As a self-diagnosed and proud soap nut, there is nothing I love more than when one of my favourite shows is thriving.
Even when they aren’t at their strongest, I know how hard soap teams work, chalking up to 10 scenes a day and six episodes a week.
Right now, Emmerdale is so busy, action-packed and varied, and I am adoring how unmissable it feels.
For me, aside from a fair few cracking storylines like Marlon’s stroke and Paddy’s depression, it did go through somewhat of a lull at times around a year ago, but it has come a long way since then.
I am enjoying it more than ever right now, excited for each episode and pretty much inhaling the storylines I am sent in order to work on previews.
While there is an argument for it going on a little too long, I firmly believe Emmerdale is right to take its time with Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) ordeal at the hands of Tom King (James Chase).
In real life, this kind of thing goes on for years, and it’s a notoriously hard thing both to escape and to make stick once the law is involved. It’s terrifyingly prevalent, and with many suffering in silence, we probably only know the half of it.
While I personally might have avoided the more heightened moments like Tom wandering about with an axe wound in his back (though, what a shock moment!), on the whole, it has been a powerhouse of a storyline.
Eden has understandably been on top form, matching or even exceeding her other best performances around mental health and psychosis. James has been infuriatingly menacing in his very difficult role to play as Tom.
And come on now, Piper the dog has added plenty – pooch actress Minnie might be my favourite soap pet of all time.
While this story has been largely dominant, Emmerdale isn’t neglecting other characters.
I have long called for Kim Tate (Claire King) to recover her edge after being frustratingly nicey-nicey for a long time.
This is where Claire thrives; I know it’s what she loves and it’s certainly what myself and the rest of the audience yearn for.
So welcoming back some campness to Home Farm has been a joy and, spoiler free, I can assure you it will get more heightened.
One of TV’s best actors, Natalie J Robb, has been given some real meat with the brain tumour storyline, which allows her to showcase her unreal nuances to performances.
I have ached for her and been wowed once more both by the writing and the acting, not least of all between Natalie and chemistry-laden co-star Jeff Hordley as Cain and Moira navigate the fear that she won’t make it.
The show has also lured back top actors like Michael Parr as Ross Barton and Danny Miller as Aaron Dingle, both of whom have a lot of material coming up.
Ross is at his self-destructive best, having recovered his full on rogue side while also exhibiting a tortured soul. And yes, I am very, very keen to see where things go with Charity (Emma Atkins).
And I am intrigued by the enigma that is John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) – both with Aaron but also with his past and his whole vibe, there is so much to unpack there.
Speaking of haunted pasts, I also found Paula Lane a revelation as Ella Forster. While her turn as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street more than proved her capability, the role of a historic killer child can’t have been an easy one to grasp and the controversy must have been daunting.
Even now the revelation is past, there is a depth to her, sometimes a bit sinister still, that is aching to be explored. And when she unearths Liam’s (Jonny McPherson) magnetism towards Chas (Lucy Pargeter), I reckon we will see more of that.
And my absolute favourite addition to soap this last year is the iconic Beth Cordingly as Ruby Fox-Miligan, someone who is chaotic, occasionally spiteful, often vulnerable and haunted and just an all-round classic female soap character with the makings of a legend.
Emmerdale has also continued to shake things up a fair bit with special episodes, notably Belle and Tom’s dinner party and an edition which explored the potential outcomes for her saga. There are more of those to come – I have seen one and it’s something different and very engaging once more, packed with twists.
Alongside blockbuster storylines from the camp and action-based to the emotional and issue led, I feel Emmerdale is leading the way with community and humour.
The tribute episodes to Zak Dingle would have undoubtedly have made Steve Halliwell proud – I spoke recently of my adoration for the Dingles and this showcased them at their best; a family packed with so many differing personalities.
It’s truly a great time to be an Emmerdale fan, and writing around their storylines continues to be exciting for me.
I am enthused by what the future holds and ITV has also made the right decision to embrace a digital led model, which will guarantee a much longer life to their iconic shows.
I know a lot of what’s ahead and I can’t wait to see the reactions.
I am sure that, for the most part, they will be as enthusiastic as mine. Long live the Dales and its latest golden era!
