Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
show name	Emmerdale
format	Soap opera
picture format	576i (1972)4:3 (1972–2001)16:9 (2002–11)1080i HD (2011–Present)
runtime	22 mins (excluding advertisements)
creator	Kevin Laffan
country	United Kingdom
starring	Present castFormer cast
channel	ITV (ITV1/STV/UTV)
first aired	16 October 1972
last aired	Present()
num episodes
company	ITV Studios(Yorkshire Television)
producer	Various
executive producer	Various (1972–84)Keith Richardson(1984–2009)Steve November(2009–Present)
website	http://www.itv.com/emmerdale }}

''Emmerdale'', (known as ''Emmerdale Farm'' until 1989) is a long-running British soap opera set in Emmerdale (known as Beckindale until 1994), a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. Created by Kevin Laffan, ''Emmerdale'' was first broadcast on 16 October 1972. It is produced by Yorkshire Television, (now known as ITV Studios), and has been filmed at their Yorkshire Studios since its inception. It has since been shown in all regions of ITV almost throughout its existence.

It was originally conceived and broadcast as a daytime programme in an afternoon slot, becoming an early evening programme in 1978 in most ITV regions, but excluding London and Anglia, both of which followed in the mid-1980s. Until Christmas 1988, ''Emmerdale'' took seasonal breaks; since then it has been broadcast year-round.

''Emmerdale'' is shown every weekday at 7pm with an extra Thursday episode being aired at 8pm (beginning 23 July 2009). Episodes are first broadcast on ITV1. Every episode lasts around 30 minutes (including commercials); without adverts the total time of footage averages to around 22 minutes per episode. Repeat episodes and the omnibus of the show can be seen on ITV2.

Conception

The basic premise of ''Emmerdale Farm'' was very similar to the BBC radio soap opera ''The Archers'' – focusing on a family, a farm and characters in a nearby village.

The farmyard filming techniques of ''Emmerdale Farm'' were originally modelled on the revolutionary soap-opera ''The Riordans'', made by RTÉ, Ireland's broadcaster, from the mid-1960s to the end of the 1970s. ''The Riordans'' broke new ground for soap operas by being filmed largely out of doors (on a farm owned in the storyline by Tom and Mary Riordan) rather than the usual practice of British and American soap operas, of shooting almost completely in studios (where 'outdoor' scenes were sometimes filmed indoors). ''The Riordans'' pioneered farmyard location shooting with real farm animals and actors driving tractors. In the 1960s and 1970s, outdoor filming of television programmes using OBUs (Outdoor Broadcast Units) was in its infancy due to the far higher costs involved and the reliance on things like the weather that were out of the control of the programme makers.

The success of ''The Riordans'' showed that a soap opera could be filmed largely out of doors. Yorkshire Television sent people to ''The Riordans'' set in County Meath, Ireland to see the making of the programme at first hand.

Characters, residences and businesses

Emmerdale has featured a huge amount of characters since it began of all different durations and the cast has gradually expanded in size. It has also had changing residences and businesses for the characters.

Series backstory

The Miffield estate was the biggest employer in the village of Beckindale – situated from Bradford and from Leeds. Lord Miffield gave the lease of Emmerdale Farm on the edge of the village to the Sugden family in the 1850s out of gratitude after Josh Sugden sacrificed his life for the Earl's son in the Crimean War.

Josh's grandson Joseph married Margaret Oldroyd and they had a son Jacob in January 1916. In the 1930s, the young Jacob Sugden supposedly purchased Emmerdale Farm for his family. In 1945 he married Annie Pearson – daughter of farm labourer Sam Pearson. Margaret Sugden died in 1963 and Joseph Sugden died in 1964.

Jacob Sugden had run the farm into the ground as he had drunk away most of the profits, leaving it in a sorry state. It was badly maintained and the future of the farm looked bleak at the time of Jacob's death on 10 October 1972.

Jacob left a wife Annie and three grown children, two sons, Jack (the eldest) and Joe (the youngest of the three) and daughter Peggy. These characters would form the basis of the series ''Emmerdale Farm''.

The first episode

The first episode of ''Emmerdale Farm'' opened with the funeral of Jacob Sugden on 16 October 1972.

Jacob had upset the family when he left the farm to his eldest son, Jack, who had not been seen since 1964, when at the age of 18 he left his family, heritage and ''Beckindale'' – for London.

Jack Sugden returned to the farm in this opening episode, although he chose to stay away from the funeral – making his presence known only after the service when the Sugdens returned to their home, Emmerdale Farm – where they found him waiting for them.

In subsequent months, Jack sold a share of the Farm to Annie, Joe, Peggy and his grandfather Sam Pearson. Emmerdale Farm Ltd was formed after Henry Wilks bought Sam's share of the estate.

The first episode, as with all episodes, have been repeated/released at various times on various media.

Series overview

Initially the show focused on the farm and the Sugden family who lived on and ran it. As time went on, the show's focus moved to the nearby village of Beckindale. To reflect this change, the show's title was changed on 14 November 1989 to ''Emmerdale''. Coinciding with the show's 1989 title change was the introduction of the Tate family. These changes, and the introduction of more exciting storylines and dramatic episodes such as Pat Sugden's 1986 car crash and the 1988 Crossgill fire, gradually began to improve the soap's popularity and were overseen by the new executive producer, Keith Richardson, who was in charge of the programme for 24 years, during which time he oversaw its transformation from a minor, daytime, rural drama, into one of the UK's most major soaps.

On 30 December 1993 ''Emmerdale'' attracted its highest ever audience of over 18 million when a plane crashed into the village, killing four villagers. Until this storyline, ''Emmerdale'' was largely ignored by press and viewers alike, except for a loyal fan-base, in the face of the better-known soaps in ''Coronation Street'' and ''EastEnders''. The plane crash drastically improved the show's popularity, enticing new viewers and has consequently kept the show as one of the most watched soap operas on British television.

Emmerdale continued to have dramatic storylines for the rest of the 90s, and new long-term characters, such as the Dingle family, were introduced. The Tates emerged as the soap's leading family in the 1990s, overshadowing the Sugdens. After their arrival, the Tate family remained in Home Farm for 16 years, albeit with the size of the family decreasing over time as members left or were killed off, with the last, Zoe, leaving in 2005.

The early 2000s had seen exciting episodes such as the storm (a storyline that occurred 10 years after the plane crash one and was of a similar kind, although not as major) and the introduction of several new characters, namely Cain and Charity Dingle, who both later left before returning to the soap in 2009. 2009 was an important year for Emmerdale as it was the introduction of Gavin Blythe as series producer, Keith Richardson and fellow long-serving production team member, Timothy J. Fee retiring from the soap and the programme's longest-serving character, Jack Sugden, dying off-screen due to the actor who had played him since 1980, Clive Hornby dying the previous year. The episode of Jack's funeral was dedicated to Hornby and mirrored the first episode in 1972, with Sheila Mercier and Karl Davies reprising their roles for it. In the same year, Blyth introduced the new Barton and Sharma families, as well as other new characters and axed existing ones, as well as coming up with new storyline ideas and providing a direction for the show, in the same manner as previous series producers who typically serve terms of a few years, including Steve Frost who was in charge from 2001–2004 and returned as executive producer when Richardson left. Blyth's time as an Emmerdale producer, however, was cut short when he died, aged just 41, from cancer only a matter of weeks after it had been diagnosed, in November 2010. At the start of 2010, after about a year in Emmerdale, the Wylde family's story peaked and the family members began to be written out of the show, beginning with Mark whilst Masie and Will were to remain another year, being the final Wyldes to go. The drama continued for the family throughout the year however, especially for Nathan and Natasha. Another big storyline for 2010 was Aaron Livesy's tortured emotional coming out story and subsequent relationship with the new character of Jackson Walsh, who lived in the village with his mother (played by Pauline Quirke). However, tragedy struck in the summer when Jackson's vehicle collided with a train, following a row he had with Aaron. This accident left him paralysed from the neck down. In spring 2010, Declan Macey arrived in the village as a wealthy business-man friend of the Sharmas and bought into Home Farm. Later on, he was joined by members of his family and by the end of 2010, the Macey family were established as the new rich Home Farm family, replacing the departing Wyldes who in turn had taken over ownership of Home Farm from the Kings who occupied the house from Zoe Tate's departure, until they got into financial difficulties at the end of 2008. The Maceys were originally set to herald a new era in the soap and were introduced by Gavin Blyth before he died. This has changed since all but Declan are to depart the soap in the coming months.

