‘Emmerdale’: Soap’s 50th anniversary storm will leave the village 'derelict'

As Emmerdale heads towards its 50th anniversary next month, fans know that a storm is brewing, but it's been revealed that behind the scenes, the weather-based stunt created havoc on set.

Isobel Steele, who plays Liv Dingle, is involved in the soap’s eventful October storyline; and she reveals that the props presented a bit of a problem.

“The wind machines are huge, they’re so loud.

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"We can’t hear what anyone’s saying so me and Bradley [Johnson, who plays Vinny] were like: ‘oh, we’re going to have to think about when you’re going to say that line because I’ve got no idea, because I can’t see or hear you at all!’”

The issue has called for some improvisation, and an inventive new signalling system. “So we’re just kind of winging it; that’s really good fun to do. We’ve got these flags that the ADs [Assistant Directors] are using to signal for the wind and then signal for us because we can’t hear or see, so we’re just looking for a bit of green!”

Read more: Danny Miller to return for Emmerdale 50th anniversary

But the actor adds that she’s been thrilled to be a part of the action. “It’s so much fun. I love anything to do with stunts — anything that’s different from a normal day.”

Teasing how the set has been looking in the midst of such intense filming, Steele is full of praise for what Emmerdale has been able to create.

“I came to work yesterday and I saw the Emmerdale sign on its side, and I [gasped] because I forgot, I completely forgot that happened! The trees were smashed everywhere, branches. It looks like it’s not been worked in for years, it looks completely derelict.

"It’s fab, it looks amazing.”

Asked if she’s looking forward to what is coming up for the show’s big birthday, the star says: “I’m really excited, it’s going to be really good having characters back in the show.”

Read more: Emmerdale unveils 50th birthday logo and promises big celebratory plans

One such character who will be returning to Emmerdale very soon is Danny Miller, who reprises his role as Liv’s older brother Aaron especially for the 50th anniversary. Also on their way back are Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) and Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen).

While you’ll have to wait a little while longer to learn more about that, Steele does offer some final hints on Liv’s future with husband Vinny.

“I think everyone loves a relationship that works on-screen - don’t we all! But it’s never that easy, is it, when it’s soap; so it’s nice to have their relationship tested and see how they work through those issues.

“And they do work through a lot of them, you can see them trying to make it work all the time, and talking about what went wrong and they’re really communicative and really, really love each other. So there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Watch the cast of Emmerdale talk about the show's upcoming milestone