Matty and Amy's adoption story
• Emmerdale newcomer Joe Absolom opens up on his dark storyline involving April

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.