Emmerdale celebrates its 50th anniversary with an hour-long episode on Sunday, October 16.
In anticipation of that, the show released a stunning cast photo that shows eight of the actors who have joined the cast in recent years.
Kevin Mathurin, who plays Charles Anderson and his on-screen children Karene Peter (Naomi) and Emile John (Ethan), along with Darcy Gray who plays Ethan’s partner Marcus Dean, are joined by Martelle Edinborough (Suzy Merton), Lawrence Robb (Mackenzie Boyd), Jessie Elland (Chloe Harris) and Louise Jameson (Mary Goskirk).
The group is all dressed in red carpet-ready finery in a glamorous contrast to the kind of outfits we’re used to seeing their characters wear in the village.
All eight were cast by Emmerdale’s casting director Faye Styring and her colleagues. Faye said: ‘As a team we are passionate about finding new talent and the right actor for the role. All these actors have already left their mark on the show.”
Louise Jameson has made a huge impact on the show since she joined as Rhona (Zoe Henry)’s mother Mary, with scenes where she came out as gay and was singled out for special praise for their emotion and sensitivity. Louise explains that although Mary is a fairly new addition to the village, it is not her first time in the Dales.
“Fifty years ago, one of my first jobs was playing Sharon Crossthwaite at Emmerdale Farm, then a humble lunchtime show,” she said.
“And now here I am again, full circle. I am so excited to be a part of Emmerdale’s iconic 50th celebration. To work with such a great team in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.”
While Louise has had a long and varied acting career, Jessie Elland is at the start of her career and she couldn’t be happier to be with Emmerdale at this point in the show’s history.
“I feel so lucky to be part of something where I learn so much and see incredibly talented people doing what they do best every day,” she enthused.
“Emmerdale’s 50th anniversary was the pinnacle of my experience thus far: it was amazing to see the cast and crew work so hard and passionately to create something that is nothing short of spectacular!”
Karene Peter agreed, saying: ‘It was great to be part of the show at such an iconic moment! Everyone was super welcoming and it feels like I’ve been here forever!’
Both Martelle Edinborough and Kevin Mathurin were Emmerdale fans before joining the show and they are aware of the important place the show has held in British cultural life for decades.
“I grew up on Emmerdale, so it’s a real honor to be in it, especially during the 50th anniversary of our screens,” said Martelle, with Kevin feeling nostalgic when he said: “As long as I can remember my mom never missed an episode and now she’s watching me in it! Emmerdale is more than an institution of British television, it is a reminder of home.’
Lawrence went on to say: To be part of a serial drama as iconic as Emmerdale on its 50th birthday is special in itself. What makes it even better are the wonderful people I get to work with on a daily basis. Dreamy!”
And Emile John shared: ‘This month it’s been two years since I joined the cast, how time flies when you’re having fun!’
Darcy Gray summed up the general feeling of everyone involved in the 50th anniversary celebrations when he added: ‘It’s a dream come true and at such an iconic moment. I feel very lucky to be a part of it in my little way. On to another 50 years of small village drama!’
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