When is Emmerdale's 50th anniversary, who will star in it and what will happen?

dailystar.co.uk:

ITV has big plans for Emmerdale, with the special 50th anniversary episode confirmed by bosses just this week.Anticipation is building for the episode, with the return of some veteran stars teased by the broadcaster.It was first hinted at earlier this year, but now that the anniversary event has been officially announced, the show’s storylines will start building up to the special occasion.It looks set to be a nostalgic celebration, with ITV looking back over decades of classic storylines and one star hinting at an "explosive" moment.Details are still being pieced together, but there are plenty of reasons to get excited for the series’ biggest episode of all time already.The official date for the 50th anniversary has not been revealed, though there is a clear date on when it could happen.

Emmerdale turns 50 on Sunday, October 16, so ITV bosses will likely be aiming for this date. The show traditionally airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so it will likely happen on the date closest to October 16, on one of those days.However, it comes as part of a celebratory month for the show, so episodes across October will be jam-packed with drama ahead of the anniversary.The casting for the episode has not been confirmed by ITV, though recent statements have hinted at some legends returning.ITV has teased cast members from past and present coming together for the episode, with the broadcaster name dropping some famous families.

An ITV spokesperson said: “This milestone celebratory tribute will also recall some of the standout 74 weddings, 43 births and 105 deaths in the show since 1972, while reminiscing over some of the show’s most popular family dynasties including the Sugdens, the Tates and the Dingles.“Along the way, we’ll.