Emmerdale's Charity and Ryan are new Woolpack owners

Charity Dingle and her son Ryan Stocks are the new owners of Emmerdale's The Woolpack pub.

The fictional boozer is undergoing a huge refurbishment following the Christmas Day blaze, and Emma Atkins - who plays Charity in the ITV soap - is "over the moon" about her character owning the pub alongside Ryan (James Moore).

She said: "It's a great dynamic having mother and son save the pub to keep The Woolpack in the family.

"Also, knowing I'd be reunited with Chas again, I was over the moon. Getting back behind the bar will be so exciting. And knowing they're going to put Charity and Chas together again, it's just a dream come true."

Emma admitted she relishes bar scenes in the Woolpack.

She said: "I cannot wait to get back behind the bar. I love the atmosphere. It's always the central hub of the village where the audience witness all sorts of drama, revelation, gossip and conflict.

"It's the best place for all those memorable one liners between the punters and bar staff."

James is also delighted at the move as it has "cemented Ryan's part in 'Emmerdale' history".

He said: "I was excited to hear Ryan would be one of the new owners of the pub.

"It's a big step for him as a character especially after losing his mother and cements his part in Emmerdale history.

"I think Ryan may want to modernise the Woolpack and create more of a youthful vibe to the pub. As we know he is a computer whizz and I expect he will have good ideas for promoting the pub on social media etc.

"The pub is undergoing a large refurbishment at the moment and I can't wait to see the changes they make."