Emmerdale is turning 50 next year. FIFTY. Feel old yet, lads? And producer Kate Brooks has revealed that there are huge plans already in place to celebrate everything Dales.
The show remains as popular as ever and is about to air a showstopping week; their most ambitious week of all tme.
But there’s no time to rest as there’s Christmas to sort and then full steam ahead to the anniversary.
The drama never stops in that village.
Asked about the 50th, Kate was coy but promised something very in tune with Emmerdale, telling Metro.co.uk: ‘We are in the throes of big discussions, we have some great ideas already. I’d love to whet your appetite but I can’t really say any more.
‘It will be a fitting and unforgettable tribute and celebrating Emmerdale in all its glory.’
That’s a long way off though. And right now, fans are excited for a four stunt filled week of unforgettable drama.
Enthusing about what is about to go down, Kate shared: ‘We have a white knuckle ride through the icy rapids that will plunge characters into real peril. We have a never before seen on soap waterfall stunt – honestly it’s spectacular, hats off to Duncan Foster and the team.
‘That is the tip of the iceberg but there are two other heartstopping top secret stunts but you will have to wait and see about those…’
So how did the cast feel about the enormity of the project.
Kate smiled: ‘Initially the response was excitement. It felt like a real opportunity to grab the bull by the horns after so many Covid restrictions. Everyone was up for the challenge. The cast are troopers and wanted it and asked that we threw everything at them.
‘But when they saw the full scale, excitement gave way to a few nerves. Some of the reactions on screen might be genuine – I don’t know how much of it was acting!’
Oh well, authenticity can’t be a bad thing.
The producer added: ‘It’s easier to talk about what not to expect, the opportunity to do a big stunt week last year, it wasn’t on the table. So we wanted to go bigger and better for 2021. It’s an adrenaline rush from the very start as twists and stunts come thick and fast and you can’t catch your breath.
‘The glorious stunning landscapes are utilised and very focal, the brilliant Duncan Foster is brilliant to bring the scripts to life. The week will catapault viewers to the heart of this beautiful but very dangerous environment. There are jaw dropping stunts, rapids and waterfall sequences as we subvert expectations.
‘The denouement is the massive maze. We love stunts but it’s not just about the ambitious and impressive stunts – at the heart of the week lie relationships, secrets, hearts broken and with Meena involved and hellbent on revenge on Victoria, not everyone will get out alive.
‘We are incredibly excited about what we have managed to achieve.’
So. Are. We.
But how can they top it it for the 50th!? Another challenge awaits…
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