Pauline Quirke's run in the show as Hazel Rhodes was extended for at least a further 12 months from December 2010 by the executive producer. She is one of many characters to depart the soap in 2011. Two long serving characters, Viv Hope (played by Deena Payne) and Terry Woods (played by Billy Hartman) were killed off in January 2011, when a fire started by DS Henshall ripped through the village of Emmerdale. Viv's demise paved the way for her stepdaughter, Kelly Windsor, to briefly return. There are also several new characters set to arrive in the coming months.

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''The following three sections highlight the major disasters, exits, and other episodes with high viewing figures.''

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Disasters

''Emmerdale'' is extremely well known for the number of disasters it has featured over the years. The most notable disasters are listed below.

1973 - Sharon Crossthwaite was raped and strangled to death by Jim Latimer. Jack Sugden discovered the truth after arriving home to find Jim trying to strangle Penny Golightly, after which Jim reluctantly confessed to killing Sharon.

1973 - Jack Sugden's lodger Ian 'Trash' McIntyre committed suicide by throwing himself out of a first floor window at The Old Mill and falling to the ground, breaking his neck.

1976 - Matt Skilbeck's twin children, Sam and Sally, and his aunt Beattie Dowton were killed in an accident at a level crossing when their car was hit by a train.

1977 - A fire broke out at Emmerdale Farm and the Beckindale Volunteer Fire Service arrived to fight the blaze. During the fire fighting, one of the members of the team suffered severe burns.

1978 - An explosion at a mine trapped vicar's son Clive Hinton and his two friends Ian and Rod. Clive and Rod were found unconscious and Ian escaped with cuts and bruises.

1978 - Teenagers Steve Hawker and Pip Coulter committed an armed robbery at The Woolpack and left Amos Brearly and Henry Wilks locked in the cellar. The two teenagers then headed for Emmerdale Farm where they held Sam Pearson at gunpoint. To save her father, Annie Sugden provided the two with a getaway car.

1981 - Religious farmer Enoch Tolly was killed in a tractor accident.

1985 - Jackie Merrick was knocked off his motorbike by Alan Turner's land rover and spent five months in hospital with broken bones.

1986 – Pat Sugden died when she crashed her car down a hillside after swerving to avoid a flock of sheep.

1988 – Phil Pearce carelessly left discarded rags at Crossgill Farm, which caught fire, trapping Annie Sugden inside.

1989 - Crooked quarryman Dennis Rigg was crushed to death by Joe Sugden's prize bull whilst threatening the Sugdens with eviction.

1989 - Jackie Merrick accidentally shot himself whilst out hunting a fox for a £10 bet.

1990 - Kate Sugden accidentally knocked down and killed Pete Whiteley whilst driving home from Hotten.

1993/1994 – A Plane crashed in Beckindale, leaving most of the village in ruins and killing Archie Brooks, Elizabeth Pollard, Mark Hughes and Leonard Kempinski.

1994 – Shirley Turner was shot dead during the Home Farm raid by Reg Dawson, the ex-husband of Viv Windsor.

1995 – Luke McAllister died after his van crashed into a wall and exploded in flames.

1996 – Dave Glover died in a fire at Home Farm after attending the wedding of Biff Fowler to his sister Linda Glover.

1997 – At the engagement party of Steve Marchant and Kim Tate, Lord Alex Oakwell took Linda Fowler for a late-night drive and crashed while trying to snort cocaine. He removed Linda from the passenger seat as she was starting to wake up and moved her to the drivers seat and fled the scene of the accident, leaving Linda to die.

1999 – Graham Clark killed Rachel Hughes by pushing her off a cliff.

2000 – A van and minibus collide in the village. Van driver Pete Collins dies at the scene; minibus passenger Butch Dingle dies in hospital from his injuries the next day.

2000 – Long-serving character Sarah Sugden died in a barn fire that was started deliberately by her adopted son Andy. Sarah's lover Richie Carter was also trapped in the barn but was rescued by Sarah's husband Jack.

2001 – Jean Strickland, the local school headmistress was struck and killed by a stolen car driven by student Marc Reynolds on his way home from a night out with friends.

2003/2004 – A large storm hit Emmerdale, leaving parts of the village in ruins with collapsed power lines and trees. The Woolpack was damaged by its chimney collapsing through the roof into the bar area and also out the front, crushing Tricia Dingle and resulting in her dying in hospital a week later; Ashley Thomas and Louise Appleton became stuck on the road as a result of the terrible weather. The disaster took place on the 10th anniversary of the plane crash.

2005 – Max King died when the Land Rover he was in went off the road and through a brick wall and exploded, although the driver Andy Sugden escaped the car unharmed and gave a false story about the accident to avoid being prosecuted; and the police believed his version of events, as there were no witnesses to contradict his story.

2006 – Kings River showhome collapsed after several explosions caused by a gas leak. The accident claimed three lives: Noreen Bell and estate agent David Brown were killed in the explosion and Dawn Woods later died in hospital from internal injuries.

2006 – Tom King was murdered on Christmas Day when his son Carl hit him over the head with a horse statue and pushed him out of a window.

2007 – DCI Grace Barraclough was killed instantly when she was run over by a lorry while on the way to the police station to report Carl for killing his father, Tom King.

2007 – Victoria Sugden threatened her father Jack and adoptive brother Andy in their home that if they didn't confess to who killed her mum Sarah then she would set alight the family home with them all trapped inside. After they calmed her down, the fuel ignited accidentally when the boiler started up and set the house on fire. The house was gutted but the family survived.

2008 – Matthew King was killed after he crashed a van into a wall after trying to run over his brother Carl. The brothers had been brawling viciously inside Home Farm previous to this, as Carl had ruined Matthew's wedding to Anna De Souza earlier that day.

2010 – Aaron Livesy and Jackson Walsh go on a night out together along with Paddy Kirk and Marlon Dingle. After having an argument with Aaron, Jackson crashed his van onto a railway line and was hit by a goods train, leaving him paralysed from the neck down.

2011 – A fire started by corrupt policeman Nick Henshall tore through the village killing Terry Woods and Viv Hope.

Memorable exits

Emmerdale is famous for its hugely dramatic exit storylines. These characters have made some of the most famous, memorable exits from Emmerdale.

Kim Tate – Kim and her husband Steve Marchant stole a horse, intent on selling it as they had cashflow problems. As they were driving away from the scene, Steve ran over Kathy Glover. While in hospital, Kim convinced Kathy that Steve had not stopped his vehicle when he had hit her, in order to make her husband seem to be the villain – even though she helped to plan the theft of the horse. On the day of trial in January 1999 with the lawyers questioning Kathy's validity as a witness for Steve's hit-and-run crime, Kathy questioned how true Kim's words had been. For this and numerous other crooked tricks, the police were soon on her trail. She confronted Chris Tate to get money as a means of escape and knocked him out savagely with a paperweight when he would not comply. She left with her son James in a helicopter never to be seen again. The pilot asked her if she was Kim Marchant and with her final words on the soap she replied, "No, it's Kim Tate".

