Emmerdale hints at baby arriving in 50th anniversary episodes

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale has hinted that the village could be welcoming a tiny new arrival when the soap celebrates its 50th anniversary in October.

Producer Jane Hudson has told Digital Spy and other media during a 2022 preview that Emmerdale's big anniversary later this year will involve a month-long celebration packed full of drama.

And there will be a brand new arrival making their first appearance in the village between the 50th anniversary and Christmas, although the identity of the child's parents are remaining under wraps for now.

ITV

"There will be a new baby arriving in Emmerdale before the end of the year," Hudson said. "I think that's not giving anything away as there are so many female characters in the show, but there will be a new arrival before the year is out.

"There's probably going to be a birth in the anniversary month perhaps! Babies in soaps are either born on programme celebrations or Christmas so there's going to be one of those happening."

The new baby won't be the only major life event playing out in the Dales this year, as there are also three weddings storylined for 2022 – although whether these big days will all go ahead is another question, particularly as one of these weddings will form part of "an unexpected twist" that will shock some of the villagers.

ITV

Elaborating further on the soap's big plans for the 50th anniversary, Hudson revealed that a number of the storylines playing out across the year will feed into the huge month, and that the fallout will lead us into 2023.

"We might see some old faces returning, we're not sure yet," she said. "I think there is a lot coming up – the focus is really to celebrate Emmerdale turning 50. Our focus at the moment is to really build those stories so when we get to our golden month of celebration, we've got secrets that the viewers are desperate to be revealed."

We can even expect an "epic" stunt, as well as "some big emotional stories" that will put the show's best-loved characters to the test.

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