Emmerdale star Anna Nightingale talks filming stunt week pregnant

Emmerdale is treating viewers to an ambitious week of drama next week, with several stunts and wild storylines that will leave fans shocked.

Anna Nightingale, who plays Andrea Tate on the long-running soap, has been heavily involved with the show's stunt week, saying it was "an incredible experience" but that she also had to be careful due to being pregnant.

Nightingale announced her pregnancy in September – the baby will be her second child with fiancé Daren Dixon.

ITV

Speaking about the stunts, she said: "Obviously being pregnant, I had to listen to my body, doctors and the experts on what it was considered most safe to be a part of."

"Myself during non-pregnant times would dive into opportunities like this with full commitment but I took it day by day and consulted with those around me to make sure I could safely undertake the parts that I could in the story," Nightingale continued.

"I built a really amazing relationship with the incredible stunt performer who was taking lead on the parts I couldn't. I'll forever be grateful to her for not only her work but also for looking after me and teaching me so much," she added.

As Emmerdale prepares for stunt week, Nightingale said, "The atmosphere [on set] has been electric" and with "dangerous stunts or special effects" involved, "the team spirit is high and keeping everyone safe whilst doing the story justice is at the forefront of everyone's minds."

ITV

Nightingale said that working on the stories for next week has made her "feel very alive".

When asked what the audience can expect from these new episodes, Nightingale explained: "I know it's been said before but these episodes aren't like anything you've seen on the show. The stand-alone nature of the episodes will suck you in, chew you up, and spit you out."

Producer Kate Brooks has promised fans a "non-stop adrenaline rush from the very start" with "twists and turns" that just "keep on coming," as one character will die very soon.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.