‘Emmerdale’ spoilers: Soap boss teases ‘terrifying’ week where storylines collide
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw has revealed some big hints for the soap’s upcoming special week, including a “terrifying” stunt sequence.
Earlier this year, Shaw offered a taster of the year ahead. Now she offers further insight into what viewers can expect when the scenes air in May. She also teases what’s coming up later in the year.
So dive right into this huge spoiler guide for a preview of all things Emmerdale…
Flashforwards
Shaw confirms that the ITV soap will be resurrecting its love of the flashforward. “We know that the audience always love it when we step out of our usual storytelling style. We’ve done a similar sort of thing like this before. We did the nightclub; the big night out episodes, we did Graham’s murder.
“We’re going to be following a similar pattern, starting the episodes with flashforwards that give the audience the chance to play a bit of Emmerdale detective, and see if they can work out what’s going to happen during the week.”
“So on the Friday episode before the big week, you’ll get a taste of what’s to come as we end that week bouncing round the character groups that will feature in ‘flashforward week’ as it’s become affectionately known at Emmerdale HQ!”
Read more: Next week on Emmerdale
“When we get into the big week, Monday will start with a flashforward where you’ll be absolutely screaming at your TV to find out what on earth is going on. I think I actually squealed with excitement when I saw it for the first time in the edit suite,” she teases.
“And then we reveal a little bit more each day, Monday to Thursday with the flashforwards, with everything obviously being fully revealed by the end of the week.”
Storylines collide in dramatic week
Shaw tells us that a mix of ongoing plots will feature in this forthcoming set of episodes. “We see Noah’s obsession with Chloe reach a bit of a crescendo, and we’ll see Gabby pushed to the limit at Home Farm.
“We know Jamie Tate’s still alive, so is he coming back for Thomas? If so, what lengths will Gabby go to protect her son and stop him [from] being taken from her?”
“There’s actually some lovely scenes exploring motherhood in these episodes,” she adds. “Not just with Gabby, but with Faith too, with her big, huge and shocking secret. That’s revealed to Moira; she becomes the one that she shares that with, so there’s some really touching scenes during the week with Moira and Faith.”
“We’ll also see the Cain and Al rivalry resurface,” Shaw reveals. “And I can promise you that will take a big twist in the special week, and lives will definitely be in danger. When Cain ends that episode saying ‘it’s just the calm before the storm’, trust me, he absolutely means it.
“I think it’s obvious it’s going to be explosive when [Cain and Al] butt heads again. Will they both come away from the week unscathed, or will something big happen that will change the dynamic between these two forever?”
The show certainly hasn’t shied away from its penchant for high stakes stunts, either. “As well as all the exciting drama, the week’s going to feature stunts and action too; we’ve filmed a fairly big stunt that’s been really exciting to plan and film,” says Shaw.
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If you’re wondering how it compares to previous offerings, the producer adds that the team are exploring new territory in 2022. “I don’t think we’ve ever done anything like this before, not in the 20 years I’ve been at Emmerdale, anyway!
“We had to build a very special prop - which you’ll see in the episodes - to make the stunt work. We’ve also used some new and very different filming techniques on one of the stunts which makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, and I can tell you it’s absolutely terrifying.”
What’s next?
Shaw also tells us that the soap is just as committed to their other ongoing storylines - including beloved character Marlon Dingle’s (Mark Charnock) journey after suffering a stroke earlier this year. “Looking ahead, we will of course be continuing to explore Marlon’s long recovery, and how this continues to affect his friends and family.
“We’re also going to be playing another big health story this year for one of our characters, that will have a huge effect on all those people close to them. Leyla’s got a huge story coming up where a shocking secret is revealed, and this will have huge ramifications for Liam and Jacob in particular.”
Read more: Emmerdale: Marlon's storyline praised for 'realistic depiction' of stroke
And if you’re a fan of Emmerdale’s power couples, there’s more to look forward to there. “Some of our most loved couples will have stories that mean we’ll see how they navigate through their problems as strong family units.
“So Liv and Vinny will get a big surprise that’s going to impact them hugely, and turn their lives upside down a bit,” hints Shaw. “Sam and Lydia will also have a big story that sees them having to pull together. I think the stories running through the summer are very much about strengthening some of our couples and seeing them fight for what they love - as well as maybe pushing one or two others to breaking point!”
The soap will also revisit a bit of Dingle history - and Shaw promises there’s another special instalment coming up. “Cain and Chas, as our most loved sibling pairing, also have a lot going on, as Faith’s secret from the big week will impact on them.
“We’re actually just about to start shooting a really special episode that honestly made me cry just reading the script,” she adds. “As it explores more of their rich history and how their upbringing hugely affects the decisions that they make in the present and beyond this we will certainly see, not all those decisions are good ones!”
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Last but not least, Shaw reminds us of Emmerdale’s big anniversary - and it sounds like we’re in for a treat! “Of course we’re still planning for our huge 50th golden birthday in the autumn - I think we’re all absolutely giddy about it here.
“It’s just our big chance to showcase everything that we do best and make sure every single one of our wonderful characters in the show gets a bit of limelight. So there’s definitely going to be something for everyone there.”
Watch the latest Emmerdale spoilers