Emmerdale viewers have been left guessing all week who will be revealed as the The Woolpack's new official owners.
But all has now been revealed as tonight's second episode of the ITV soap saw Charity and Ryan meet Paddy, Chas and Marlon as they took over the iconic boozer.
Although it seems hasn't come as much of a shock to fans who have been speculating all week that Ryan could be the one to win the bidding.
You can get all the fallout from tonight’s big news by visiting our dedicated Emmerdale homepage.
It came after viewers saw Kim Tate scheming to place a bid for the pub with a watchful Ryan Stocks looking on from his car in Wednesday nights episode.
There was talk of his adoptive mother's will and fans became convinced he's set to inherit a lump sum that he could put to the pub.
And it seems eagle-eyed viewers were right as Ryan and Charity were revealed as the new owners on Thursday, February, 3.
We’ve caught up with actors James Moore and Emma Atkins to discuss their new roles as the pub's joint owners.
James Moore - Ryan Stocks
Were you excited when you heard you would both become the new owners?
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.
Will they want to make any radical changes?
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 etc. The pub is undergoing a large refurbishment at the moment and I can’t wait to see the changes they make.
Will the pub open as a regular pub serving food or do you think there will be a new idea?
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 bringing a modern touch to the space.
Will you both take up positions behind the beer pumps and if so are you looking forward to it?
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!
Are you looking forward to filming big Woolpack days when everybody is in?
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.
Who is your favourite all time owner/staff member from the Woolpack?
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.
It was kept a secret.. have you been looking at all the speculation from the fans.. were you aware of the fact fans have been speculating etc.
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 - Charity Dingle
Were you excited when you heard you would both become the new owners?
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.
Tell us about the refurb any radical changes?
The refurb is brilliant and well thought out. They manage to maintain that country pub style, with a modern twist, using 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.
Will the pub open as a regular pub serving food or do you think there will be a new idea?
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.
Will you both take up positions behind the beer pumps and if so are you looking forward to it?
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.
Have you been involved with the plans?
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.
Are you looking forward to filming big Woolpack days when everybody is in?
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 witnesses 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.
Who is your favourite all time owner/staff member from the Woolpack?
I loved Diane when she was at the helm. And of course Chas.
It was kept a secret.. have you been looking at all the speculation from the fans.. were you aware of the fact fans have been speculating etc.
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.
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