Sarah Sugden – Sarah was married to Jack Sugden but had been having an affair with their lodger Richie Carter. Having fallen in love with Richie, Sarah told Jack that their marriage was over and that she was in love with Richie. Jack kicked Sarah out of the farm on which they lived and told her she was never going to see her three children Robert, Andy and Victoria again. Jack was also in serious debt and Andy overheard him saying that it would be good if something caught fire so they could claim on the insurance. After hearing this, Andy went out with a lighter and box of matches and set the barn on fire but was unaware that his adopted mother Sarah was inside with Richie ending their relationship. Richie got out alive but Sarah was trapped inside the barn when it exploded and was killed.

Tricia Dingle – After discovering that her husband Marlon Dingle had a drunken one night stand with his second cousin Charity Tate whilst she had been in India, Tricia left Marlon and intended to leave Emmerdale. She was planning to leave on New Year's Eve 2003, the same night as the Emmerdale storm. Upon leaving, Diane Sugden gave Tricia a letter that Marlon had asked her to give to Tricia, it was a list of 101 reasons why Marlon loved her. After spending hours in the phone box, sheltering from the horrific weather, trying to get a taxi sent to the village, she decided to give Marlon another chance and returned to the Woolpack to see him. Upon reaching the Woolpack, lightning struck a tree making Tricia trip and a second bolt struck the roof of the Woolpack, making it collapse onto a helpless Tricia. She was found under the rubble by Diane and Marlon and taken to hospital in a helicopter. She was put on a life support machine until Marlon finally decided to let her go after realising that there was no hope of her recovering. She died on 8 January 2004.

Charity Tate – After Sadie King tricked Tom King into believing Charity was having an affair with Cain Dingle, Tom called off his and Charity's wedding. Despite discovering the lie, Tom was unable to convince Charity that they should reconcile. Charity wanted revenge for what Sadie had done, which she got by sleeping with Jimmy King. She made him realise what Sadie was like and filmed them together. She got him to confess that Sadie set her up. She went to visit Tom, taking the tape with her and played it to him and his family. Sadie went for Charity so Charity punched her and said an emotional goodbye to her daughter Debbie Dingle and left, despite an emotional plea from Tom. Charity returned in 2009 with a son, Noah.

Zoe Tate – Zoe was standing trial for the attempted murder of Scott Windsor but was found not guilty after it transpired that Scott had threatened witness Paddy Kirk. After Sadie King blackmailed her into selling her Home Farm, she took revenge by blowing up the house. In her final scene, she waited in a car in front of the house, waiting for the explosion, then drove off and out of the soap.

Cain Dingle and Sadie King – The couple kidnapped Tom King, with Sadie pretending to have been double-crossed by Cain. The story took a number of twists and turns with Cain's car going over into a quarry, although it was later discovered to be empty and Cain shooting Sadie, although it was later discovered that this was faked too. As they prepared to escape by plane, Cain betrayed Sadie leaving her at the airfield and flew off over the village. .

Steph Forsythe – Steph pleaded guilty to the murder of her brother Terence Turner. This was to make amends for causing the death of Shelly Williams. She was sentenced to life imprisonment, although it was in fact, her husband Adam Forsythe who had killed Terence.

Tom King – Tom was murdered by his son Carl on his wedding night to Rosemary Sinclair. After a confrontation between father and son, Tom lost his balance and fell through a first floor window to his death on the driveway of Home Farm in front of his horrified wedding guests. His death sparked a long-running investigation into catching his killer.

Matthew King - After a disastrous wedding day to Anna De Souza, Matthew drove a van straight towards his brother Carl King but swerved when Carl jumped out of the way meaning that Anna was in the firing line, Matthew hit a brick wall and went through the windscreen. He died minutes afterwards, just outside of the entrance to Home Farm, while Carl, his other brother Jimmy King and Katie Sugden watched on as Anna cradled his dead body in her arms. The next day the Kings were thrown out of Home Farm. This resulted in Mark Wylde becoming the new owner of Home Farm along with all of their other properties in the village.

Mark Wylde – After a year in the show, the secrets and lies of Mark were finally exposed. His first wife, Faye Lamb, whom he never officially divorced had his only legitimate child, Ryan. In turn Ryan was unknowingly starting a relationship with his half sister, Maisie, Mark's daughter from his second wife Natasha. Because of Mark's bigamy, Natasha's subsequent marriage with Mark was void and Natasha's three children, Maisie, Nathan and Will were all legally illegitimate. During the episode which was broadcast on 14 January 2010, Mark considers suicide in the woods of Home Farm. However he is relieved of the shotgun by Natasha. Mark's subsequent words push Natasha over the edge and she appears to shoot Mark with the shotgun. The shooting was memorably accompanied by Gabriel Fauré's ''In Paradisum'' from his Requiem taken from New College Choir's album ''Agnus Dei''.

Viv Hope - When DC Nick Henshall started a fire on the row of cottages in Emmerdale, the shop and cafe went up in flames. Viv was killed in the explosion that wrecked the shop.

Terry Woods - Terry was also killed in the explosion that wrecked the shop and cafe whilst trying to save Viv Hope who also perished.

Jackson Walsh - Jackson was left paralysed from the neck down in a freak accident in October when a train collided with his van following a crash onto a level crossing. In March 2011, boyfriend Aaron Livesy was desperate to discover what Jackson was saying in his video diaries. He is shell-shocked to discover Jackson wants to die. After revealing to Jackson, that himself and Hazel know, they try to persuade him that his life is worth living and he agrees to give it a try. However a chest infection hospitalises Jackson, making him more determined to die. After a holiday in Whitby and a skydive, Jackson is still adamant about his decision. Aaron and Hazel eventually agree, and in June 2011, after Hazel backs out, Aaron feeds Jackson a lethal cocktail of drugs.

Viewing figures

The show is one of the most watched programmes on British television. An average ''Emmerdale'' episode generally attracts 6.5million viewers and it presently lies third in popularity behind the other two major soaps ''Coronation Street'' and ''EastEnders''. However, notable episodes and storylines have seen the viewing figures soar:

On 30 December 1993 ''Emmerdale'' attracted its highest ever audience of 18 million when a plane crashed into the village killing four villagers. The aftermath of the plane crash on 5 January 1994 attracted 16 million viewers. The storyline brought ''Emmerdale'' into the public eye and consequently kept the show as one of the most watched soaps on British television

On 27 May 1997 ''Emmerdale'' attracted over 13 million viewers when Frank Tate died of a heart attack, after his wife, Kim Tate, returned after faking her own death months before.

On 20 October 1998 ''Emmerdale'' attracted 12.5 million viewers when the Woolpack exploded after being burnt down with fireworks.

On 1 January 2004 ''Emmerdale'' attracted 11.19 million viewers when the village was hit by a storm, which caused the Woolpack roof to collapse after it was struck by lightning, which then collapsed onto Tricia Dingle, who died from her injuries in hospital. One of the soap's most famous storylines, it gave the show a huge ratings boost and the storyline went down in ''Emmerdale'' history. The year to come would see the show gain an even higher profile.

On 21 September 2006, 8.57 million viewers watched the exit of Cain Dingle after more than six years in the soap.

On Christmas Day 2006, over 7.69 million viewers watched as Tom King was murdered on his wedding day to Rosemary Sinclair.

