Claire King moved to a remote part of Spain because she was being "recognised a lot".
The ‘Emmerdale’ legend has recently reprised her role as Kim Tate on the ITV soap, and while she is enjoying being back in the Dales, she doesn’t always like being spotted while out and about off-screen.
Claire – who has a four-bedroom villa in southern Spain – said: "I do get recognised a lot, which is one of the reasons I chose a place so remote."
The 57-year-old star has also managed to keep her partner of 11 years out of the spotlight, admitting he has "absolutely no interest" in show business.
She said: "My partner has nothing to do with the showbiz industry and he has absolutely no interest in being part of it."
The former ‘Bad Girls’ star admits she was apprehensive about re-joining the soap because of the "cutting" comments that can do the rounds on social media, but feels at home on the programme.
She added to OK! magazine: "I was nervous about doing the role justice again. A lot has changed since I’ve been away. Everybody’s a critic now thanks to social media and some of the comments can be very cutting.
"Everyone is still as friendly and welcoming as they’ve ever been though. I know it’s cheesy, but it felt like going home."
Claire – who initially starred as Kim from 1989 to 1999 – admits she had opportunities to return to the Dales before making a brief comeback last year, followed by this year’s return, but it was "never right".
She recently said: "It is one of those things that has been mentioned a few times over the last 20 years, since leaving, it was never right.
"I thought, just now, this time it feels right."
Following her first ‘Emmerdale’ stint, Claire starred on ‘Coronation Street’, playing Erica Holroyd on the rival soap between 2014 and 2017.
Read the full story in this week’s OK! magazine – out today (01.04.19).
Claire King bought Spain house to avoided fan recognition
