INFORMING BRITAIN by @AndyGibsonTV - Serials News

EMMERDALE's BELLE FINALLY REPORTS TOM TO THE POLICE FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE | INFORMING BRITAIN

1/10/2024

In tonight's Emmerdale, Belle King (Eden Taylor Draper) finally reported to the police that she is a victim of Domestic Abuse.

Earlier in the episode that aired on ITV 1 / STV, Belle visited her ex husband Tom King (James Chase) in a local medical facility where he believed they had struck a deal between them not to say it was her who attacked him in return she would stay quiet about her situation.

However Belle was later seen at a police station where she handed over the axe that she struck him with last week saying "I've attacked my husband, in self defence, he wanted to kill me. I'm a victim of domestic abuse."

Will Belle finally start to get justice now she's finally made this report to the authorities?

Emmerdale continues on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

"I'M LOVING WORKING WITH VICKY, SHE'S AN ABSOLUTE TROOPER" - ALISON KING GIVES A SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT'S TO COME IN CORONATION STREET | INFORMING BRITAIN

28/9/2024

It has just been announced that two fan favourites in Coronation Street are going to be sharing bit of a romance next week on ITV1 & STV.

Viewers of the Serial Drama based in Greater Manchester will see Carla Connor (Alison King) and DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) get closer leaving both confused about what's next.

Coronation Street veteran Alison King sat down with ITV and spoke about everything to help fans be kept in-the-know on what's to come.

2024 has not been kind to Carla Connor in the least with Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) leaving Weatherfield on Boxing Day and Roy Cropper (David Neilson) almost imprisoned for the murder of Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton).

Delving into Carla Connor's emotional state Alison, said:

"I think she's been doing pretty well all things considering, she's kind of spinning plates I guess but at some point that's going to come crashing down. As the day starts we see her with a letter and that really rocks her, she's dealing with a lot and that's when she makes rash decisions. She's putting her trust into different people, she's got Ryan and Bobby but there's no one really there for her who's a real grown up and I think this is where this bond with Lisa has stemmed from."

If you were hoping for a reunion with Carla and Peter then some disappointing content is coming your way next week when Carla receives some troubling mail.

Alison, elaborates:

"It transpires that the letter was her divorce from Peter coming through. She goes into a kind of morose, maudlin mode. It's just the end of a really, really bad day and tough as she is she's feeling very sorry for herself".

But things takes an unsuspecting turn when DS Lisa Swain arrives.

Alison, teases:

"I think Carla's still in shock and she’s very much in the moment. There is a real friendship growing between them and the fact that she's come around to check on her really means something to Carla. I think because she's taken Betsy on, there's kind of kindred spirit forming. We've seen Lisa have a bad day and Carla being a shoulder to lean on. She's got a lot of understanding about how difficult Betsy is, she's just come out of a relationship herself so she understands some of the loss Lisa is feeling after Becky. It's been a long time since Carla has had a female friend, somebody who's actually leaning on her but is also a powerhouse in her own right. Now Lisa is there for her, she's leaning on Lisa for the first time and it's becoming quite a confusing friendship. Lisa keeps appearing, she's always there because of that link through Betsy, and there's a bond growing between them that Carla can’t quite define".

Alison expresses her joy in working with Vicky Myers.

Alison, said:

I'm loving working with Vicky, she's an absolute trooper and she's very talented. I'm enjoying seeing their friendship coming through, with this friendship we're seeing a more vulnerable side in them both, rather than just two very strong women. It's nice to see Carla opening up to another woman, rather than it all being intermingled with men. She's suddenly got somebody around that really gets her. She has that closeness and banter with Ryan at home but with Lisa she can show that vulnerability that she so often hides. Lisa's so serious but she quite likes it and she doesn't really know why, because in that sense they're polar opposite".

Does Alison think Carla is taken by surprise at her closeness with Lisa?

Alison, confirms:

"I think every step of this friendship is taking her by surprise. The closeness between them for Carla comes from concern yet at times she can’t really put her finger on what this is".

There will be more from Alison King on this soon.

Coronation Street continues on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM TWO FAN FAVOURITES ARE TO SHARE A ROMANCE IN CORONATION STREET | INFORMING BRITAIN

28/9/2024

Sparks fly between Carla Connor (Alison King) and DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) this week as a tender moment leaves Carla feeling confused.

For weeks now viewers have seen the two women growing closer as they've lent on each other for a much needed mutual friendship.