On Thursday 14 January 2010, Emmerdale hit their highest ratings since March 2006. 9.96 million viewers watched during the much-awaited Murder of Mark Wylde when he was shot by Natasha Wylde after a week-long online "Whodunnit?".

Numerous other hour long episodes that have clashed with rival soap ''EastEnders'' have won in the battle for viewing figures. Over the past few years the village soap has gone head to head with BBC's ''EastEnders'' on numerous occasions and has emerged on top many times, establishing itself as a serious contender for the second most popular British soap opera. Some notable examples include:

18 May 2004, when Jack Sugden was shot by his adopted son Andy Sugden. ''Emmerdale'' attracted 8.27 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' received 7.32 million viewers.

21 September 2004, when Diane Blackstock and Jack Sugden got married. ''Emmerdale'' attracted 8.72 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' received 6.83 million viewers.

4 January 2005, when Sadie King sabotaged the wedding of Tom King and Charity Dingle. ''Emmerdale'' attracted 9.89 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' received 7.53 million viewers.

1 March 2005, when Charity Dingle left the soap after five years. ''Emmerdale'' was watched by 10.08 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' was watched by 7.21 million viewers.

17 March 2005, when Shelly Williams fell overboard from the Isle of Arran ferry off the west coast of Scotland during a confrontation with Steph Stokes. ''Emmerdale'' was watched by 9.39 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' was watched by 6.96 million viewers.

22 September 2005, when long standing popular character Zoe Tate left the soap after 16 years and made a dramatic exit which saw her blow up Home Farm, which she been conned into selling to the King family. ''Emmerdale'' was watched by 8.58 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' was watched by 6.76 million viewers for the funeral of Den Watts.

13 July 2006, The Kings River house collapse. ''Emmerdale'' won in the ratings battle, attracting 6.90 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' was watched by 4.11 million viewers, its lowest ever.

21 September 2006, when Cain Dingle kidnapped Tom and Sadie King. ''Emmerdale'' won in the ratings battle, attracting 8.57 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' had 4.77 million viewers.

1 February 2007, when Billy Hopwood with Victoria Sugden crashed his truck into a lake. ''Emmerdale'' won here too, surprisingly since the ''EastEnders'' episode involved an important storyline involving two of its most high profile characters, Martin and Sonia Fowler, leaving. ''Emmerdale'' attracted 8.15 million viewers with ''EastEnders'' gaining 6.70 million viewers.

17 May 2007, when the Who Killed Tom King? plot came to a close when the murderer was revealed. ''Emmerdale'' gained 8.92 million viewers, which peaked to 9.1 million when Tom's son Carl confessed to the murder between 19:00 and 20:00. ''EastEnders'' had 4.29 million between 19.30 and 20:00.

16 October 2007, when Annie's Cottage was blown up by Victoria Sugden. ''Emmerdale'' was watched by 8.12 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' was watched by 6.59 million viewers.

27 January 2009, when Debbie Dingle was arrested for the murder of Shane Doyle. ''Emmerdale'' attracted 7.39 million viewers, whilst ''EastEnders'' attracted 6.36 million viewers.

7 January 2010, when Sally Spode tried to kiss Ashley Thomas ''Emmerdale'' topped the 9 million mark and got 9.47 million viewers.

22 July 2010, when Charlie mysteriously disappeared Emmerdale topped the 7 million mark and got 7.39 million viewers.

6 September 2010, Emmerdale rose 700k week-on-week, as 7.54 million viewers tuned in for David's wild accusations about Leyla.

6 October 2010, Emmerdale have a massive audience of 7.94 million viewers, this was the big Train Crash stunt which involved Jackson Walsh and Aaron Livesy, and left Jackson critically injured.

28 and 29 October 2010, Emmerdale over 7 million viewers to watch the culmination of the Ryan Lamb's murder trial, despite his innocence. The following night (30 October 2010) an audience of nearly 8 million tuned in for Natasha Wylde's dramatic confession to the crime after her daughter Maisie pushed for the truth from kidnapped Nathan.

Filming locations

Location shooting originally occurred in the village of Arncliffe in Littondale, one of the less frequented valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. In exterior shots the village's hotel, The Falcon was used to represent the fictional Woolpack Inn. Eventually the location of the shooting location became publicly known, which is perhaps what prompted the move to the village of Esholt in 1976, where it stayed for the next 22 years. This location also became a tourist attraction and the village pub (previously 'the Commercial Hotel') has retained the adopted name of The Woolpack Inn.

The original ''Emmerdale Farm'' buildings are near the village of Leathley. Creskeld Hall (Home Farm) is one of the few original filming locations used in the entire run of the series and has been involved in many storylines.

Since 1998 a purpose-built set on the Harewood estate in Leeds has been used (building on the Harewood estate started in 1996). The first scenes shot in the purpose-built set on the Harewood Estate were broadcast on 17 February 1998 from the front of the Woolpack (although some scenes were shot there from 1997). The Harewood set is a replica of Esholt with a few minor alterations.

The houses in the new village at Harewood are timber framed structures covered in stone cladding. The village is built on green belt land so all the buildings are classed as "temporary structures" and must be demolished within ten years unless new planning permission is given. There is no plan to demolish the set and new planning has now been drawn up. The new village included a church and a churchyard full of gravestones some of them for the characters who have died in the serial.

The site incorporates a 1500 ft grass airstrip, and a Cessna 172 is hangared in the farm at the entrance. The aircraft, in an open barn, is visible from Eccup Lane.

Butlers Farm is really Brookland Farm, a working farm located in the nearby village of Eccup. Brookland Farm is where all the external farmyard and building shots are filmed with the internal house shots being filmed in the studio.

Much location footage is carried out in other areas of the City of Leeds, West Yorkshire such as the fictional market town of Hotten which is actually shot in Otley, a market town on the outskirts of Leeds. The Benton Park School in the Rawdon area of the city and the primary school in Farnley were also used as shooting locations. Indoor scenes are mostly filmed at Yorkshire Television's 'Emmerdale Production Centre' on Kirkstall Road, Leeds (located next to the main Yorkshire Television's Leeds Studios). As of 28 March 2011, new studio facilities (which are HD capable) in the ITV Studios building on Kirkstall Road are being used for most of the interior scenes, the old facility on Burley Road will be vacated and offered for sale in due course.

Scheduling

When ''Emmerdale'' was first broadcast in 1972, it was twice a week in an afternoon slot. It later moved to a 19:00 slot and the number of episodes has steadily increased, with there now being six half-hour episodes each week. ''Emmerdale'' is filmed roughly between 4–6 weeks before it is first broadcast on ITV1.

Broadcast schedule history

!

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

! Number ofWeekly Episodes

! 1972–1988

2

! 1988–1990

2

! 1990–1997

2

! 1997–2000

3

! 2000–2004

5

! 2004–2008

6

! 2008–2009

4 + 1 hour long on Tuesdays

! 2009–Present

6

Overseas

Canada

VisionTV started showing Emmerdale on 20 September 2010, immediately after Eastenders at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. Episodes are broadcast approximately five months after airing in the UK. Emmerdale had formerly been shown on CBC Television, but that ended many years ago. When shown on CBC Television, Canadian episodes were four years behind the UK story.

Ireland

''Emmerdale'' reaches viewers in the Republic of Ireland via both the widely available UTV from Northern Ireland and the TV3 Television Network in the Republic of Ireland. UTV and TV3 screen ''Emmerdale'' simultaneously in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. ''Emmerdale'' was broadcast as a Daytime soap on RTÉ One from 1972 to 2001 before moving to TV3, RTÉ were a number of months behind – since for many years they choose to broadcast five days a week rather than ITV's three days a week and RTÉ took a break during the summer months, however as the series began a five night week RTÉ got further and further behind ITVs broadcasts. The gap between RTÉ One's last episode and TV3's first episode was about three months.

