Jane McDonald has spoken about her love of Emmerdale and whether she’d consider a guest spot in the ITV soap.
Singer and TV personality Jane McDonald is headlining Yorkshire’s Platinum Jubilee Concert happening at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday, June 4. The event will, of course, be taking place to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne.
Previewing the event, Jane spoke to Yorkshire Live about her love of all things Yorkshire. She recently fronted Channel 5 travel series Jane McDonald: My Yorkshire.
Read more: Former Emmerdale star joins Coronation Street
It provided a platform for the star to show the country some of the region’s best spots. The series saw Jane share happy memories about experiences she’s enjoyed down the years in Yorkshire as well as take viewers to some of the area’s hidden gems. The series was deeply personal to the star and clearly something she’s extremely proud of.
Jane said: “That has been my favourite thing to do in all my career - I’ve loved it. I talk about Yorkshire and Wakefield all the time, no matter where I am. Yorkshire has got me.
“I’m always banging on about Yorkshire. I wanted to show why I love it so much and I’m glad we had such beautiful weather. Bridlington looked like the Riviera - it was gorgeous. It is (Yorkshire) a great place full of amazing memories for me - I intend to make an awful lot more.”
One of the most memorable episodes from Jane’s Yorkshire series saw her visit Esholt, the original filming location for Emmerdale, as part of a nostalgic trip for fans of the soap. Back then, the show was known as Emmerdale Farm and Jane met actor Frazer Hines, who played Joe Sugden in Emmerdale, which turns 50 this year, at The Woolpack pub in Esholt. This is where the outdoor scenes of the ITV programme were filmed for its first 20 years.
Unsurprisingly, given it is Yorkshire’s soap, Jane is a fan. Discussing her visit, she said: “It was sensational because I’ve watched Emmerdale all my life and to be then on the set was amazing. I thought ‘oh, my mum would have loved this’. I think people like familiarity and that’s one thing Emmerdale has got as it has been on for years. It is our soap and that’s what we love about it.”
Down the years, we’ve seen a number of famous faces pop up in the soap. There’s been appearances by singer Katherine Jenkins, former footballer and presenter Chris Kamara and This Morning’s Phillip Schofield.
So, would the Emmerdale superfan ever consider a cameo? Jane replied: “If I had the time I’d do an awful lot of things but I don’t have a lot of time unfortunately with all the travel I have to do. The writing, touring and everything else - it is a bit busy.” Quite likely, there will be a lot of Emmerdale fans who’d love to see Jane pop down the Woolie for a bev or two.
One of the reasons Jane has a busy calendar is because of the demands of her adoring fans. Something which isn’t lost on the performer and undoubtedly she appreciates their support.
“I am definitely living the dream and I am so grateful to my fans,” Jane enthused. “A lot of them have been with me over 20 years and they still come back.”
If you’d love to see Jane McDonald headline Yorkshire’s Platinum Jubilee Concert then tickets are on sale now. The show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre will be happening on Saturday, June 4. You can buy tickets through Ticketmaster.
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