With both women letting their usual strong guard down and exploring their vulnerabilities, Lisa as a parent and widow, Carla as a divorcee and business woman, an indeterminable bond has been formed.

But when a seemingly gentle touch feels electric, Carla wonders what she's just experienced and if Lisa felt the same?

Coronation Street continues next week on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

CORONATION STREET SPOILERS: WILL TOYAH 'NICK' HER SISTER'S MAN? | INFORMING BRITAIN

10/6/2024

Corr-Blimey!

Life has just got a whole lot more complicated for Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor) after finding herself in the arms of her sister's husband-to-be Nick Tilsey (Ben Price).

In tonight’s visit to Weatherfield viewers saw both Toyah and Nick struggling to convince Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) to step away from her growing association with Rowan (Emrhys Cooper) and the Institute.

With their relationship in freefall, Leanne then walked out of the flat and it was Toyah who was there to comfort Nick, in more ways than one!

After a shock passionate clinch, will Nick and Leanne regret letting their emotions get the better of them or will the pair embark on a forbidden affair?

In Coronation Street's exclusive picture you can feel their internal struggle as both Nick and Toyah battle to put head over heart.

Will tonight’s kiss change everything?

Georgia Taylor, said:

"It's really confusing for Toyah, Nick is to all intents and purposes her brother in law and they haven’t always got on, so it's not like she's been harbouring some secret attraction. So this has hit her out of the blue, they've both been there for each other these last few weeks when life has been really tough and those feelings are starting to get a little bit blurred."

Georgia, concludes:

"Toyah loves her sister but every time she feels guilty for leaning on Nick, Leanne does something to push her away again. It's difficult when you're angry at someone, but you also feel guilty for something you've done to them. It's very conflicting for Toyah."

Coronation Street continues on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM SPECIAL BEHIND CLOSED DOORS EPISODE TO BE AIRED | INFORMING BRITAIN

29/4/2024

This week ITV1 & STV will air a special episode of Emmerdale, on Tuesday 7 May 2024, showing two different perspectives of the same day.

The audience will experience a dinner party but in two halves.

One from the perspective of Rhona Dingle (Zoe Henry) & Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) - from the dinner table.

One from the perspective of Belle King (Eden Taylor-Draper) & Tom King (James Chase) - from the kitchen.

What you see in public is not necessarily what you see behind closed doors.

PRE DINNER PARTY: Belle sneaks to a doctor appointment to organise her contraceptive prescription. Anxious as she explains to Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) she doesn’t want it sent to her home like her other medication and they find a solution. Meanwhile, at work Tom is patronised by Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) when he messes up diagnosing an elderly dog with cancer without conducting the necessary diagnostic tests. When Vanessa and Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) arrive in the nick of time she swiftly orchestrates the correct blood tests and it is just an abscess. As the furious customer heads out, Tom starts playing victim, laying it on thick how Vanessa makes him feel unwelcome at the practice. He suddenly turns the tables by inviting the vet staff and their partners to a dinner party tomorrow night at his & Belle's house. Tom returns home furious after his terrible day and tells Belle about the dinner, tomorrow, and firmly puts the success of it down to her.

THE INVITATION: Feuding Marlon and Rhona finally agree to meet for lunch. Things are awkward. Especially when Rhona tells Marlon she has accepted Tom's invite to dinner the following night. Marlon is frustrated to have not been consulted. He agrees to attend, but they are further apart than ever.

THE DINNER PARTY TABLE: As guests arrive for the dinner party, tensions simmer between Rhona and Marlon. The lovey-dovey Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) and Paddy only heighten the awkwardness. Tom's toast about marital solidarity exposes the cracks in Rhona and Marlon's relationship further. Meanwhile Vanessa, Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough), Paddy and Mandy attempt to enjoy the evening. Belle excuses herself, saying the onions made her cry, as her relationship with the controlling Tom is strained. The row between Rhona and Marlon erupts as they lay bare their issues publicly. Rhona tries leaving, but defiant Marlon rejects it, forcing Rhona to seemingly end their marriage in front of everyone.

THE VIEW FROM THE KITCHEN: Belle puts the finishing touches to the Dale Head dinner, but critical Tom asks her to change into a more appropriate outfit, and she compliantly heads upstairs. In the kitchen, alone, Tom makes a discovery, but before he can confront her, the guests start to arrive. Later, when Belle goes upstairs, Tom joins her in the bathroom in a threatening manner. Tom, soon, doesn't let Belle out of his sight in the kitchen. When Rhona finally puts her foot down to leave following the argument, the other guests apologetically follow suit. Belle is desperate for people to stay, but they all make their excuses. And as guests depart, we see the terrifying reality of Belle's life with the menacing Tom.