Sweden

''Emmerdale'' has been shown in Sweden since the 1970s – originally on TV2 and since 1994 on commercial channel TV4. Under the title ''Hem till gården'' ("Home to the Farm"), the programme is broadcast twice a day (as of May 2008, previously only once a day) on Monday to Friday 11:55–12:55. The episodes currently being screened (April 2011) date from February 2009. Older episodes (from October 2006 in April 2011) are shown on TV4 Guld.

Finland

The programme is shown in Finland on commercial channel MTV3, where it goes out at 18:00 to 18:30, and 18:30 to 19:00 Mondays to Fridays with a repeat of each episode at 11:00 and 11:25 on the following weekday. The episodes currently being screened (May 2011) date from November 2008.

New Zealand

''Emmerdale'' is shown in New Zealand on TV One from Monday to Friday at 12:30 to 13:30. As at August 2011, TV One episodes are from August 2009. Repeat episodes are played around 4:00am Monday to Friday on TV2.

Australia

''Emmerdale'' was shown in Australia for the first time in July 2006 when subscription television channel UKTV began airing the 2006 series from episode 4288. In 2006 UKTV were showing episodes 4 months behind UK transmission, but as UKTV only airs 5 episodes a week instead of 6 (as broadcast in UK) they are now over 9 months behind. As at September 2010, UKTV episodes are from December 2009. ''Emmerdale'' is also broadcast on 7Two weekdays at 10:30, airing episodes from 2003.

Romania

On 2 February 2007 it was announced that ''Emmerdale'' would be broadcast on the Romanian free-to-air channel Pro TV. The station has bought 50 episodes of the soap dating back to 2000.

Elsewhere

Satellite channel ITV Granada is currently showing the programme in the Middle East, Cyprus, and Malta

Members of the British Forces and their families can watch ''Emmerdale'' on BFBS TV1, which is also available free-to-air in the Falkland Islands

Opening, End of Part Stingers, Closing Credits and Theme Tunes

1972-1973 (OVER THE DALES)

The original titles were on film and featured a slow panning shot of the Yorkshire dales, before slowly zooming in on Beckindale village/Arncliffe and then a shot moving from a sunset through some tress to the farmhouse. The title caption zoomed out to the camera as the camera focused on Beckindale. Kevin Laffin's name appeared on the farmhouse shot.The end of part stinger just played over the final moments of a particular scene. A much shorter version of the opening theme was used as the stinger music. The closing credits were on captions and the film underneath was the view from a helicopter of the Dales passing by Arncliffe. The theme, written by Tony Hatch, was performed on the cor anglais with piano and strings accompaniment.

1973-1974 (OVER THE DALES MARK 2)

In April 1973 the opening titles were slightly altered. The pink "Emmerdale Farm" lgog which had zoomed into the screen for the past few months was dropped and a new pale yellow "Emmerdale Farm" logo faded on instead. Also Kevin Laffan's credit at the end of the opening titles was also made fully clearer. The closing titles stayed the same but "End of Part One" and "Part Two" were removed from the stingers for a basic "Emmerdale Farm" logo. The music stayed the same although from now on the shorter version would be used

1974-1975 (OVER THE DALES MARK 3)

The opening titles changed for the 1974 episodes to an aerial panning shot of Arncliffe and a different view of the farmhouse and the font was changed to a bold yellow one. The end of part screen was black with Emmerdale Farm in the new font. The end credits remained the same but with the different font.

1975-1989 (FARMHOUSE IN SUNSET)

The farmhouse in sunset credits lasted the longest and were introduced in 1975, and continued to be used until November 1989 when the programme's title was shortened to ''Emmerdale''. This title sequence brought a new look to the programme. The producer had decided to go away from the helicopter view of Beckindale. This time shots included views with the sunset in the background and shots of animals in the sunset. Something that hadnt changed was the farmhouse shot. This time though a new shot of the Farmhouse as the sun hides behind the house. Also the music was given a slight revamp. But this is hardly noticeable. The end of part screen was black with Emmerdale Farm in yellow lettering.

1989-1991 (BECKINDALE LIFE)

This was replaced with a montage of images, shot around Esholt, of various activities such as someone hang-gliding, a Land Rover fording a stream, an oil tanker going over a bridge and someone out horse-riding at Home Farm, the credits rolled over a static shot of the farmhouse. For the end of parts only the music changed. The end of part screen was black with Emmerdale End of Part One over the top.

1991-1992 (BECKINDALE LIFE)

There was no difference in the opening titles apart from the title. The font was given a tweak.

1992-1993 (BECKINDALE LIFE MARK 2)

In September 1992 when the theme tune was changed. The opening credits used from September 1992 until December 1993 were similar but used superimposed images. The closing credits rolled over a static shot of some Yorkshire scenery. Initially, the credits were displayed on separate slides but, after several weeks, reverted to the all scrolling format used from 1989. The end of part captions were the same as the previous end of part stingers.

1993-1994 (BECKINDALE LIFE MARK 3)

The opening titles changed again from the plane crash episode in December 1993. This sequence comprised shots from the 1989 introduced titles, 1992 introduced titles and some newly filmed shots. Unlike the previous titles, this new sequence did not feature superimposed images. It remained in use until November 1994 when another similar new sequence was introduced. From January 1994, the credits rolled over a static shot of Esholt/Emmerdale. This credit sequence is notable since the original "Emmerdale Farm" music was used for the closing credits, while the newer version remained in use for the opening and break bumpers. The exception to this was during the plane crash when the credits rolled over the destruction of the village and a slow piano theme was used. The end of part stinger's image was a shot of Emmerdale village

1994-1998 (EMMERDALE LIFE)

When the opening titles were updated again in November 1994 the new theme tune was used exclusively. Possibly being one of the most recognised opening titles this sequence introduced us to new shots of activitys. The font was given a more bolder look so it stood out more. The end of part stingers changed slightly with the font being updated. The end credits were also updated, Instead of the theme just fading in a short piano motif took us into the new side by side closing credits.

1998-2005 (FAMILIES)

In December 1998, the opening titles were replaced by another montage, this time of helicopter shots of the Yorkshire moors and farming areas. Superimposed were short scenes of actors (which were not members of the cast) performing the various emotions seen in a soap. The closing credits rolled over a continuous shot of Emmerdale, filmed from a helicopter flying away from the village. At the same time, in 1998, a new version of the theme tune was introduced. A grand orchestral theme was introduced over the titles, credits and break bumpers. From November 2004, a different version of the theme, played mainly on the piano, was used for the break bumpers only. These arrangements were carried over to 2011.

2005-2011 (OVER THE DALES)

In September 2005, the opening titles were replaced with another helicopter montage, this time marginally slower and without the actors. The closing credits were generic ITV Network style credits over a continuous shot of the village, again from a helicopter, but filmed from a different angle.

In 2009, the original theme played over the end credits of Jack Sugden's funeral episode.

2011- (BREEZE)

The new titles have been given a complete revamp going away from the helicopter shots that had been in use since 1998. This time the sequence mirrors the 1989-1998 titles. Now features include: a Range Rover driving through the woods; a couple running upstairs in Home Farm; The Dingles Living room; a woman stroking a man's leg with her foot; then finally finishing on a new CGI image of the town which ends with the new logo fading on to the screen. The title music has been remixed to sound more contemporary, but still with a homely feeling.

As with Coronation Street a year earlier, a new array of episode break bumpers (with the remixed theme) have been made for use.

