Emmerdale star Claire King reveals throwbacks to first ever episode in huge anniversary week

Claire promises throwbacks (Picture: Metro.co.uk/ITV)

Emmerdale is set to hark back to its first ever episode when it celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special hour-long episode on Sunday October 16.

It’s literally the calm before the storm as the episode opens on a beautiful and peaceful morning, as Kim Tate (Claire King) rides through the stunning landscape on a horse.

The very first Emmerdale Farm back in 1972 began with the character of Marian Wilks (Gail Harrison) riding through the countryside on a horse, and it’s not the only nod to the show’s premier, as Claire King explains:

‘We have filmed the hand going through a cornfield and getting on a horse,’ she says. ‘Both were replicated from the first episode, which is very special. To be a part of this show 50 years on is amazing.’

Although it’s her wedding day, Kim’s outfit is a deliberate echo of the one worn by Marian Wilks back in 1972.

Only icons allowed (Picture: ITV)

‘I did have a say in the outfit as I have to wear it quite a lot and there are a few stunts so it had to be something that was not only comfortable to wear all day but still looked flash,’ Claire reveals.

‘Kim has always been an equestrian so we felt it had to have an equestrian streak. She actually arrives on a horse side saddle to her wedding. It had to look great, stand out but be comfortable for riding. It’s a different look and certainly not a meringue cake!’

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Kim’s appearance isn’t the only reference to the first episode, as director Ian Bevitt explains. ‘Eagle-eyed viewers will spot similarities with the opening of the very first episode and the opening of the 50th episode. And there are nods to older characters no longer with the show.’

Tim O’Mara, who shared directing duties on the special episodes with Ian, adds, ‘We’ve featured some iconic symbols of the village in the main street – we’ve also sprinkled some visual references to Emmerdale’s history that we hope the fans will appreciate.’

How many will you spot?