Lucy Pargeter auditioned for two Emmerdale roles before landing Chas on ITV soap

Emmerdale has been going strong for a little under 50 years. The ITV soap has become a fan favourite in that time and there are plenty of forums dedicated to storylines and theories.To celebrate the shows 50th anniversary in October producers Jane Hudson and Laura Shaw have said the big milestone will see a "golden month of celebration". It also looks like some old familiar faces could be returning, and some babies may be born.

Emmerdale was full of drama on Thursday as Leyla Cavanagh and Suzy's drug habit was exposed on the ITV soap. During the latest instalment, Vanessa Woodfield almost discovered Suzy and Leyla's secret as they worked together to secure a rich client for his stag do and wedding.

Emmerdale fans went wild on Wednesday's episode as they recognised Marlon Dingle's new doctor after he returned to hospital on Tuesday. Only recently, Marlon had a life-threatening stroke in heartbreaking episodes with the ITV soap working closely with the charity, Stroke Association, to give a "realistic and authentic depiction" of his journey.

Emmerdale fans called for the return of nurse Gail Hancock on Wednesday's episode after Marlon Dingle returned to hospital on Tuesday. Only recently, Marlon had a life-threatening stroke in heartbreaking episodes with the ITV soap working closely with the charity, Stroke Association, to give a "realistic and authentic depiction" of his journey. And on Tuesday's episode, Marlon came up against another health battle as he was rushed to hospital with aspiration pneumonia and his rehabilitation is likely to regress.

Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt has announced a career change after being a familiar face in the Dales for 25 years. Dominic plays Paddy Kirk on the ITV soap, who is a firm fan favourite in the Dales and is known as the loveable village vet. But actor Dominic has been nurturing a secret passion for horror and zombie films.

Emmerdale's Mike Parr looked unrecognisable as he shared a snap of his new transformation over the weekend following his exit from the ITV soap.The actor, 35, who played Ross Barton on the hit ITV soap from 2013 until 2018, took to Instagram to share a picture of his new moustache as he posed to the camera. Mike captioned the selfie with "Paul Sykes vibes", in reference to the British heavyweight boxer who also sported a similar moustache and hairdo.The actor's 248K followers were quick to go wild over the transformation as former Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson, who played Alicia Metcalfe, commented: "And Tom Selleck!!" Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter.

Emmerdale fans were left heartbroken for Billy Fletcher on Thursday's episode of the ITV soap after he was racially attacked. During the latest episode, Billy's wife Dawn Taylor encouraged him to go out for drinks in town with his father-in-law Will Taylor. Later on, Dawn received a message that her husband was injured in hospital as she frantically rushed to see him, where a broken Billy revealed that he had been racially attacked.

Emmerdale fans think they have figured out a murder twist on the ITV soap after spotting a "body bag" clue. During Monday's episode, Cain Dingle and Al Chapman had another confrontation as the latter's sister Chas Dingle begged: "Look at yourself. For God's sake, Cain.

Emmerdale is set for sinister scenes next week as Noah Dingle goes to new terrifying lengths to stalk his ex Chloe Harris. Only recently, Noah's behaviour has been sparking concern as he continues to stalk and become more obsessed with his ex Chloe. And things go to new extremes next week as Noah uses a phone tracker and drone to monitor Chloe's whereabouts.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw has revealed that Noah Dingle's obsession with ex Chloe Harris will "reach a crescendo" in upcoming episodes. The hit ITV soap is set for a shocking week of twists and turns during a special flash forward week of episodes, beginning on Monday 9 May, where several "lives will definitely be in danger".

Emmerdale writer Sharon Marshall has teased Leyla Harding's surprise link to newcomer Suzy on the ITV soap. In upcoming scenes, Leyla is left rattled to see Suzy and Vanessa Woodfield together in the pub as the latter asks how they know each other to which Suzy explains it is through work.

It was the moment soap fans had been waiting for for several months, as they watched Emmerdale’s Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) finally being found guilty and sent down for at least 75 years for her evil crimes. However, just as viewers of the ITV soap thought the gripping storyline with the unhinged serial killer had come to an end, they spotted a huge clue that they think points to a further big twist.

Emmerdale fans were left confused on Monday's episode as they pointed out the court's blunder as murderer Meena Jutla was sentenced after she was found guilty last week. During the latest instalment, Meena, who was found guilty for the murders of Ben Tucker, Andrea Tate and Leanna Cavanagh, appeared in court for her sentencing following Thursday's dramatic hostage scenes.

Emmerdale was full of drama on Monday as Meena Jutla's sentence was finally revealed on the ITV soap after she was found guilty last week. During the latest instalment, Meena, who was found guilty for the murders of Ben Tucker, Andrea Tate and Leanna Cavanagh, appeared in court for her sentencing following Thursday's dramatic hostage scenes. Meena was left furious to see that the court room was practically empty with her sister Manpreet Sharma and Liam Cavanagh nowhere to be seen as she exclaimed: "Wait, they're not here yet.

Emmerdale 's Lucy Pargeter has revealed she had a 'weird and inappropriate' encounter with a fan shortly after the birth of her twins Betsy and Missy. The actress, who has played Chas Dingle in the hit ITV soap since 2002, chooses not to share details of her family life on social media.