The new titles and music, as with all the other 3 UK soap operas when they revamped their titles, have garnered mixed reviews.

Theme Tunes

1972-1989 The original theme tune created by Tony Hatch was the longest ever to be used. For a number of episode in 1972 a longer version was used to open episodes but from 1973 a shorter version was used. In 1975 when the opening titles changed the piano motif was removed. 1989 saw the word "Farm" dropped from the titles so this meant an update was on the way. Not too much but a slight change was given to the theme tune.

1992-1998 When the series was revamped in 1992 the theme tune was given a 1990s update. A more upbeat piano version was made and used for the opening and closing credits. When the titles changed again 1993 the original theme was used for the closing credits again. But when the titles changed in 1994 the new theme tune was used until the big change in 1998. Also in 1995 the piano motif returned to the end credits.

1998-2011 When the series was again revamped the theme tune was revamped for a more orchestral sound. It was given a slight tweak in 2003. The end of part music was more akin to the 1972-1989 end of part music.

2011- The titles of Emmerdale were revamped in May 2011 to give the series a modern look. The theme tune was re-recorded for a more contemporary feel, yet still within its roots.

Series producers

David Goddard (October 1972 – January 1973)

Peter Holmans (January 1973 – July 1973)

Robert D. Cardona (July 1973 – October 1976)

Michael Glynn (October 1976 – June 1979)

Anne Gibbons (June 1979 – October 1983)

Richard Handford (October 1983 – June 1986)

Michael Russell (June 1986 – March 1988)

Stuart Doughty (March 1988 – December 1991)

Morag Bain (December 1991–1993)

Nicholas Prosser (1993–94)

Mervyn Watson (1994–98)

Kieran Roberts (1998 – April 2001)

Steve Frost (April 2001 – December 2004)

Kathleen Beedles (January 2005 – December 2007) Anita Turner (January 2008 – January 2009) Gavin Blyth (January 2009 – November 2010) Stuart Blackburn (March 2011 – present)

See also

List of Emmerdale characters

List of Emmerdale spin-offs & merchandise

List of births, marriages and deaths in Emmerdale

List of longest-serving soap opera actors

List of major storylines in Emmerdale

List of original characters in Emmerdale

List of past Emmerdale characters

List of recurring and minor Emmerdale characters

References

External links

''Emmerdale'' at ClassicTelly.com

''Emmerdale'' at What's on TV

Category:Yorkshire Television productions Category:1972 in British television Category:1972 British television programme debuts Category:1970s British television series Category:1980s British television series Category:1990s British television series Category:2000s British television series Category:2010s British television series Category:Emmerdale Category:English-language television series Category:Fictional populated places in England Category:ITV television programmes Category:Television shows set in Yorkshire Category:British television soap operas

de:Emmerdale fr:Emmerdale pl:Emmerdale sh:Emmerdale fi:Emmerdale sv:Hem till gården

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
name	Roxanne Pallett
birth date	December 26, 1982
birth place	Carlisle, Cumbria, England
occupation	Actress and Singer
yearsactive	2005–present
website	http://www.roxannepallettofficial.com
awards	}}

Roxanne Pallett (born 26 December 1982 in Carlisle, Cumbria) is a British actress most famous for playing the role of Jo Sugden in the ITV soap opera, ''Emmerdale.''

Early life

Pallett was born and brought up in Carlisle, Cumbria, by her English mother and grandmother. Her maternal-grandfather was Italian.

Educated at Robert Ferguson Primary School and Trinity School, she then graduated with a BA Honours degree in Media and Cultural Studies from Liverpool John Moores University. Pallett studied at the Manchester School of Screen Acting on weekends, and began auditioning outside her studies.

Career

In her last year at university, Pallett co-formed girl band ''Urban Angel,'' writing songs for them with production and management by ex-East 17 member and Ivor Novello award winner Tony Mortimer. After landing a deal with a record label, Pallett spent a year developing her music.

In 2005, Pallett auditioned for the role of Delilah Dingle in ''Emmerdale.'' After some final callbacks and workshop based auditions, the producers asked her to play the feistier role of Jo Stiles, a role they were still writing. Pallett won critical acclaim for her major domestic violence storyline in 2008-2009, and later revealed that in real life she had also been in a relationship in which she suffered domestic violence. In August 2008, Pallett became the public face of the Early Warning Signs campaign for UK domestic violence charity Refuge, that urges young women to look out for early signs where a partner may turn violent in a relationship. During her 130 shows and three years on ''Emerdale,'' Pallett was nominated for several awards as Sexiest Female, Best Storyline and Best Actress at The British Soap Awards 2007, 2008, 2009, the Inside Soap Awards and TV Quick Awards 2008.

In November 2005, she won ''Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes'' as Gloria Estefan. In January 2006, she also appeared in ITV singing show ''Soapstar Superstar,'' finishing fourth in January 2006, and raising thousands for her supported charity the Eden Valley Hospice Jigsaw Appeal. Fellow soap actor Richard Fleeshman from ''Coronation Street'' was a contestant, and the couple dated until 2008. Pallett has had several front covers and modelling features in ''Closer, Reveal, Now, Sugar, Mizz, Hello'' and ''OK'' magazines. Pallett regularly topped the 'sexiest' polls in lads mags, including photoshoots for ''Loaded'' and ''Maxim,'' where she fronted both international covers (July 2008 and May 2009).

In 2007 ''Rosa Roxanne Pallett,'' a deep red hybrid tea, was named after Pallett and launched at the 2007 Southport Flower Show by Cheshire-based grower C&K; Jones.

After leaving ''Emerdale,'' Pallett took part in the fourth series of ITV's ''Dancing On Ice,'' which began on 11 January 2009. With professional partner Daniel Whiston, the couple made headlines for the risque move The Headbanger. Pallett then went on the Dancing on Ice Bolero Anniversary UK Tour 2009. Scheduled to play the lead role in 2009 Christmas pantomime ''Cinderella'' at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne, she pulled out after 2 weeks of starting performances following the sudden death of her best friend.

In 2010, Pallett has taken roles in the film ''Lake Placid 3,'' her Hollywood debut; and filmed a guest role for the BBC's ''Casualty.'' She starred as the lead in the UK production of the musical ''Rock Around The Clock,'' making her professional stage debut, which toured the country until September 2010. She will then film a role in British production ''Billy,'' playing WPC Hannah Reed opposite Sean Pertwee, In September 2010, Pallett toured with Eve Ensler's famous stage show ''Vagina Monologues,'' opposite Nikki Sanderson and Sue Jenkins. Pallett is currently starring as the female lead (Teena Satin) in the rep theatre run of ''Satin 'N' Steel'' at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, April 14 - May 7, directed by Joyce Branagh. The 2 hander play also stars Matt Healy.

References

External links

Official Website

Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:People from Carlisle, Cumbria Category:Alumni of Liverpool John Moores University Category:English female singers Category:English soap opera actors Category:English television actors Category:Participants in British reality television series Category:Dancing on Ice participants

pl:Roxanne Pallett

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Series	Emmerdale
Image1	Image:Sarahsugden.jpg|centre|200px
Caption1	Alyson Spiro as Sarah Sudgen in 1999.
Name	Sarah Sugden
Portrayer	Madeleine Howard (1988–94)Alyson Spiro (1994–2000)
Years	1988–2000
Born	25 March 1952
Death	16 November 2000
First	7 July 1988
Last	17 November 2000
Classification	Former; regular
Image2
Caption2	Madeleine Howard as Sarah Connolly in 1994.
Occupation	Librarian
Husband	Jack Sugden (1994–2000)
Mother	Victoria Connolly
Adoptivesons	Robert SugdenAndy Sugden
Daughters	Victoria Sugden }}

Sarah Sugden (née Connolly) is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale. She was first played by Madeleine Howard from 1988 until 1994 then by Alyson Spiro from 1994 until 2000.

