Emmerdale producer explains shock deaths in 50th anniversary stories

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale's executive producer Jane Hudson has spoken about the decision to kill off popular characters in the 50th anniversary episodes.

The ITV soap is celebrating its milestone throughout October, with emotional scenes and big stunts on the way.

It has already been confirmed that Faith Dingle's final scenes will air this week, as her cancer storyline reaches its tragic conclusion.

Next week's episodes see a deadly storm hit the village and this story is also expected to culminate in tragedy.

emmerdale village in the storm storyline

AMY BRAMMALL//ITV

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Hudson explained: "We will be having some huge stunts, big emotional heartache, secrets, lies, comedy and sadly, some of the soap's much-loved characters will sadly lose their lives.

"There will be funerals, a wedding with Kim and Will, and a birth.

"There will be a huge storm that will wreak damage on the entire village and change everyone's lives forever. It's going to be a very special month and we hope everyone will really enjoy it all. But the 50th is not just a celebration of Emmerdale – it is a celebration of what makes soaps great."

emmerdale cast celebrates 50th anniversary

ITV

Asked whether it's difficult to kill off much-loved characters, Hudson replied: "It is always hard to kill a character as someone is losing their job. You don't want somebody to lose their job.

"But the nature of soaps means if you want to introduce new characters, then you need to lose old ones. If you are going to do a death in the soap, it can't be the postman who has had three lines because it doesn't matter.

"A death has got to have an impact not just on the characters but also on the viewers watching. Each of our deaths will bring a different emotion."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, and streams on the ITV Hub.