Mark Charnock, who portrays Marlon Dingle, spoke to an ITV representative about this unique episode.

He gives an insight as to what ITV/STV viewers can expect.

Mark, said:

"It's a one off in terms of structure and it's a very different sort of episode where you kind of go back and forth in time during the dinner party. What it’s really cleverly done is it's got what’s happening on stage which is the dinner party and what's happening off stage which is in the kitchen between Tom and Belle. So we see two charming hosts hosting these different couples and then when the hosts go back into the kitchen we see the darkness of what's going on between them. Meanwhile on stage you've got these happy couples; Mandy and Paddy and Vanessa and Suzy. And then there’s Rhona and Marlon who appear to be completely falling apart in front of everybody."

Mark went on to give his thoughts on being a part of this episode.

Mark, explains:

"It's always exciting to be part of something that's a one off. This isn't a regular episode, it's self contained. It's almost like a half hour single drama because it’s so unique."

Zoe Henry, who portrays Rhona Dingle, confirms that the episode is going to be in two halves when asked how it's going to be executed.

Zoe, said:

"It is essentially an episode of two halves… the first one is the surface stuff, what you can plainly see going on, particularly dominated by Marlon & Rhona's now dysfunctional relationship and how real and ugly and that currently is. The second half is a repeat of the same action, but this time it's the under the surface stuff. The hidden agendas, the secrets, the unspoken."

Zoe gives a little hint as to how things erupt between Rhona & Marlon.

Zoe, explains:

"You've heard the saying ‘Sober man's mind, drunken man's tongue’? That's basically it. They both drink too much, get on each other's nerves and it all comes out! Warts and all!"

Eden Taylor-Draper, who portrays Belle King, gives her explaination in how this behind closed doors episode is going to be done and is looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Eden, said:

"In the first scene you see all of the groups arriving and you think everything's great? It kind of continues that way and you see snippets of them as a group and then at different points throughout the episode you see the reality of what’s happening behind closed doors. The perspective of those at the dinner party are completely different to what's happening in reality. It's very much like everyone's putting on a show in front of their friends, and then the audience becomes a fly on the wall and you see the reality of everyone's individual scenarios. It's so interesting because we've not really done this before so it was cool to film. I'm looking forward to seeing how it comes together and how it looks when it’s packaged together."

Eden was asked if she is happy to be involved in such a standout episode.

Eden, said:

"I've never done an episode like this and I've never really been part of a special episode in that way with a focus on my storyline. So I’m grateful for the opportunity. I also think this episode is such a representation of Belle and Tom."

You can stream Emmerdale, now, on ITVX and STV Player.

CORONATION STREET RELEASE IMAGES OF TERRIFYING MOMENT HARVEY GETS HIS REVENGE ON ADAM - DOES ADAM DIE? | INFORMING BRITAIN

2/3/2024

This is the terrifying moment when evil Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor) enacts his revenge on Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) in tomorrow night's chilling episode of Coronation Street.

Having reneged on his part of his deal with the devil, to get Harvey out of prison in return for Harvey getting rid of Damon Hay (Ciaran Griffiths), the man who stole his wife, it's now Adam who is in the firing line.

Having heard that Adam handed vital CCTV footage to Weatherfield Police which ruins his chances of an appeal, Harvey decides to hit both Adam & Damon where it hurts. Harvey sends one of his accomplices to Weatherfield to target Sarah Barlow (Tina O’Brien) and Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), who wastes no time in making his presence felt.

But as a car comes flying round the corner, hurtling towards Sarah and Bethany, Adam jumps out in front of the vehicle, pushing Bethany out of the way and -taking the full brunt of the hit and run himself.

Has Adam played the ultimate price for double-crossing Harvey?

Find out, tomorrow, at 20:00 on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM DARK NEW TWIST FOR BELLE IN EMMERDALE | INFORMING BRITAIN

22/2/2024

Emmerdale is set to depict Belle and Tom King’s controlling and abusive marital relationship.

The newly married couple, played by Eden Taylor Draper and James Chase, have just returned from their honeymoon, but the signs are already apparent that their relationship is not a bed of roses.

The night of her wedding we saw Belle question whether she had made the right choice and she is now starting to lose her way in what a normal relationship actually looks like. Her husband, Tom, is exhibiting clear signs of Coercive Control and there are indications this could develop into physical abuse as well as mental abuse.