Storylines

1988–1997

Sarah was first introduced as a librarian at the local library of Beckindale and became firm friends with Archie Brooks, Kathy Merrick and Rachel Hughes.left|thumb|200px|Sarah marries Jack. She became friendly with local farmer Jack Sugden but when she took a pass on him he rejected her advances because he had lost his wife Pat a year and a half earlier and had to look after his two-year-old son Robert. But in December 1989 they got together and Sarah treat Robert like her own but Jack's 24-year-old son Jackie didn't like Sarah and tried to get Robert away from her any time he could. But eventually Sarah's best friend and Jackie's wife Kathy got the two to be friends. But tragedy struck when Jackie was killed several months later.

During 1989 Jack left for Italy to see old flame Marian Wilks leaving Sarah unaware of where they stood.Jack returned in November who a nosey Amos Brearly made sure Sarah was aware of. Jack declared his relationship with Marion was over and it was her he wanted. In 1990 Sarah agreed to move in with Jack in the farm but kept the connecting door nailed shut to stop Annie Sugden's habit of wondering in declaring she was used to living alone. Sarah at first refused to help out on the farm but later agreed when the Sugdens found themselves shorthanded. The mobile library closed in June 1990 so Jack got her a job as barmaid in the woolpack working for Amos and Henry Wilks who were impressed with her work ethic.

When mad man Jim Latimer was released from jail for the murder of Jack's cousin Sharon, he swore revenge on Jack who was a witness at his trial for murder. He took Sarah hostage in an abandoned warehouse were he said he'd keep her till Jack gave him £20,000. But Sarah knocked Latimer out with a brick and escaped unharmed. Latimer, meanwhile, was gunned down by police.

In January 1994 Jack proposed to Sarah. By then they had discovered Sarah was pregnant and in March 1994 Sarah gave birth to Victoria. In May 1994 Jack and Sarah married but weeks after the wedding, Victoria stopped breathing and a hole in her heart was found. She nearly died but a part of Sarah's heart was taken to save Victoria's life.

In 1996 Robert brought a friend home called Andy Hopwood who was from the children's home after his mum and gran had died and his father Billy was in jail. Jack and Sarah decided to adopt him and he became a Sugden. Billy escaped from prison at Christmas 1998 and tried to rob the post office accidentally killing Vic Windsor, Andy confessed to Jack about where Billy was hiding and he was taken away by the police while Vic's hysterical widow Viv shouted abuse at Andy for hiding his father. Sarah had never got on with Viv and the two often exchanged insults towards each other.

1998–2000

In 1997 The Sugdens were evicted from the farm by Frank Tate to make access for a query but moved into a new farm. Shortly after Jack started an affair with Sarah's friend Rachel Tate and when Sarah found out she threw Jack out and tried to kill Rachel by pushing her in the canal. But a year later Jack and Sarah got back together.

In 1999 Jack and Sarah's marriage started to turn sour and then Jack's ex mistress Rachel was killed and he still had feeling's for her but Sarah didn't care. Sarah was determined not to end up a traditional farmers wife like Annie and went away for a few weeks hoping for change when she returned. Upon her return she was furious to discover the changes Jack had made to the farm including forbidding Andy and Robert from going to school so they could help out on the farm tension escalated when she got a job at Kathy's diner to support the family financially. At Christmas Sarah went against Jack's wishes and brought Robert and Andy the video games they wanted despite the family being in financial ruin causing further tension between her and Jack. Despite vowing to make their marriage work in the new millennium Jack sold Sarah's car without her consent to Ashley Thomas and confided in Sarah's friend Kathy about his marriage problems infuriating Sarah. Even Sarah and Victoria nearly being killed in the emmerdale bus crash wasn't enough to save their marriage. Sarah then had an affair with Jack's friend and lodger Richie and she and Jack split up when the truth came out in May 2000. Jack refused Sarah access to the children and a nasty custody battle followed. Andy resented Sarah for what she did to Jack but Robert remained loyal to Sarah and even turned to her about changing his GCSE options when Jack was disinterested about it.

In October 2000 Sarah got custody of Victoria but a week later she dumped Richie and tried to get Jack to take her back. On her way to the farm Richie got Sarah to go into the barn in an attempt to win her back but, hearing someone enter the barn and thinking it was Jack, they climbed up a ladder and hid behind a haybale. It turned out to be Sarah's adopted son Andy Sugden setting fire to the barn in a bid to win compensation from the insurance company in hope of solving Jack's money problems. Richie managed to climb down the ladder, avoiding the soaring flames, but Sarah was too scared. A mini blast threw Richie off his feet but destroyed the ladder, thus sealing Sarah's fate. After a lot of persuasion, Richie was struggling to breathe due to the smoke, so escaped without Sarah. Meanwhile Jack had heard the disturbance outside and ran out, only to see his barn on fire and Richie choking on the ground outside. What we last see of Sarah is her screaming for one last time: "Jaaack!" He tried to get Sarah out but stumbled out, gasping for oxygen, just seconds before the barn blew up. The remains of Sarah's body were found the next day.

See also

Emmerdale Cast List

References

External links

Category:Emmerdale characters Category:Fictional librarians Category:Fictional characters introduced in 1988

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Series	Emmerdale
Name	Eric Pollard
Creator	Michael Russell
Portrayer	Chris Chittell
Years	1986—
Born	11 June 1945
Occupation	Chef/Businessman
Classification	Present; regular
Home	The Grange B&B;
Wife	Eileen Pollock (1970–94)Elizabeth Feldmann (1992–93)Dee De La Cruz (1997–2001)Gloria Weaver (2002–03)Val Lambert (2008—)
Sons	David Metcalfe
First	30 September 1986
Last	}}

Eric Charles Pollard is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' played by Chris Chittell.

Pollard has appeared on the show since 1986, making him the second longest running current character after Alan Turner who has appeared since 1982. He has lied to, cheated and swindled nearly all his neighbours — without allowing his actions to ever trouble his conscience. He is the father of an illegitimate son David Metcalfe.

Storylines

1986–

Eric arrived in Beckindale in September 1986 and immediately found a business enemy in Sandie Merrick, whose mother Pat has died in a car accident just weeks before Eric's arrival. He proved himself to be very unpopular and even threatened Sandie with a poker whilst drunk.

Eric has been married five times and is known for his deception and bigamy. After a few years in Emmerdale, Eric started to pursue his eventual second wife Elizabeth Feldmann – without bothering to mention he was still married to his first wife Eileen.

Unlike his other wives, Elizabeth didn't leave Eric of her own accord. When the plane crash hit Emmerdale in 1993, she was babysitting – having told Eric that she intended to tell the police that he was responsible for the cheque fraud that he had framed her son, Michael, for. Elizabeth was found dead after the plane crash. There is still speculation about whether Eric murdered her. If he did, he got away with it as her death was officially recorded as a result of the plane crash. Even now it is still unclear how she died and only Eric knows the truth. Undeterred, Eric continued his dodgy business dealings by going into business with Kathy Tate by turning her tea rooms into a wine bar at night.

When he went to the Philippines over Christmas 1996, Eric shocked everyone by returning with a sexy young fiancée in tow. Dee De La Cruz was happy to be Eric's little woman and the pair got married and threw all their energies into their business.

The marriage didn't last. Dee got sick of Eric's business woes and paranoia about her so went home – leaving Eric absolutely suicidal. With the help of Marlon Dingle, Eric did recover from his heartbreak.

