Yorkshire-based soap Emmerdale will celebrate its 50th anniversary this week and throughout October, multiple storylines have been set in place in the run-up to the special episode.
During the month, we have seen many familiar faces return to Emmerdale, however, an unfortunate plot twist could see soap fans wave goodbye to their favourite characters.
The show began back in 1976 with an original name of Emmerdale Farm, which switched to Emmerdale in 1989 as the show moved to an evening slot on ITV.
But when will the 50th anniversary episode air and what is the plot?
Here's everything you need to know.
When will Emmerdale's 50th anniversary episode air?
The celebratory episode will air on Sunday, October 16 on ITV and ITV Hub, which marks 50 years to the day since the first broadcast of the ITV soap.
The 50th anniversary episode will be an hour long, however, it will not be a live episode.
The idea of the soap was thought up by former actor and playwright Kevin Laffan, with it being launched as Yorkshire television living through the eyes of the famous Sugden family.
The original eight characters were Annie Sugden, Jack Sugden, Joe Sugden, Peggy Skilbeck, Matt Skilbeck, Sam Pearson, Henry Wilks and Marian Wilks.
When the soap moved from a lunchtime slot to an evening segment, the show's focus switched from the Sugden family to the general lives of those who live in Emmerdale.
The show was only intended to run for 13 weeks and it was originally filmed in the real-life village of Arncliffe in the Yorkshire Dales before moving to Esholt in West Yorkshire.
The show is now filmed on set on the Harewood Estate, with the Emmerdale village now open for tours.
What is the plot for the 50th anniversary?
A major storm is set to rip through Emmerdale and cause all manner of destruction to mark the 50th anniversary of the soap.
Offering some spoilers of what to expect, producer Kate Brooks said: “As part of our big 50th celebrations, the big week will focus on a massive storm which is going to rip through the village and absolutely leave a massive trail of destruction in its wake.
"Some of our best-loved villagers will be in peril and it is safe to say literally the village won’t be the same after this – it will never be the same again. The impact this storm has on people's lives is massive.”
After the 50th anniversary episode airs, the drama will unfold during the episodes that follow each night up until Friday, October 21.
Although parts of the plot are currently being kept under wraps in the run-up to the special episode, it has been confirmed so far that one character will be waving goodbye to the soap.
Sadly, Faith Dingle, played by Sally Dexter, will leave Emmerdale as her cancer battle reaches a tragic conclusion.
Fans have also been following Amelia Spencer’s pregnancy with an expectation she’ll give birth as part of the anniversary plot.
Producer Kate said: “Amelia is due soon. Whether she has the baby in the 50th celebration month, I’m obviously not going to say. Amelia (played by Daisy Campbell) does play a big part in the storm and when she needs to be found as she’s stuck on her own. So, she does play a very big part.”
What are the latest spoilers for the 50th anniversary episode?
From Monday, October 10, the Emmerdale drama has stepped up a gear as the soap heads closer to the special episode.
It is known that Chas Dingle (played by Lucy Pargeter) will continue her affair with village villain Al Chapman (Michael Wildman) while her mum Faith slips away, and their relationship could be exposed during the 50th anniversary episode.
However, Chas' brother Cain (Jeff Hordley) is on hand as Faith takes her own life, sitting with his mum while she takes her last breath.
Her final days are spent with her family, who decide to bring the seaside to the Emmerdale village with sand and fairgrounds all brought in for her.
Tracey Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) will also discover that she still likes her ex Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) after the pair share a moment, while Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton) makes a last-ditch attempt to stop her ex Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) from marrying Kim Tate (Claire King).
Emmerdale continues weeknights at a new time of 7pm on ITV1 and ITV Hub in the run-up to the 50th anniversary special.
Read more:
- Emmerdale Dawn and Clemmie's 'future' – Foster mum, Kim Tate feud and Clemmie kills
Emmerdale Jessie Dingle star's life – Kate Bush link, singing talent and return hint
Emmerdale Windsor family now – pop career, Hollywood son-in-law and co-star romance
Emmerdale Joe Sugden icon reveals what Cain star Jeff Hordley is really like off camera
Emmerdale Cain Dingle star opens up on devastating exit as 50th anniversary takes victim
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