'Emmerdale' stars past and present celebrate soap's 50th birthday

Katie Archer
·Contributor
Updated ·3 min read
Emmerdale has celebrated 50 years on screen. (ITV)
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Emmerdale's past and present stars have been paying tribute to the show for its 50th birthday and thanking the soap for its effect on their lives.

ITV marked 50 years of the Dales-set soap on Sunday with a special episode that saw a storm wreak havoc in the village on Kim and Will's wedding day, Harriet knocked out by a quad bike, and Amelia going into labour on her own in a barn.

Read more: Is Emmerdale the deadliest soap on TV?

There might have been disaster all round for the show's characters, but its cast shared their love for the trauma prone corner of the Dales.

Sheree Murphy, who played Tricia Dingle from 1998 to 2004, tweeted: "Happy 50th birthday @emmerdale! Still hands down the best place I’ve ever worked. Being part of the show changed my life and I’ll be forever grateful. Big love to all the cast crew and fans! Can’t wait to watch tonight #Emmerdale50"

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 11th October 2022 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 11th October 2022 Emmerdale - Ep 9496 Monday 17th October 2022 Hiding out in a barn and with her contractions continuing, petrified Amelia Spencer [DAISY CAMPBELL] prays for her and her baby’s safety Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
The 50th anniversary was marked by disaster. (ITV)

I'm A Celebrity winner Danny Miller, who left his role as Aaron Livesy earlier this year, wrote: "Happy 50th Birthday @emmerdale - an extremely important part of my life and so many others in and out of the making of the show. To ALL the cast and crew from over 50 incredible years. We salute you. And to the viewers, for the constant support and love for the show. Thank you!"

Gemma Atkinson, who played Carly Hope from 2015 to 2017, added: "Happy 50th Emmerdale! Pleased to have played a part in such a wonderful show with an incredible cast & crew."

Read more: Emmerdale producers reveal the stories they're most proud of

The current cast also had tributes to offer, with Mark Charnock who plays Marlon Dingle tweeting: "Happy 50th birthday, #Emmerdale An amazing place peopled by amazing human beings. What extraordinary luck to be part of that. Thanks to everyone who watches and supports the show. You’re the absolute best. Tonight’s episode is jaw-dropping. Hope you enjoy it. Love you! Xxx"

Editorial use only From ITV Studios EMMERDALE: 50 UNFORGETTABLE YEARS Sunday 16th October 2022 on ITV Archive picture shows: Ep 2089 Thursday 13th June 1996 Mandy's Munchbox opens outside the Woolpack. Turner tries to get her to move on, but she's doing too well with customers - With Mandy Dingle, as played by Lisa Riley. 'Emmerdale' TV Series - Jun 1996 This one-off special documentary celebrating 50 years of Emmerdale tells the story of how a sleepy daytime afternoon series about rural folk became the award-winning, ratings-busting, peak-time drama that it is today. A mixture of compelling classic Emmerdale clips and rarely seen gems will be mined from the archive for viewers to relish. From family feuds, fires and fights to more light hearted moments from life on the farm and in the village that goes by the name of - Emmerdale. They will feature alongside contributions from much-loved cast members, as the stars of Emmerdale past and present watch back their famous storylines to share reflections on their characters and memories from across the years. With a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes secrets and anecdotes, the acclaimed cast will remember key moments from the last five decades. This milestone celebratory tribute will also recall some of the standout 74 weddings, 43 births and 105 deaths in the show since 1972, whilst reminiscing over some of the show’s most popular family dynasties including The Sugdens, The Tates and The Dingles. Along the way, we’ll discover the original ambitions of Emmerdale Farm’s creator - the playwright Kevin Laffan, how the TV critics and viewers responded to the show and its early depiction of rural life, and ultimately how it has transformed to reflect the changing lives and appetites of its loyal audience. (C) ITV For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme EMMERDALE: 50 UNFORGETTABLE YEARS or ITV. Once made available by the ITV Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the Transmission date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com
Lisa Riley in her early days as Mandy Dingle. (ITV)

Isobel Steele, who plays Liv Flaherty, wrote: "Happy birthday @emmerdale Very proud to be a part of this show & grateful to be involved in our big 50 year celebration! Xxx"

Dominic Brunt, who stars as Paddy Kirk, wrote: "Happy Birthday to one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. It changed my life. I absolutely love this show and I have given myself to it totally, from the off."

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 11th October 2022 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 11th October 2022 Emmerdale - Ep 9464.95 Sunday 16th October 2022 Will Taylor [DEAN ANDREWS], Kim Tate [CLAIRE KING] and Harriet Finch [KATHERINE DOW-BLYTON] Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Danielle Baguley This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
The soap went for a wedding day disaster to mark its 50th. (ITV)

Hi co-star Samantha Giles, who plays Bernice Blackstock, added: "Happy 50th Birthday to @emmerdale - thanks always to our incredible crew and fans who of course are the real stars of the show."

Long-running star Lisa Riley, who has had two stints as Mandy Dingle, tweeted: "HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY @emmerdale how have we lasted so long? Because we are a team,a loyal team that bonds together. Wanting to make GOOD,EXCITING,THRILLING,FUNNY TELEVISION. And you the viewers-your loyalty to the programme, without you we have no programme. SO THANK YOU."

Watch: The King sends message to Emmerdale as the soap cleans up at the NTAs