ITV soap opera Emmerdale is gearing up to mark a milestone anniversary later this month. The long-running drama is celebrating 50 years on our screens on October 16 and, amid other storylines, a huge storm is set to hit the village.
On the lead-up to the big birthday, the Yorkshire soap has slowly been teasing what viewers can expect in the coming weeks and last month released a cast photo showing all the stars behind the hit ITV programme. With the landmark anniversary only a few weeks away, a new photo has been shared from a special photoshoot featuring some of the latest additions to the Emmerdale cast over the recent years.
The image shows eight of the newest actors to arrive in the village - with some joining the show earlier this year and others making their first appearances in 2021 and 2020. Featured in the picture are; Karene Peter, who plays Naomi Walters; Martelle Edinborough, who plays Suzy Merton; Kevin Mathurin, who plays Charles Anderson; Louise Jameson, who plays Rhona's mum Mary Goskirk; Darcy Grey, who plays Marcus Dean; Lawrence Robb, who plays Mackenzie Boyd; Emile John, who plays Ethan Anderson and Jessie Elland, who plays Chloe Harris.
Each of the actors have been cast by Emmerdale’s casting director, Faye Styring, who has been casting the show for 17 years. Together with her team of four colleagues, Faye is continually looking to nurture new and emerging talent.
“As a team we are passionate about finding new talent and the right actor for the role," Faye said. "All of these actors have really made their own mark on the show already.”
Karene Peter, who first appeared this summer as Charles' daughter and Ethan's sister Naomi, spoke of joining the soap at such an exciting time. She said: “It’s been great joining the show at such an iconic moment in time! Everyone has been super welcoming and it feels like I’ve been here forever!”
Louise Jameson, who arrived in the village earlier this year as Mary Goskirk, has appeared on Emmerdale before - she played a different character back in 1973. Speaking of being part of the Yorkshire soap's birthday celebrations, she said: “I’m so thrilled to be part of Emmerdale’s iconic 50th celebrations.
"Fifty years ago one of my first jobs was playing Sharon Crosswaite on Emmerdale Farm, then a humble lunchtime show, and now here I am again, full circle. I couldn’t be happier.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV and the ITV Hub from 7.30pm. The long-running soap will celebrate its 50th birthday with an hour long episode on Sunday, October 16.
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