'Emmerdale' 40th anniversary: The live episode in numbers

Emmerdale's hour-long 40th anniversary episode is now just over a week away, and the soap's cast and crew have been busy rehearsing for the big challenge ahead over the past few days.

Shot entirely on-location at the show's village base, the special edition will feature two wedding celebrations, the cries of two newborn babies bringing joy to their loved ones - and an untimely death which will shock the village.

Here, we present a closer look at the live episode with some key facts about the behind-the-scenes effort required for the broadcast.


> 'Emmerdale' 40th anniversary - full coverage

27 cameras will be used to film the live episode.

70 crew members will be working - almost double the number for a regular Emmerdale shooting day.

61 cast members will be involved.

4 minutes is the maximum time that actors will have to change and move between sets.

350 supporting artistes will be required in total.

5 generators will be used to power the village for filming.

4 newborn babies will be on set.

20 rain deflectors for the cameras will be on stand-by in the case of extreme weather.



50 microphones will be used.

110 hours of rehearsals have been organised in the build-up to the live. Cast will rehearse for 10 hours a day for 11 days.

23 make-up artists, 26 prop assistants and 30 costume crew will be required for the live episode.

4 golf buggies will be used to transport cast members around the village on the night.

1 stunt coordinator will be involved in the live as the cast will be doing their own stunts.

7 wedding dresses will be on standby during the live episode.

Emmerdale Live airs on Wednesday, October 17 at 7pm on ITV1.