Some of the stars of Emmerdale have undergone a glam makeover to mark the ITV soap's 50th anniversary. The whole month of October will be littered with drama to mark the special occasion but one week, starting on October 16, will focus on a devastating storm in the village that will affect the lives of every single villager.
Back in August the soap's boss teased their 'epic' plans for the big birthday. Jane Hudson told the Manchester Evening News and other press during a special event at the Yorkshire-based filming location that there official birthday episode will really kickstart events with Kim Tate and Will Taylor's wedding.
"Of course, it's not going to go smooth," Jane teased. "It's the week that's going to deliver the most epic of stunts," she added before handing over to Kate Brooks, Emmerdale's series producer, to share more. As part of our big 50th week, although we are doing a month of celebrations, the big 50th week will focus on a massive storm that is going to rip through the village and leave a massive trail of destruction in its wake.
"Some of our best-loved villagers will be in peril and it's safe to say that literally, the village won't be the same after this and won't ever be the same again because the impact this storm has on people's lives is just massive."
To mark the upcoming occasion, cast members including Louise Jameson, Kevin Mathurin, Emile John and Lawrence Robb, who have joined the soap in recent years have come together for a special birthday photo shoot.
Each of the actors were been cast by Emmerdale’s casting director, Faye Styring, who has been casting the show for seventeen years. Together with her team of four colleagues, Faye is continually looking to nurture new and emerging talent. She said: "As a team we are passionate about finding new talent and the right actor for the role. All of these actors have really made their own mark on the show already."
On joining Emmerdale during the soaps birthday year Naomi Walters actress Karene, who stuns in a black jumpsuit featuring a mix of mesh and zebra print, said "It’s been great joining the show at such an iconic moment in time! Everyone has been super welcoming and it feels like I’ve been here forever!"
Earlier this year Martelle Edinborough burst onto our screens as wedding planner, Suzy Merton and soon found herself with a tragic link to the Barton's. "I’m absolutely loving being part of the team," the actress, who donned a stunning off-the-shoulder pearly white gown for the shoot, said.
"I grew up on Emmerdale so it’s a real honour to be in it especially during its 50th year of being on our screens!" Emmerdale vicar Charles Anderson, played by Kevin has settled into the village with his ex Manpreet, played by Rebecca Sarker.
Kevin, who looked suave in a low-hung vest under a grey blazer and matching trousers, said: "As long as I can remember my Mum never missed an episode and now she watches me in it! Emmerdale is more than an institution of British television, it’s a reminder of home."
Acclaimed actress Louise Jameson joined the cast as Mary Goskirk earlier this year. Mary arrived in the village much to the horror of her daughter Rhona, played by Zoe Henry, but the pair have reconciled and she has been a great support to Rhona since her husband Marlon, played by Mark Charnock suffered a stroke earlier this year.
Louise, who looked totally glam in a pair of gold sparkling trousers which was paired with a smart black corset blazer, adds: "I’m so thrilled to be part of Emmerdale’s iconic 50th celebrations. To be working in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with such an amazing team. Fifty years ago one of my first jobs was playing Sharon Crosswaite on Emmerdale Farm, then a humble lunchtime show, and now here I am again, full circle. I couldn’t be happier."
Darcy Grey joined the role of sparky electrician Marcus Dean, the son of Rhona’s rapist Pierce Harris, late last year and soon struck up a romance with Charles' son, Ethan.
While wearing a deep round neck white vest under a checked blazer for the new image, Darcy said: "What can I say about being part of such a stellar, beautiful cast? It’s a dream come true and at such an iconic moment. I feel very lucky to be part of it in my small way. Here’s to another 50 years of small village drama!"
Mackenzie Boyd, played by Lawrence Robb, arrived in the village to see his sister Moira, played by Natalie J Robb, as they had unfinished business following the death of their mother. It wasn’t long before he made an impression on Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins.
As he donned a kilt and black boots for the photo shoot, Lawrence said: "To be part of a serial drama as iconic as Emmerdale on its 50th birthday is special in itself. What makes it even better is the gorgeous people I get to work with on a daily basis. Dreamy!"
Son of Charles and successful solicitor, Ethan, played by Emile John, followed his father to Emmerdale and after meeting his sister Naomi and boyfriend Marcus has chosen to settle in the village. "It’ll be two years this month since I joined the cast, how time flies when you're having fun," the actor who wore an eye-catching pair of snakeskin trousers with a white t-shirt under a khaki green leather shirt, said.
And Jessie Eland, who plays Chloe Harris has had several big storylines since joining the show and is looking forward to what lies ahead for Chloe. "I feel so lucky to be part of something where I’m learning so much and getting to watch incredibly talented people do what they do best every day," the actress said.
As she showed off her never-ending legs in a pair of silver knee-high boots with a black feathered co-ord, Jessie added: "But being part of Emmerdale in its 50th year has been the pinnacle of my experience so far: it’s been amazing watching the cast and crew work so hard and passionately to create something that is nothing short of spectacular!"
Emmerdale will celebrate its 50th birthday with an hour-long episode on Sunday, October 16.
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