In 2000, Eric forgot about being a nasty bit of work in order to save the life of his best friend and colleague – Kathy Glover. Suspecting her boyfriend, Graham Clark, had murdered fiancée, Rachel Hughes, Eric voiced his worries and had the whole village doubting him. When he rescued Kathy after Graham tried to kill her, he proved to be her hero.

It seemed Eric had finally found his perfect woman when he met villager Gloria Weaver in 2001. Underneath her mild persona, it turned out that Gloria was thirsty for power! Having married Eric in 2002, Gloria pushed him in his quest to become mayor and, on their wedding night, encouraged him to sleep with councillor Glynis to secure her nomination for the post!

When the scandal broke, thanks to Steph Forsyth's interference, Gloria twisted the whole thing so she looked like the wronged wife and took the job herself – and was posted to Westminster. While away, Gloria had an affair with Hilary, her male researcher.

When the fling was exposed, Eric was horrified and chucked her out. In despair, Gloria drove out of the village, drunk, and her car and shoes were found later. Convinced she was dead, Eric grieved for her until a few months later, he received a videotape of Gloria sipping a cocktail in the sun, saying she was glad to be rid of him.

Having had so many disasters marriages and relationships, you would think Eric would be off women forever but got together with troublemaker Val Lambert. The sparky duo set up a business together and let their romance flourish.

But politics came between Eric and love again. When he decided to run for re-election, Eric realized that having a dodgy character like Val as his partner could spoil his chances. They cooked up a story that they had split and promised to reunite after the election, but Eric got carried away in his dismissal of Val and she dumped him.

However, the pair continued to work together at the factory and it was clear they still had feelings for each other. Eric was horrified when he found out that Val was running against him in the local elections and it looked like any attempt at a reconciliation would be in vain. However, when she realized the damage she was doing to his campaign, Val tried sabotaging her own by coming clean about her shady past. Pollard was deeply touched by the gesture, but horrified that she was still doing better than him with the electorate. Things worsened for him when he got tangled up with a local dominatrix and saw his political chances get even worse.

When he went head to head with Val's ex-brother-in-law and lover Rodney Blackstock, Eric played as dirty as he could to win. Now Eric was back in office and taking bribes from Jimmy King.

In 2007, Donna and Marlon Dingle finally had the opportunity to get their dream home. Eric planned to bid in the auction and was about to leave when Eli and Sam tied him up and gagged him. Eric was rescued by his son, David, who found the sight of his father tied up, amusing.

On 17 December 2007, Eric was driving with Val, when he accidentally crashed into the back of another car. The woman driving, Rosalind, instantly fancied him. She revealed she was married and then tried to seduce him. Eric refused and rushed to the Woolpack and proposed to Val and she accepted. Three months later, Eric discovered Rosalind was married to one of his business partners. They went to a hotel together, and when they left (nothing had happened between them) Rosalind passionately kissed Eric, unaware someone was taking photographs of them from behind a bush. The next morning, Rosalind turned up at Val's Interiors and told Eric she'd received a blackmail letter, with photos of them kissing, demanding £5000 for the blackmailer's silence. They were instructed to leave the money in a phone box in Hotten. Eric managed to get the £5000, but was still blackmailed. At one point he suspected his son, David Metcalfe but then realized his mistake. On 5 May 2008, Eric found out that Rosalind was the blackmailer.

In the episode 'What Price Love?', aired on 3rd June 2008, Eric and Val married in a surprise ceremony coinciding with the final of the Pub of the Year Competition, also coinciding with Emmerdale's 5000th Episode. Eric could not afford the wedding Val wanted so he convinced her family to go along with a surprise wedding which would take place after the Pub of the Year competition; even the tickets to the competition became tickets for the wedding. Val was kidnapped by the Dingles and overheard Eric's true plans. When Eric came to rescue her, they had a furious row and the Dingles dumped them in the village. After some thought, Val went through with her marriage to Eric. After their marriage, they argue frequently but always make up.

Eric was getting deeper and deeper into debt, even getting David to borrow money from Val. When Val finally learnt about his problems, she persuaded the Kings to buy the factory, suggesting they turn it into luxury apartments. Eric let the staff go without telling them of his plans. He told Sam that he wished the factory could go up in smoke and, thinking he was serious, he, Eli and Gennie Walker set the factory on fire. With the help of Val and his workers, Eric moved the factory to the B & B, where he hired some rooms.

Worried about Leyla Harding's constant requests for overtime, Eric tried convincing David that she was a gold digger. David believed him, and as a result, nearly lost her. David moved out of his father's house and, backed by Edna Birch and Alan Turner, decided to run for Eric's council seat. Eric was working with Nathan Wylde to close a public footpath, and Nathan began applying more and more pressure as the campaign continued, causing Eric to have a heart attack. He kept it from David but when David learned the truth, they bonded again as the election returns came in. To David's shock, he had won. Eric wasn't happy but was, in some ways, relieved to no longer have the pressure. He tried giving David advice, but when Edna, who resented his interference, made him think David only felt pity for him, Eric began coming up with various neighborhood improvement plans to steal David's thunder.

Eric's focus on political and family concerns only exacerbated the damage the recession had done to his business. Orders dropped dramatically until Eric decided to close the factory. He planned to sell the sewing equipment but didn't tell Val. Much to his horror, she and the Dingles stole it and they sold it, using the money as redundancy payments. Eric planned to open a funeral parlour, but various locals protested about the idea and David convinced him it would be too expensive. He then began looking for a job as he needed the money and something to do but didn't have any luck.

Val, however, heard that Louise Appleton had put her share of the B&B; on the market. Terry had got a loan to buy her out but gave the cash to his girlfriend, Brenda Walker, inside to bail her out of her financial difficulties. Terry was not pleased to discover that Val and Eric had bought Louise out, particularly when they left all the work to him. They eventually realised what hard work running a B&B; could be and wanting to make their mark on the place, suggested opening a restaurant. Terry agreed cautiously and was also persuaded to hire Sam's "friend", Olena, as a maid - thinking she was Polish and merely wanted money to fund her travels.

In 2010, Eric started receiving letters, messages and cards, claiming to be from his long dead wife Elizabeth Feldmann. Originally suspecting the messages to be sent by Amy Wyatt, it was revealed on 30 December that the messages had instead been sent by Elizabeth's son Michael Feldmann. Michael, who had been spending periods of time in-and-out of jail, confronted Eric at Elizabeth's grave. He later followed Eric back to The Grange, where he confronted him , prompting him to reveal his history to his current wife, Val. Michael then left, however, he later informed Amy that he wanted Eric to pay him a large sum or money, otherwise he would reveal Eric to be a murderer. Eric told Michael to come in his car with him, and he would pay him off. Eric drove Michael to a remote area, however, after an exchange of words, Eric produced a tyre iron, advancing on Michael, who cowered into a corner. The result of the incident was not revealed, however, Eric returned to Emmerdale alone, appearing on edge and nervous. telling Val that he had given Michael a lift to the station.

In fact, he hadn't dropped him off at the station but he wasn't dead either and turned up on 4 January to confront Eric again. Eric said that he couldn't have anymore money and Val told him that he had probably seen the coroner's report that stated his mother was killed by falling debris and that it was time to give up blaming Eric. He agreed and after a calm discussion, Eric persuaded Michael to take the money for looking after himself. Michael then got in a car and drove out of the village into the night.

References

External links

Eric Pollard at itv.com

Category:Emmerdale characters Category:Fictional councillors Category:Fictional businesspeople Category:Fictional chefs Category:Fictional characters introduced in 1986