Sadly and typically Belle is likely to keep this aspect of their relationship a secret from her nearest and dearest.

Producer Laura Shaw, explains:

"Soaps are in the extraordinary position of being able to highlight what happens behind the public face of an abusive relationship, over a longer period of time. The audience knows these characters so well, sometimes as well as they might know their own friends and family and they care deeply about them. As harrowing as it can be to watch this type of storyline play out, it's imperative that we use our platform to shine a light on Domestic Abuse, and help give a voice to people who have so often been silenced."

The programme has been working with outside partners to research this topic and our research has shown us that since the COVID-19 pandemic the instances of Tech Abuse have risen, I.E. a partner using monitoring devices such as trackers, hidden cameras to control and track their victims. So before long the character of Tom will start using different methods of technology to assert his control and surveillance over Belle.

Eden Taylor Draper, who plays Belle King, says:

"When we first heard from the producers the way the Tom and Belle relationship story was going to go, we were fully aware of the responsibility that would bring. But it is an important story to tell. Soaps offer the viewer a glimpse of life behind closed doors and reveal what people present to the world isn't always a truth. The sad reality is that behaviour like this in a relationship is all too prevalent. I hope we do this story justice. And if people are in a situation like this they should definitely get help."

Throughout the research process, the programme has worked with a Domestic Abuse charity, New Beginnings Peer Support, and their CEO Lindsay Olive highlights why this is an important story for Emmerdale to be telling.

Lindsay Olive, said:

"As an after-crisis service we see the longevity of the trauma resulting from Domestic Abuse and firmly believe preventative measures are key. We therefore, very much welcome Emmerdale covering this storyline to highlight the realities of Domestic Abuse, red flags within a relationship and the challenges of leaving. Domestic abuse remains a hidden pandemic and the more information in the public domain to increase awareness, the higher the chance of perpetrator behaviour being recognised and victims gaining the support they require."

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge, said:

"Refuge is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the writers and producers of Emmerdale, to develop the storyline between Tom and Belle and show viewers the sad realities of Domestic Abuse. The show will be exploring the multi-faceted and complex nature of Domestic Abuse, with various manifestations of abuse, including Coercive Control, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, and Technology-Facilitated Abuse, all set to be displayed by Tom over the coming weeks. The show will also highlight how abuse escalates over time, as well as some of the common tactics used by perpetrators such as isolation from family and friends, love bombing, and manipulation. Domestic Abuse is sadly all too common, with 1 in 4 women experiencing some form of abuse in their lifetime. It is important shows like Emmerdale explore these types of storylines, and work with experts such as ourselves when developing these on-screen portrayals so viewers can be informed about Domestic Abuse and how it presents and learn to recognise signs of abuse in the real world. If you recognise any of the behaviours displayed by Tom, you may be experiencing Domestic Abuse. If this is the case, you are not alone."

Emmerdale continues weeknights at 19:30 on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

CORONATION STREET CONFIRM AFFAIR FOR TRACY MCDONALD AS FAVOURITE REPRISES ROLE | INFORMING BRITAIN

21/1/2024

It looks like Tracy McDonald (Kate Ford) has scored a winner as Weatherfield footballing legend, come painter/decorator, Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn) gets to work at The Barlow residence.

This week Coronation Street viewers will see Tracy employ newly retired footballer Tommy to spruce up her interiors, after being underwhelmed by husband Steve's efforts in the bedroom.

With lazy Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) failing to get the decorating done, Tommy takes up the job, but it quickly becomes clear his mind isn’t just on the work as the sexual chemistry between Tracy and Tommy leaves her hot under the collar.

As Tommy admits he fancies Tracy and leans in for a kiss, it looks like there's no Red Card for Tommy as Tracy takes their attraction to extra time.

As the two Weatherfieldians embark on a steamy affair, has Steve scored a huge own goal by letting his icon home in on his Mrs?!

Matt Milburn speaks about reprising his role as former Weatherfield County football player Tommy Orpington.

Matt, said:

"I was absolutely thrilled and over the moon, because it's something I've wanted for years. I've played Tommy intermittently since 2016 so to be told that I was going to be coming back and given something far more substantial, I was delighted. Tommy is the perfect character for me to play because I love football and he’s a famous northern footballer. It's great to be back!"

