Claire King believes she has been cast in "very strong female roles" over the years because of her looks – rather than being offered parts as a "downtrodden doormat".
The 57-year-old actress is currently starring in ‘Emmerdale’ as no-nonsense Kim Tate, and while she enjoys her powerful alter-egos, she would love a stint as a "vulnerable character" before her career comes to a conclusion.
She told OK! magazine: "It would be nice to do a real dramatic piece where I play a vulnerable character.
"Most of the time I get cast in very strong female roles because of the way I look.
"That’s fine, I think most people are typecast to a certain extent as it’s based on how you appear. I don’t look like a downtrodden doormat so I am never going to be cast as one."
Claire is yet to return to ‘Emmerdale’ because she is "more at risk" of coronavirus due to her arthritis.
She spent 12 weeks shielding during lockdown because her immune system is "compromised" as a result of the condition – which causes pain and swelling in the joints – so she hasn’t been back on the ITV set to reprise her role as Kim.
She said: "I have arthritis, so my immune system is compromised, which makes you more at risk of catching the virus.
"I’m not back at ‘Emmerdale’ yet. I had to get a doctor to say I was fit for work, so it’s a case of waiting to be written back in.
"When I get a flare up, it’s not nice and it does make you feel very tired.
"If I’m on location in winter, the cold feels like it gets to your bones."