Two weddings, two births and a funeral... just one hour in the life of ITV soap Emmerdale, uncovered by Steve Pratt

THE hour-long 40th anniversary episode of Emmerdale, shot entirely on location in the village, will take viewers from the cradle to the grave with two births, two weddings and a death.

Series producer Stuart Blackburn, who started his career in TV 16 years ago as a storyliner on Emmerdale, promises a spectacular week of episodes with the culmination of four or five, maybe more, stories.

“Everything that happens will spark new stories and at the heart of it all is the live episode which is going to be all of life and soap in one crazy, manic, exciting, chilling, scary hour.”

Nikhil and Gennie will welcome their baby during the live episode. Young Sarah’s life is in the balance so the question is whether Debbie’s newborn baby can actually save her life. The war between King brothers Carl and Jimmy, manipulated by Charity, rumbles on.

At the big house, Megan and Declan have put on a successful music festival but their relationship has been ruined by what has happened between Katie and Robbie.

And two weddings. Very different weddings.

Declan is spending a fortune to ensure he and Katie have the most beautiful wedding day ever – if half-sister Megan lets it go ahead. In contrast Chas and Dan have very little money after paying off blackmailing Carl. And did I mention the bride has promised to run away with Carl?

While those who’ve followed Emmerdale for years will have a sense of nostalgia about the 40th anniversary, Blackburn is keen to look forward and move forward.

“I think Emmerdale has changed. People’s perception of it has changed too,” says Blackburn, who this week was appointed the new producer of Coronation Street.

“I believe Emmerdale is now a show that takes itself and its storytelling very seriously while retaining its wit and humour. This has been reflected in the way the audience has responded.

It’s a show that tells stories which are more cutting edge and modern.

“This live episode in the 40th year is propelling us even further forward so we can tell the greatest range of stories possible. I would say Emmerdale in its 40th year is exciting, modern and relevant.”

MARRIAGE LINES

There have been over 100 wedding proposals. Of the 70 Emmerdale weddings due to take place only 56 went ahead Zak and Lisa Dingle have had the longest onscreen marriage of 14 years 13 wedding receptions have taken place in the Woolpack 7 runaway brides 15 couples have married more than once The most married character is Bob Hope, who has had six weddings to four women and fathered seven children Charity has worn five wedding dresses. “I have loved all the different dresses but my favourite was the Moulin Rouge dress she wore to marry Chris Tate. As much as she was saying her vows and committing she was showing she had not lost her sense of fun and independence,” says Emma Atkins, who plays Charity.

BABY TALK

Over the years 28 babies have been born in Emmerdale Sam Skilbeck was the first baby, born on August 10, 1973 Actress Sian Reece-Williams has worn three prosthetic bumps as pregnant Gennie Walker.

The heaviest weighed 2kgs Strange places to be born: Belle Dingle arrived in the pig shed on Christmas Day. Debbie Dingle secretly gave birth to Sarah in Seth’s hide. Bob and Viv’s twins, Cathy and Heathcliffe, were born on the moors. Amy Wyatt gave birth in the Emmerdale graveyard.

DEAD AND BURIED

There have been 95 deaths in Emmerdale Ten murders Six fatal shootings Eight suicides including assisted suicides 38 accidental deaths Three unknown mysterious deaths 57 funerals 30 deaths of natural causes Four people have attempted to kill Cain. A brain surgeon was brought in to design the scar after Zak attacked Cain last year.

One character will to lose their life during the 40th live episode

THE LIVE EPISODE IN NUMBERS

There will be 70 crew members working, almost double a regular Emmerdale shooting day 60 cast members are involved 27 cameras will be used to film the episode Actors will have a maximum of approximately four minutes to change and move between sets 350 supporting artists will be required in total Five generators will be used to power the village for filming There will be four new-born babies on set 20 rain deflectors for the cameras will be on stand-by in the case of extreme weather 50 microphones will be used 23 make-up artists, 26 prop assistants and 30 costume crew will be required for the live episode Four golf buggies will be used to transport cast around the village on the night One stunt coordinator will be involved in the live as the cast will be doing their own stunts Seven wedding dresses will be on standby during the live episode  

  • Emmerdale’s 40th anniversary week begins on Monday, with the live episode on Wednesday at 7pm