Emmerdale reassures fans amid fears that the show's outdoor set could be knocked down

Emmerdale has reassured fans after fears the soap's outdoor set could be knocked down. Earlier this year, the show's bosses at ITV Studios applied to make the land the soap is filmed on theirs to use permanently, as the current agreement runs out next summer.

Following concern from viewers that the iconic village exterior could be demolished, an Emmerdale spokesperson told The Sun: “ITV Studios has filmed the external scenes for Emmerdale from a purpose built set on the Harewood Estate in Leeds since 1997 and it is a significant contributor to the creative economy in Leeds and across the whole of the north of England and beyond.

"As part of a routine planning application, we are in discussion with Leeds City Council and look forward to many more years of filming from the set."

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The soap submitted their request to Leeds City Council earlier this year, citing the positive impact of filming in the Harewood Estate in West Yorkshire and adding that any move would have a massive environmental impact.

A decision was expected to come in August but it has so far been delayed, causing worry among some fans.

In the proposal to Leeds City Council, show bosses had reportedly said: "The Emmerdale Village Production Set provides a facility which adapts to the ever-changing needs of production."

They added: "The Emmerdale Village Production Set gives ITV Studios the unique ability to present stories that reflect a rural community, which is unique in UK television continuing drama as the other shows are urban in context."

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The news regarding the soap set comes hot on the heels of other worries for the show's viewers, after Sky's takeover of ITV.

Following news of the takeover, Sky was quick to reassure soap fans, releasing a statement reading: "TV fan favourites are here to stay.

"We've agreed a long-term content partnership with ITV Studios, to secure the future of many of Britain's most-watched programmes, including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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