Matt delves further into the attraction between Tommy & Tracy, and said:

"I think he likes her sparky nature, her quick retorts and her banter is very sharp. He likes being kept on his toes. She's not an easy target in many ways. I just think that they seem to have this chemistry between them that none of them see coming."

Coronation Street continues on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

BETH CORDINGLY JOINS EMMERDALE | INFORMING BRITAIN

6/12/2023

ITV have confirmed to Informing Britain that they've made big casting signing.

Beth Cordingly has joined the cast of Emmerdale playing Caleb’s wife, Ruby Fox-Milligan, and is due to make her debut on screen in January 2024.

Mother to Nicky, played by Lewis Cope, Ruby is fiery, confident, unpredictable and a fiercely devoted mum.

If Ruby believes Caleb, played by Will Ash, has finally found a family of his own away from her, it's fair to say she would happily destroy it, rather than allow Caleb to be happy without her.

Ruby is a force to be reckoned with and a ticking time bomb.

Beth has a wealth of television and theatre credits to her name including The Bill, Dead Set and Family Affairs.

Beth Cordingly, said:

"I'm delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale, it's an enormous privilege and Ruby is a dream role. She's a firecracker and a trouble-maker and I think people will love her or hate her, and I can’t wait to get stuck in with this fabulous cast."

Series Producer Kate Brooks, added:

"Ruby is an absolute force of nature who sweeps through the village with scores to settle. Fiercely loyal to her family, Ruby will do anything and everything to protect her loved ones. Her relationship with Caleb is infused with intense passion that manifests itself as the ultimate volatile relationship. Ruby is a character who pulls no punches and always makes an impression. We're delighted to welcome Beth to the show and we're sure she'll make a wonderful addition to the village."

Emmerdale airs weekday evenings at 19:30 on ITV 1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.

ITV/STV CONFIRM RYAN STOCKS AND CHARITY DINGLE AS NEW OWNERS OF THE WOOLPACK | EMMERDALE

3/2/2022

It was a sad day for Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) who was a formidable landlady of The Woolpack had to say goodbye to her pub she owned for approximately 10 years.

Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) signed as a partner of Emmerdale's boozer last year but had worked there as its chef for a lifetime.

Over the past few months, Emmerdale viewers saw Chas & Marlon stuggle to keep the pub afloat after being financially crippled by the ongoing CoronaVirus Pandemic amongst other things. The Dingle Cousins were forced into a 33% partnership with shady businessman Al Chapman (Michael Wildman) who had been conspiring with an even more shady business associate, Gavin (Ben Richards), to takeover the pub and possibly have it demolished.

After Al tried to commit insurance fraud by setting The Woolpack on fire to claim the payout, the insurance company declined to hand out the cash as they were not informed of a new development in the building and it invalidated their entire claim.

With little choice but to sell up, Emmerdale fans were glued to their screens as a nail-biting auction took place to determine new owners of The Woolpack.

Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) tried to buy it at first by willing to sell the garage and Butler's Farm, much to the horror of Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb).

It went down to the wire and Cain's plans were scuppered by a mystery online bidder.

ITV and STV watchers were made to wait until the second of this evening's episodes to find out who that mystery bidder was.

Being told that the new owners would like to meet Chas, Marlon and Al, they - along with Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) - made their way to outside The Woolpack where, suspiciously, Kim Tate (Claire King), arrived. Convinced she was the new landlady, Chas, Marlon & Paddy gave her whatfor until the on-screen reveal took place.

Arriving on the scene were Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) and Ryan Stocks (James Moore) who told the stunned former owners that they were the new duo in-charge.

Recently, Ryan's adoptive mother Irene passed away and left a considerable chunk of money in her last will and testament. Ryan used the lump sum to purchase The Woolpack.

To assist in the buying of the iconic pub, Charity sold her percentage of the haulage firm to Kim Tate. Much to the annoyance of Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) who believes Jimmy King (Nick Miles) won't be happy about it.

Kim later gave her share of the haulage company as a present to fiancé Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) who was in disbelief.

Ryan Stocks is the new landlord of The Woolpack alongside his birthmother Charity Dingle who'll act as landlady.

For some reason Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) believes he is also in-charge because of his relationship with Charity but thankfully his girlfriend quietly put him in his place. Although, some viewers may argue he has a point.

Speaking to an ITV insider, James Moore gave his points of view on Ryan's recent purchase in an interview for Emmerdale.

Here are his comments on Emmerdale's latest developments.

ITV INSIDER: Were you excited when you heard you would both become the new owners?

