Emmerdale confirms special hour-long weekend episode to mark 50th anniversary with full cast pic

SOAP land fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for more jaw-dropping drama to hit the Dales.

And they may get their wish - Emmerdale bosses have teased an hour-long episode for the show's fiftieth anniversary.

Spoilers for the big day have already teased a drama-packed instalment of the Yorkshire-based drama.

Although episodes of the iconic soap are aired weeknights on ITV, Emmerdale will be celebrating its 50th birthday on Sunday, October 16, 2022, marking five decades exactly since its first instalment was broadcasted.

Producers have decided to treat viewers to a full hour of drama for the program's anniversary and a new official cast photograph taken earlier in 2022 outside the Woolpack pub has been revealed.

Long-serving cast members can be seen alongside newer stars as the snap includes children and even the Dingle dog.

While viewers will have to wait several weeks before the momentous occasion, soap bosses have cooked up a literal storm for Emmerdale's anniversary.

The Yorkshire Dales will be at the centre of harsh weather in October and death could definitely be in the cards.

Faith Dingle (portrayed by departing actress Sally Dexter) will be bowing out of the ITV show as she continues to suffer from terminal cancer.

But fans are also speculating a major death is in the works as Michael Wildman aka Al Chapman on-screen has sparked rumours he's quit the show.

Actor Jeff Hordley, who plays Al Chapman's unwavering nemesis Cain Dingle, could also be in the target line.

However, Emmerdale's anniversary should also be a joyous time for villagers as a viewers can expect a surprise birth to occur.

Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell) was revealed to be pregnant after sleeping with Samson Dingle in secret - and she's decided to keep her baby after much turmoil.

But could she go into labour just in time for Emmerdale's anniversary?

Meanwhile, producers have also promised the returns of iconic and dearly missed characters to join in on the celebrations.

What will their comebacks entail and will they survive the storm ahead?

Tune in to ITV to find out.

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm.