Classic Emmerdale has been airing on ITV3 since 2019. Old episodes of the show air twice a day on the sister channel of ITV – and they’re certainly popular with fans.
So when is Classic Emmerdale on ITV3? And what’s happening in current scenes?
Did Classic Emmerdale start from the beginning?
When Classic Emmerdale began airing on ITV3 back in 2019, it didn’t start with the very earliest episodes.
Instead it started in 1989. Some fans might wonder why, but that was a big year for the show!
The Tates arrival caused a stir in 1989 Emmerdale episodes (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
What happened in Emmerdale in 1989?
Emmerdale began in 1972. Back then it was called Emmerdale Farm and the show had a real farming focus. Plus it only aired in the afternoons at first.
By 1989 the show had moved to an evening slot in every ITV region, and the storylines had shifted to be less about the farm and more about the residents of the village. Things had spiced up a lot!
In fact, that same year, the name of the soap changed to just Emmerdale.
And there was another important change that year, too. In 1989, a new family bought Home Farm.
Scriptwriters on Emmerdale and @itvcorrie really have lost the plot. I watch the Classic Emmerdale and Classic Corrie sometimes and the difference is startling
Classic Emmerdale airs on ITV3 every week day from Monday to Friday at 1.40pm and 2.10pm. There is then a repeat the following morning at 6am and 6.30am. It’s also available on catch-up on ITVX.
Happy for now, Ashley and Laurel got married in 2005 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
What’s happening in Classic Emmerdale right now?
Currently, the episodes are in 2005. The Kings are big on screen as Max tries to prove himself a worthy member of the family.
But in upcoming scenes, it’ll be the end of Max when he is mown down by Robert Sugden. Robert then leaves the village after Jack tries to protect him from being arrested.
The exit of Zoe Tate also aired in 2005, and that was explosive – quite literally!
Also coming in 2005, Ashley and Laurel Thomas get engaged and are set to marry for the first time.
Tragedy was to come for these two (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The devastating news that Alison Wilson, Sam Dingle’s first wife, has cancer hit in 2005. She kept it a secret at first, but then confessed all to Sam. Pregnant Alice proposed to Sam and the following year they got married before she tragically died.
Meanwhile, the big Christmas storyline of that year saw Belle Dingle and Daz Eden trapped in a mineshaft. Fortunately they were rescued by a man walking his dog.
The scenes won the soap a Spectacular Scene of the Year award at the 2006 British Soap Awards. A young Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle) also won the Best Dramatic Performance From a Young Actor or Actress.
The death and funeral of long-time favourite Seth Armstrong also happened in 2005.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
In August 1993, Viv and Vic Windsor and their family – moved to the village and purchased the post office.
From then it became a central location and survived several local disasters, including the famous plane crash of December 1993.
Vic was killed by Billy Hopwood (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
In 1994, a gas explosion ripped through the post office. Viv was held at gunpoint by masked robbers in 1994. Then, on Christmas Day 1998, Vic was killed in a bungled burglary. The armed robber was Andy Sugden’s dad Billy Hopwood.
Viv remarried Bob Hope and continued to run the post office and cafe.
Then tragedy struck again in January 2011 when a fire claimed the life of postmistress Viv and her friend Terry Woods.
In 2015, Bob found himself on the wrong side of the law when he pinched money from the cafe till to cover a pay-day loan.
Bob roped Val Pollard in to pose as business partner Brenda Walker to secure the loan. However, he ended up getting arrested for fraud. Bob was bailed, but did eventually go to prison after getting into a fight.
Following his release, Bob came up with the idea of holding a regular mothers and children group in the cafe to bring in more revenue. However, this ended up being rather short-lived.
Brenda was blamed for Dan’s condition (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
It wasn’t long before Bob returned behind the counter, but the cafe soon faced total financial ruin after Brenda accidentally served a sandwich containing almonds to Dan Spencer, unaware he was severely allergic to them.
The incident left Dan wheelchair-bound and Brenda was threatened with expensive legal action.
That’s when Nicola King stepped in and decided to capitalise on Brenda’s misfortune.
Nicola offered Bob and Brenda £20,00 in exchange for a 20 percent share of the business, which they were forced to accept.
Nicola now runs the cafe (Credit: ITV)
Bob now owns the B&B – alongside Nicola and Jimmy – and Brenda, Nicola and Jimmy, plus Rodney are usually seen behind the counter of the cafe.
Both Nicola and Brenda are renowned village gossips, so anyone having a private conversation in there should be warned: it won’t stay private for long!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Butlers Farm in Emmerdale is one of the soap’s most recognisable properties. It is currently home to Moira and Cain Dingle, but it has a rich history.
The 157-acre working farm was built around 1800 and is situated a short distance from the main village.
As Emmerdale was originally an agricultural community, Butlers is an important piece of the village’s past.
The farm is the property of Kim Tate, who purchased it from previous owner Moira Dingle in 2023. Moira still owns the farmhouse of Butlers and the field where daughter Holly is buried. Moira lives there with husband Cain and their young sons Kyle Winchester and Isaac Dingle.
Location shooting for Butlers Farm is filmed at Brookland Farm, which is in the village of Eccup. The interior of Butlers farmhouse are filmed in the Emmerdale studios in Leeds.
Wilf was helped by Jack Sugden, but he still couldn’t turn his fortunes around at Butlers Farm (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The history of Butlers Farm in Emmerdale
The farm is thought to date back to the beginning of the early nineteenth century. It was originally owned by a local man called Wilf Butler, who gave his name to the farm.
Butlers was thought to have remained in the Butler family until 2003, when it was first seen on screen.
Wilf had a son called Stephen and when we first met them, Wilf, played by Peter Armitage, was almost bankrupt. With the farm in poverty Jack Sugden helped him out.
Andy was only young when he took over (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The Andy Sugden years
In 2003, farmer’s son Andy Sugden decided he wanted to have a go at running his own holding. He and first wife Katie Addyman took over the tenancy and the young couple grafted all hours to keep the farm running.
Following his divorce from Katie, Andy married Jo Stiles, but the pair split due to Andy’s violent behaviour.
Andy struggled to run the farm on his own, and when Jo sold all of Butlers equipment and livestock he was left with nothing.
He subsequently suffered a complete mental breakdown and was forced to give up his beloved Butlers, marking the end of an era.
The Bartons faced some struggles there (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The John Barton years at Butlers Farm in Emmerdale
Butlers was given a shake-up with the arrival of the Bartons in 2009.
This modern farming family were brought in by former series producer, Gavin Blyth and consisted of dad John, mum Moira and their three teenage children Adam, Holly and Hannah (who is now Matty).
Andy was re-hired and the family also brought in farmhand Alex Moss to help them manage Butlers.
In 2011, John and Moira decided they wanted to make Butlers their permanent home and bought it from the Home Farm estate for a reduced price.
Following John’s tragic death in a car accident, grieving Moira wanted to sell Butlers, but was convinced her kids to stay put.
The Barton boys made an impact (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The James Barton years
In 2014, Butlers saw the arrival of four new faces – John’s brother James Barton and his three sons, Pete, Ross and Finn.
The clan had come to Butlers because they had lost their own farm. James and co were later joined by his former wife, Emma.
After James’s death in October 2016 his shares in Butlers went Emma and their sons
Holly’s death was devastating (Credit: ITV)
Deaths at Butlers Farm in Emmerdale
You could say it’s something of a curse to live at Butlers – particularly if your last name is Barton!
The first of the Barton brood to meet their maker was John, who perished in a car crash.
The family then suffered tragic two losses in 2016.
In September, Moira discovered her daughter Holly dead in bed after she’d succumbed to a heroin overdose in her sleep. This sad event marked the only death to actually occur in Butlers.
And the next month, James was accidentally pushed off a bridge by his wife, Emma.
Almost a year on from that fateful day, Emma accidentally gunned down Finn, and was subsequently pushed to her death off a viaduct by Moira.
Crikey!
Forbidden romance turned into everlasting love (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Steamy affairs
If the walls in Butlers could talk, they’d have some saucy tales to tell!
There’s been quite a bit of rolling around in haystacks – particularly involving Moira!
Her relationship with Cain actually began as an affair, when she was still married to first husband, John, and the lovers enjoyed a few steamy sessions in the farmhouse.
Moira also has also engaged in hanky panky with farmhand Alex Moss, and more recently Nate Robinson – who turned out to be Cain’s long-lost son!
Happy ever after for Moira and Cain? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Wedding bells
Cain and Moira Dingle tied the knot at Butlers back in 2014.
One of the farm’s barns was transformed into a wedding venue and the couple’s loved ones gathered there to watch the happy pair exchange vows.
Recently another of the Butlers barns has had a complete makeover, so could more wedding plans be on the horizon?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Soapland is known for a good cameo and Emmerdale is not different! In fact, when it comes to Emmerdale, there seem to have been more famous faces visiting the Dale than have popped into Weatherfield or Walford.
Here’s our round up of all the familiar faces you may have spotted over the years!
Katherine Jenkins sang at a pageant in the village (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Celebrity chefs cameo in Emmerdale
Marlon Dingle’s vocation in the kitchen has led to some celebrity encounters. In 2005, he met Aldo Zilli at a cookery competition and Antony Worrall Thompson showed up in 2008 when the Woolpack was nominated as Pub of the Year.
Antony tried to tempt Marlon to become a TV chef but he decided to stay put!
Marti Pellow came to serenade Kathy Glover before she went to Australia (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pop stars in Emmerdale
Emmerdale’s regular village events mean there have been lots of opportunities for popstars to visit.
Who can forget the tragic episode featuring Katherine Jenkins? She was closing the Emmerdale pageant in 2007, singing Time to Say Goodbye, as Len Reynolds died from a heart attack and was driven away. SOB!
Happier cameos include The Proclaimers and Scouting for Girls. They performed at a festival at Home Farm, organised by Declan Macey and his sister Megan, in 2012. The special episodes were part of the celebrations for Emmerdale’s 40th anniversary.
In 2001, teen hearthrob Marti Pellow serenaded Kathy Glover at her leaving party, while in 2005, Diane Sugden fessed up to having a fling with Tony Christie when he dedicated a song to her in his concert.
And Spice Girl Mel B was an extra on Emmerdale before making it big as Scary Spice!
Hunter the Gladiator took part in a tug of war in the village! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sports people
We all know Yorkshire’s not short of sporting legends and there have a been a few cameos from all kinds of champions since the show began.
Chris Kamara was “unbelievable” when his football team took on Bear’s back in 2019! And in 2014, Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton visited the village, as a nod to the Tour de France which started in Yorkshire that year.
Chris Kamara played in the village football match (Credit: ITV)
And there’s more sporting cameos in Emmerdale
Winding the clock back further, rugby star Martin Offiah arrived in 1996 to play a ‘friendly’ charity match with some of the drinkers from the Woolpack. He even managed to send Mandy Dingle flying when he scored a try!
And in 1995 Hunter from Gladiators took part in a village tug of war!
That same year Ian Botham opened the newly refurbished Woolpack, while fellow cricketer Fred Trueman appeared in the show back in 1987.
Meanwhile before she won gold at the Olympics, Nicola Adams worked as an extra. She appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale but once she’d won her medal she had to retire from being a background artist because she was too recognisable!
The Vivienne took Emmerdale by storm! (Credit: ITV)
Other famous faces who have had an Emmerdale cameo
Doctor Who star Colin Baker appeared in an episode in 2021 as Diane Sugden’s date. While actor and dad of Cherie Blair, Tony Booth was in Emmerdale in 2007. He played a homeless man called Errol, who may or may not have been a ghost. No, we don’t remember that either. Perhaps we’ve blocked it out?!
Drag queen The Vivienne visited the village for Emmerdale’s first Pride in 2021.
Dancing on Ice faves Torvill and Dean appeared in 2023 (Credit: ITV)
Most recently, Torvill and Dean showed off their ice dancing skills for evil abuser Tom King (if only they’d known what he was really like, eh?) as Belle proposed on the ice.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Bradley shared the update via his social media account using a picture of a cake with the message ‘baby coming December 2024’ iced upon it.
It’s a happy time for Bradley (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Emmerdale star Bradley Johnson shares baby news
As well as the cake we were treated to some Polaroids of their pregnancy journey. One showed Sammie’s baby-bearing belly and pics of them holding scan photos.
In the caption below the post, Bradley wrote simply: ‘Mum and Dad,’ signing off with a love heart emoji.
Bradley’s post sparked a huge reaction from his co-stars, not least on-screen mum, Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle.
“LOVE YOU BOTH SO SO SO SO MUCH at long long last I can tell everyone-you are both going to be the absolute BEST!!! YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! so excited!!!! I’ve said congratulations to you both over a hundred times ,” she wrote. Sounds like she’s excited, doesn’t it?
Ash Palmisciano, who plays Matty Barton, concurred with Lisa’s sentiment: “Ah mateeeee this is amazing news!!! so happy for you both!! huge congratulations buddy! what a fun and lovely dad you’re gonna be.”
“Ahhh amazing news!! Congrats guys!!!” wrote Jessie Elland, who played Chloe Harris.
Lovely Dean Andrews added: “Mate, I could not be happier for you both. Massive congrats.”
“Congratulations you two!!!!!’ chimed in Belle Dingle actress Eden Taylor-Draper.
Poor Vinny’s not having as good a time as Bradley (Credit: ITV)
Bradley and Sammie
Bradley has played Vinny Dingle since 2019. He has suffered much heartbreak having married Liv Flaherty only for her to be killed months later by an accident during the Emmerdale storm.
He has since moved on with Gabby Thomas – Liv’s best mate – but ended things when she said she knew he was a virgin. Awkward.
Meanwhile in real life things have been far more plain-sailing for Bradley. Despite rumours of a romance with Liv actress Isobel Steele, Bradley and Sammie have in fact been together for two years.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk back in 2021, Isobel explained why there were romance rumours between the pair: “Brad is wonderful and such a good friend of mine. We are very similar and work really well together when we have scenes just us two.
“I can see why people jumped to conclusions, seeing two characters spending time together on and off-screen.
“For the record me and Brad are not in a relationship. We are just very good friends who enjoy each other’s company out of work as well as in work.”
He proposed to Sammie in October 2023 in Rome and they announced their engagement on social media. And now baby makes three!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Emmerdale star Emma Atkins has revealed that Charity will finally cotton on to the truth that not all is well with Belle and Tom. In fact, she has teased Charity could be Tom’s downfall. Hallelujah!
The actress states it’s all down to her own personal history with evil DI Bails. That’s what makes Charity realise something is up. But as she pressures Belle to reveal all, can she get to the truth and help Belle?
We really hope so!
Charity pushes Belle – but is it too far (Credit: ITV)
Charity’s suspicions of Tom grow – and it’s about time
In upcoming Emmerdale spoilers, Charity is growing very concerned about Belle’s behaviour. She wants Belle to open up and tries to get the other Dingle women – Chas, Lydia and Mandy to help her. But the safe space turns toxic when the questions about her marriage overwhelm Belle and she rushes out.
Charity follows and won’t let it lie, determined to get her to open up. But emotional Belle sees Tom approaching and violently pushes Charity away before running off.
Tom spins yet another tall tale that Belle is struggling with her mental health – and everyone apart from Charity buys it. But with the Dingles taking Tom’s side, has Charity missed her chance to prove it?
Tom then sets about planning to take Belle to a remote part of Wales – he tells her it’s just a holiday, but actually he is interviewing for a job there. He knows Charity is suspicious and if he wants to keep control he has to get Belle away from her family as soon as possible.
Charity was abused so she knows the signs (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale star Emma Atkins says ‘Charity’s on to Tom’
Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, has revealed Charity knows exactly what Tom’s game is – and it’s all thanks to men like DI Bails. Charity was abused and raped by Bails and eventually saw him convicted years after the fact.
Now, as an adult, she knows the signs and knows what to look out for. Her one problem? Getting everyone else to see them too.
Referring to Charity’s past experience with Bails, Emma told Entertainment Daily: “I felt that if anyone was going to recognise those signs of abuse, it probably would be Charity, because she’s lived and breathed it in her past. She starts to notice behavioural changes in Belle.”
Emma then went on to say: “She’s on to him [Tom], and I think that’s going to excite the audience in a way, because everybody’s saying ‘when is he going to get found out?’ So I think they’ll enjoy the fact that someone’s on to him, finally!”
So far, Charity’s efforts have amounted to nothing – but then we know she doesn’t let anything get in her way usually. In Charity versus Tom, we know who our money’s on!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Tracy Robinson (nee Shankley) in Emmerdale has been causing trouble in the village for almost a decade.
Estranged from second husband Nate Robinson she is desperate to pursue her dream of opening a forest nursery. But will she ever manage it?
She’s gone from wild child to much-loved mum (Credit: ITV)
Who is Tracy Robinson in Emmerdale?
She is the daughter of the late Frank Clayton and Evette Shankley, the latter of whom has never been seen on-screen.
Tracy’s parents split when she was a young girl. She lost contact with Frank and Evette turned to alcohol in order to cope. Tracy is also the half-sister of vet Vanessa Woodfield.
The siblings are former housemates and didn’t discover they were related until 2016, nearly two years after their first meeting.
A former prostitute and thief, Tracy’s upbringing was far from a happy one, although she no longer engages in criminal activities.
Tracy has also been married twice. Her 2016 union with David Metcalfe ended in divorce two years later. She’s estranged from husband Nate Robinson after cheating on him with his uncle, Caleb Miligan.
The love of Tracy’s life is her young daughter, Frankie, who she welcomed in February 2021 and named in honour of her late father.
Tracy was a scammer when she first arrived (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Tracy’s arrival
Wild child Tracy made her on-screen debut on July 7, 2014 and was first introduced as a love interest of Sam Dingle, who she’d met via an online chat group.
Going by the name Coleen, Tracy cruelly scammed Sam out of money. He later found her sleeping rough and invited her to stay at the Dingles’ while she found her feet again.
Tracy then moved into the B&B to live with Eric and Val Pollard, but proved old habits die hard when she was caught with her fingers in Val’s purse.
David proposed with a unique ring! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Her love life
Tracy began dating shop owner David Metcalfe, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly into their relationship. She supported him through his illness and the couple got hitched in 2016 after David was given the all clear.
Their marriage only lasted a couple of years, after Tracy’s past as a prostitute was exposed when she got a stalker. Davis was unable to cope with who she had been and had a one-night stand with ex, Leyla. But Tracy and David hooked up for one last night together, which resulted in her falling pregnant. Feeling unable to keep the baby, Tracy had a termination.
Her next relationship was with Nate Robinson, but what started out as just a no-strings fling turned serious when Tracy learnt she was expecting.
In early 2021 she gave birth to a little girl called Frankie. After overcoming a few obstacles, Tracy and Nate finally made it official and married in July 2023.
Faith helped Tracy understand she needed help (Credit: ITV)
Tracy’s postnatal depression
Motherhood hasn’t been the easiest ride for Tracy.
Just days after Frankie’s birth, Tracy found herself overwhelmed and unable to cope looking after her new baby. She battled with postnatal depression in silence for months, and came very close to taking her own life.
Thankfully, Tracy recognised she needed help and committed herself to a psychiatric ward, leaving Frankie in Nate’s care.
She returned to the village a few months later, but was heartbroken to discover Nate had been unfaithful in her absence.
Nate’s betrayal resulted in Tracy relocating to Nottingham, which coincided with actress Amy Walsh’s maternity leave.
Tracy and Caleb were caught out at Christmas (Credit: ITV)
Affair with Caleb Miligan
With the ink barely dry on her marriage certificate to Nate, Tracy shocked viewers by embarking on a forbidden affair with his uncle, Caleb Miligan.
Despite her best efforts, Tracy was unable to resist the charms of the smooth-talking businessman. The lustful duo took major risks by engaging in passionate trysts across the village, but ended up getting caught in the act by Moira Dingle.
She ordered Tracy and Caleb to end their affair, which they did, only to resume it weeks later.
Tracy eventually decided she didn’t love Nate any more and ended their marriage. He found out she had been bedding Caleb when Caleb’s wife Ruby announced it at Belle and Tom’s wedding reception.
Caleb decided to make a go of things with Ruby, leaving Tracy out in the cold and all alone. She threw herself into her forest nursery idea, but determined to get him to prove his loyalty, Ruby made Caleb sabotage her presentation to potential investors. He exposed her prostitute past and it left her dream in tatters.
She now works in Eric’s shop, desperately trying to salvage her future.
Amy is married to an EastEnders star (Credit: Steve Vas/Future Image/Cover Images)
Who plays Tracy Robinson?
Emmerdale’s Tracy Robinson is played by British actress Amy Walsh. She was born on 27 March 1987 and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Amy is the youngest of four children, and her sister Kimberley Walsh is a member of the iconic girl group Girls Aloud.
Her other sister, Sally Walsh, also had a role in Emmerdale and played the character of Lyn Hutchinson between 1997 and 2000.
Amy’s first television appearance was as Jennifique McQueen in series four of the Hollyoaks spin-off, Hollyoaks Later.
Interestingly, Tracy wasn’t the first Emmerdale character Amy tried out for. She previously auditioned for the part of Rachel Breckle, which went to actress Gemma Oaten.
In August 2023, Amy married former EastEnders actor Toby-Alexander Smith in the foothills of Montenegro’s towering mountains.
The couple met in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2019, and moved in together when the Covid pandemic hit.
They are parents to their daughter, Bonnie Mae, who they welcomed in December 2021.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Emmerdale is on every week night – good news for us fans! Plus there is an hour-long episode every Thursday.
It usually airs at 7.30pm on ITV but it’s always good to double check because sometimes schedules change for football matches or other major events.
There’s all kinds of drama every night (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale on ITVX
You can also catch Emmerdale on ITVX. All episodes from this year are there to view as well as some from the end of last year, too.
Plus there are previews, extras and all sorts of other snippets available for fans to catch up on.
Of course we weren’t always so lucky to be treated to this many episodes of Emmerdale each week.
Emmerdale’s early episodes were on in the afternoon (Credit: ITV/Britbox)
Emmerdale schedules back in the day
When the show first started WAAAAY back in 1972 it was broadcast on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon – and that was it! And there was no catch-up TV then, so if you missed an episode, that was that.
In 1977, the episodes were moved to the evenings – phew! And so it was for twenty years, until in 1997 they added another episode, on Wednesday evenings.
But that wasn’t enough! So the show’s bosses decided to add some extra! And in October 2000 two more weekly episodes were added, this time on a Monday and a Friday.
In 2004, a Sunday evening episode was added to the list, making Emmerdale the first soap with six weekly episodes – impressive stuff.
After that, things got a bit complicated!
The Woolpack is at the centre of the action (Credit: ITV)
Social distancing
In 2008, the Sunday episode was scrapped and to make up for it, a longer hour-long episode was screened on Tuesdays. Emmerdale bosses were clear that this wasn’t just two half-hour eps mushed together, but actually a specially filmed hour-long episode.
In 2009 things changed again with Tuesdays going back down to half an hour, while an extra episode was aired on Thursday, half an hour after the first finished.
Then in 2019, ANOTHER episode was added to the Tuesday schedule meaning there were now seven episodes of Emmerdale every week.
During the Covid pandemic, episodes were reduced and aired on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Filming stopped between March and June of 2020 and when it resumed it was under strict social distancing restrictions and most episodes only featured two or three characters filmed by a skeleton crew.
In September 2020 Emmerdale returned to its usual schedule.
In January 2022, things changed again. Now Emmerdale airs at 7.30pm – the first change to its time slot since the seventies. And the Thursday double episodes were replaced with an hour-long ep.
And that’s how it’s stayed since then!
Classic Emmerdale
As well as modern day Emmerdale, die-hard fans can watch Classic Emmerdale episodes on ITV3 every single day!
These usually air at 1.30pm and 2.05pm, and are then repeated the next morning at 6am and 6.30am.
At the moment episodes from 2005 are airing and it sees the King family feuds at the heart of the action.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Eden Taylor-Draper is best known to millions as Emmerdale’s Belle King (nee Dingle). The Yorkshire lass joined the soap in 2005 at the tender age of eight when she took over the part from Emily Mather.
Viewers have watched Belle – and Eden – grow up on screen.
During her two decades on Emmerdale, Belle has been at the centre of several major storylines, including a battle with schizophrenia, an illicit affair with a married doctor, faking a pregnancy and the tragic loss of her mum, Lisa Dingle.
Eden is no stranger to acting out tough scenes, but this year has been particularly challenging as Belle has found herself trapped in an abusive marriage to new husband Tom.
The once bubbly businesswoman has found herself on the receiving end of Tom’s jealous temper as he’s attempted to control every aspect of her life.
Thankfully life away from the cameras is a far happier one for Eden. Here is everything you need to know about the star.
Eden, pictured at the 2023 British Soap Awards, has been in Emmerdale since she was a child (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Who is Eden Taylor-Draper and how old is she?
Eden Taylor-Draper is a British actress who plays Emmerdale’s Belle King. She was born on 28 October 1997, making her 26-years-old.
Eden grew up in the market town of Selby, which is situated in North Yorkshire. It is around 30 minutes from where the soap is filmed.
Eden’s real-life family is as close as her on-screen one.
She’s the eldest of five, and her parents Nicola and Richard also have son Sebastian and daughters Pollyanna, Francesca and Posy.
Things are not great for Belle right now (Credit: ITV)
Eden Taylor-Draper as Belle Dingle in Emmerdale
Eden plays wedding planner Belle King (nee Dingle). Born Tinkerbelle Lisa ‘Belle’ Dingle, she’s the youngest daughter of Zak Dingle and the only child of his late wife, Lisa Dingle.
She has six half-siblings – Nathan, the late Ben and Butch, Sam, Cain and Tina Dingle.
Belle has lived her whole life in the village, being born and raised in Wishing Well Cottage.
The character made her first appearance on Christmas Day 1998. Viewers have watched Belle grow from a tiny baby to a smart and accomplished businesswoman.
Belle was originally played by twins Emily and James Mather. James stopped appearing in 2000 and Emily in 2005 when Eden took over the role.
Belle’s journey has been nothing short of dramatic.
Her storylines have included a surviving a near-fatal fall down a mineshaft, accidentally killing her best friend, an affair with a married man, faking a pregnancy and battle with schizophrenia.
In February 2024, Belle married her ex-boyfriend and village vet, Thomas King. The pair originally dated as teenagers and reconnected when Tom returned to the village after several years living abroad.
Sadly, married life has got off to the worst start for Belle. Tom has revealed himself to be a jealous and controlling bully. The vet has subjected his wife to appalling physical and mental abuse, including deliberately burning her hand.
Although becoming increasingly more aware of Tom’s actions, Belle has been manipulated into believing she’s the one responsible.
What else has Eden Taylor-Draper been in?
Emmerdale is Eden’s first professional acting gig.
In 2007, at the age of nine, she appeared in a short film titled The Cardiac Oak.
Eden was by her sister’s side throughout her treatment (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
She supported her sister through cancer
In 2017, Eden’s family went through the toughest of times when her young sister Francesca was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Eden took a break from work so she could be by Francesca’s side while she underwent treatment at hospital.
Speaking to The Mirror in 2020, Eden revealed: “Chessie [her nickname for Francesca] had her bed and I had a little bed next to her.
“Mornings would be a snuggle, cup of tea and re-runs of Come Dine With Me. I tried to keep Chess as cosy as possible. We’d always say love you before bed, and that everything would be okay.”
Thankfully, Francesca is now in remission. The life-changing experience prompted Eden to become an ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust.
She’s also taken part in the Great North Run for Bloodwise, a UK charity that raises funds into research for all blood cancers.
Belle’s love life might have turned into a living nightmare, but Eden’s couldn’t be more different. The actress has been in a relationship with her high school sweetheart, Ed Lewis, for eight years.
The cute couple first met while they were both pupils at Harrogate Grammar School. Ed, who’s not in the showbiz industry, frequently appears on Eden’s social media account.
Eden looked every inch the proud girlfriend in 2019 when she accompanied Ed to his graduation at Durham University, where he achieved a first class honours degree in geography.
The couple also regularly share gorgeous photographs of their travels together, including summer breaks to Italy and Croatia and a festive getaway in Austria.
Eden’s co-stars are like family (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Her Emmerdale co-stars are like family
Eden is super close to her Emmerdale co-stars and has come to consider many of them as her second family.
Despite there being 23 years between her and Emma Atkins (aka Charity Dingle), Eden says their unbreakable bond makes it feel like they’re the same age and more like sisters.
Eden also regularly hangs out with Isabel Hodgins (Victoria Sugden), Daisy Campbell (Amelia Spencer) and Jessie Elland (who played Chloe Harris).
And in 2023, the four friends started their own book club called Rather Be Reading so they could discuss their favourite reads.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Emmerdale has recast plenty of its main characters in its time. In fact, it’s a pretty regular occurrence in Soapland!
Here’s our round up of all the times Emmerdale has found someone new to play someone old!
Aaron’s been played by two actors, most recently Danny Miller (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale recast: Aaron Dingle
Fan fave Aaron was played by Danny Webb for 19 episodes, before Danny Miller took on the role in 2008.
Newlyweds Amy Wyatt and Matty Barton have both been played by other actors (Credit: ITV)
Amy Wyatt
When Amy Wyatt first came to Emmerdale she was played by Chelsea Halfpenny, who went on to play Alicia in Casualty as well as starring on stage. When Amy returned from her years on the run, she was played by Natalie-Ann Jamieson, who still plays the newly wed.
Angelica is currently played by Rebecca Bakes (Credit: ITV)
Angelica King
As a baby in 2009, Angelica was played by Sophie Firth. Rebecca Bakes, who still plays the teen jailbird, took on the role the same year.
Carly Hope
Carly was played first by Rebecca Ryan, who went on to appear in Shameless, Casualty and as Lydia Chambers in Coronation Street. From 2015 – 2017 Gemma Atkinson played the role.
Dolly Skilbeck
Katherine Barker played Dolly from 1977, before Jean Rogers took over in 1980.
Dotty Thomas
When she was a baby, in 2016, little Dotty was played by Ellerie Carroll. The same year, Tilly-Rue Foster, who still plays Dotty, took on the role.
Aaron Anthony was the second person to play Ellis (Credit: ITV)
Ellis Chapman
Ellis was played by actor Asan N’Jie from 2018 until 2019. When N’Jie was sacked for “unacceptable behaviour”, Ellis went on a trip to Dubai. When he returned he was played Aaron Anthony, who was known for his roles in Midsomer Murders among others. In February 2022, Ellis left again. This time it was reported that Aaron had left due to an alleged racist incident on set.
Elsa Feldmann
Elsa was played by Naomi Lewis twice during the 1990s, and then by Natasha Gray in 1999 and 2001.
Hear’Say star Suzanne Shaw played Eve Jenson (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Eve Jenson
Edna Birch’s sassy great-niece was played by Raine Davison from 2001-2002, and then briefly again in 2006. In 2010, Hear’Say singer Suzanne Shaw took on the part.
Sally Dexter won praise for her portrayal of Faith (Credit: ITV)
Faith Dingle
Television actress Gillian Jephcott played Faith between 2000 and 2004, before Sally Dexter took on the role in 2017 and made it her own until Faith’s sad death in 2022.
Frankie Smith
Zoe Tate’s lorry-driving ex was played by Gina Aris, then by Madeleine Bowyer.
Gordon Livesy
Aaron’s evil, abusive dad was played by Gerard Fletcher in the early noughties. When Gordon came back into Aaron’s life, in 2015, he was played by Gary Mavers, who was known from Peak Practice.
Jack Sugden was an legendary Emmerdale character who was recast to be played by Clive Hornby (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jack Sugden
Clive Hornby played Jack Sugden for almost 30 years but when Emmerdale first began, the iconic character was played by Andrew Burt. Andrew appeared in 100 episodes before his alter ego left the village to write a book. Jack returned in 1980.
Jean Hope
Bob’s ex-wife Jean was played by Julie Higginson from 2003-2004. In 2006 she was played by Susan Penhaligon. She’s the real-life partner of Duncan Preston, who played Laurel Thomas’s dad, Doug Potts.
Johnny Woodfield
Little Johnny has been played by Luca Hepworth and Jack Jennings.
Kirin Kotetcha
Johnny’s estranged dad, Kirin, was played by Adam Fielding. In 2020 when Kirin returned to Emmerdale, the role was recast and he was played Rish Shah. He’s since starred in the television series Ms Marvel.
Harvey Rogerson plays Leo (Credit: ITV)
Leo Goskirk
Leo is now played by Harvey Rogerson, who’s had the role since 2014. Harry Whittaker, who shared the role initially with Theo Tasker, before taking it on solo, tragically passed away in 2015. Harry was the nephew of Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker.
Lucas Taylor
Dawn’s son Lucas was played by Dexter Ansell, before Noah Ryan Aspinall took on the role in 2021.
Marian Wilks
Marian, who was the first ever character to be seen on Emmerdale, was played by Gail Harrison and Debbi Blythe.
Matty Barton
Moira’s transgender son Matty is now played by Ash Palmisciano. Before Ash took on the role, Grace Cassidy played Hannah Barton.
Nellie Dingle
Zak Dingle’s ex-wife Nellie was played by Sandra Gough in 1995 – she had played Irma Ogden in Coronation Street in the sixties. When Nellie returned to the village in 2000 she was played by Maggie Tagney.
Pat Sugden
Jack’s first wife, and mum to Robert Sugden, Pat was played by Lynne Dalby in the early days of Emmerdale. When the character returned to the village in 1980, Helen Weir took on the role. Helen married Clive Hornby, who played her on-screen husband and the pair had a son, Thomas.
Fiona Wade played Priya for more than a decade (Credit: ITV)
Priya Kotecha
Priya was played briefly by Effie Woods, before Fiona Wade took over the role from 2011 until she left the village in 2023.
Sugden siblings Victoria and Robert have both been played by other actors before Isabel Hodgins and Ryan Hawley took on the roles (Credit: ITV)
Robert Sugden
One member of the most iconic Emmerdale family, Robert Sugden has been recast twice since Christopher Smith played the role as a youngster. Karl Davies – who has gone on to appear in shows including Happy Valley, Chernobyl and Game of Thrones – played Robert from 2001 until 2009. When Robert came home after time away from the village, he was played by Ryan Hawley, who transformed his character into one half of Robron!
Sarah Sugden
Robert’s adoptive mum Sarah was played by Madeleine Howard until 1994 when Alyson Spiro took on the role.
Sarah Sugden is played by Katie Hill
Sarah Sugden Jr
Named after her adoptive grandmother by dad Andy Sugden, young Sarah was played by Lily-May Bartleby, Lucy Warren, and Amber Child-Cavilli. Sophia Amber Moore took on the part from 2007 until 2016, when Katie Hill took over.
Scott Windsor was played by Ben Freeman (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Scott Windsor
Troublemaker Scott was played by Toby Cockerell when he first arrived in the village with his family. But Ben Freeman took over the role in 1996 becoming one of Emmerdale’s most talked-about cast members.
Sebastian White
Baby Seb was played by Lily Westmoreland and Opie Atkinson.
Terence Turner
Abusive, manipulative Terence was played by Stephen Marchant in the 1980s. When his sister Steph Stokes came to the village in the noughties it was revealed Terence had sexually abused her. Terence eventually came to the village too, played by Nick Brimble.
James Chase now plays Tom King (Credit: ITV)
Tom King
Violent, abusive Tom King has been a regular face in the village over the years. He first arrived in the noughties as a small boy, played first by Jack Ferguson, then by Connor Hill.
When Tom – who then called himself Thomas – came back to Emmerdale as a troubled teenager for a longer stint, he was played by Mark Flanagan.
Now James Chase has taken on the part of Tom, turning him from a tormented teen to a fully fledged, evil abuser who’s making poor Belle’s life a misery.
Tom Merrick
Pat Sugden’s violent first husband was played by Jack Carr, Edward Peel and David Hill.
Isabel is not the first actress to play Vic (Credit: ITV)
Victoria Sugden
Another member of the Sugden family, Victoria was originally played by Hannah Midgeley. After a 2006 holiday in Spain visiting her grandmother, Victoria returned, now played by Isabel Hodgins.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
![Editorial use onlyMandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (1280431dn) Carl King [Tom Lister] tells Eve Jenson [Suzanne Shaw] he got a new phone just for her calls 'Emmerdale' TV Programme - 2010](https://cdn.entertainmentdaily.com/2024/06/19162633/shutterstock_editorial_1280431dn.jpg)