JAMES MOORE:  I was excited to hear Ryan would be one of the new owners of the pub. It's a big step for him as a character especially after losing his mother and cements his part in Emmerdale history.

ITV INSIDER:  Will they want to make any radical changes?

JAMES MOORE:  I think Ryan may want to modernise The Woolpack and create more of a youthful vibe to the pub. As we know he is a computer wiz and I expect he will have good ideas for promoting the pub on social media et cetera. The pub is undergoing a large refurbishment at the moment and I can't wait to see the changes they make.

ITV INSIDER:  Will the pub open as a regular pub serving food or do you think there will be a new idea?

JAMES MOORE: I think the pub will operate as normal to begin with but I imagine Ryan would have some very good ideas about changing the vibe and energy in the pub and bring a modern touch to the space.

ITV INSIDER: Will you both take up positions behind the beer pumps and if so are you looking forward to it?

JAMES MOORE: I think Ryan is taking over more of the behind-the-scenes management in The Woolpack but I imagine he might come out to pour a pint from time to time!

ITV INSIDER: Are you looking forward to filming big Woolpack days when everybody is in?

JAMES MOORE: It will be great to film in the new pub and there is definitely an electrifying buzz when everybody is in the room together. It feels like a long time since I have done a scene in The Woolpack so it's going to be very exciting to be back.

ITV INSIDER: Who is your favourite all time owner/staff member from The Woolpack?

JAMES MOORE: I always loved Marlon as a team member in The Woolpack, and I think it's safe to say at this point he is integral to the pub. I can't imagine the place without him so I hope he is involved in the upcoming storylines with Charity and I.

ITV INSIDER: It was kept a secret. Have you been looking at all the speculation from the fans and were you aware of the fact fans have been speculating?

JAMES MOORE:  I have seen on Twitter the speculation from the fans, and I have seen some people guessing correctly! I am very much looking forward to seeing the audience's reaction.  I am very honoured to be included in this way, and to be so involved in such a big part of Emmerdale history!

Emma Atkins also gave ITV the lowdown on all-things Woolpack and here are her thoughts.

ITV INSIDER: Were you excited when you heard you would both become the new owners?

EMMA ATKINS: Yes it's a great dynamic having mother and son save the pub to keep The Woolpack in the family. Also, knowing I'd be reunited with Chas again, I was over the moon. Getting back behind the bar will be so exciting. And knowing they're going to put Charity and Chas together again, it's just a dream come true.

ITV INSIDER: Tell us about the refurb any radical changes?

EMMA ATKINS: The refurb is brilliant and well thought out. They manage to maintain that country pub style, with a modern twist, using a really vibrant velvet upholstery in wonderful autumnal colours. The new snug area is my favourite. During the design process, Ryan rightly points out the pub is also in need of wheelchair access and suggests one section of the bar be lowered in order to cater for everyone.

ITV INSIDER: Will the pub open as a regular pub serving food or do you think there will be a new idea?

EMMA ATKINS: I think it's going to be a good old fashioned regular pub, with the potential for one off events to jazz it up a little.

ITV INSIDER: Will you both take up positions behind the beer pumps and if so are you looking forward to it?

EMMA ATKINS: There was a mention in a previous script that Charity's role will be more managerial, hands on; and Ryan, being a computer wizard, will be behind all the admin, marketing and financial stuff.

ITV INSIDER: Have you been involved with the plans?

EMMA ATKINS: Charity, Mackenzie, Marlon and Ryan all want to have their say on the way it should be run. Marlon suggests bringing a modern twist to his menu, Mac fancies DJ events and Ryan is busy helping re-design the pub.

ITV INSIDER: Are you looking forward to filming big Woolpack days when everybody is in?

EMMA ATKINS: I cannot wait to get back behind the bar. I love the atmosphere. It's always the central hub of the village where the audience witness all sorts of drama, revelation, gossip and conflict. It's the best place for all those memorable one liners between the punters and bar staff.

ITV INSIDER: Who is your favourite all time owner/staff member from The Woolpack?

EMMA ATKINS: I loved Diane when she was at the helm. And of course Chas.

ITV INSIDER: It was kept a secret, have you been looking at all the speculation from the fans and were you aware of the fact fans have been speculating?

EMMA ATKINS: No I wasn’t aware! That's brilliant news. I've been off social media for a while so it's wonderful to hear there has been excitement and speculation. Let's hope they're happy when they find out.

Emmerdale continues tomorrow at 19:00 on ITV & STV.