Emmerdale director Vicky Thomas and star Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle) lift the lid on what to expect from the Dales this Christmas Day.
Christmas in Emmerdale is a time for community, but as any Dingle knows, things rarely go strictly to plan. This year, the village is set for a mix of “joyous” celebrations and some rather unexpected guest lists.
Episode director Vicky Thomas promises that viewers will feel like one of the family this year. The festivities begin at the heart of the village with a gathering that sets the tone. ‘This Christmas morning the day starts with them all outside the Woolpack,’ Vicky revealed. ‘It’s a joyous scene which includes many of our villagers and sets the scene for a lovely Christmas day ahead.’
The director also teased a classic exchange at the pub between the iconic Dingle cousins. ‘In the scene, Chas calls out of the upstairs window of the pub. Charity down below is serving mulled wine and calls back up to Chas urging her to do some work.’
For Belle Dingle, she celebrates her birthday alongside the holiday. Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle, admits that it isn’t always ideal.
‘I think it’s worse for Belle that Christmas and her birthday are on the same day,’ Eden shared. ‘Just because if I had them both on one day I’d be annoyed and feel like I was missing out on my own celebration.’
As for the Dingle celebrations, expect the unexpected. Eden teased: ‘Christmas is a random one for the Dingles this year and I don’t think Belle ends up spending Christmas with people she expected to spend Christmas with. She spends it with Sam and Lydia but are there some random late comers…’
Despite the drama on screen, the atmosphere behind the scenes was purely festive, even if it was filmed months ago.
‘It is always fun filming Christmas in October and November but it can feel strange too,’ Vicky Thomas admitted. ‘But as a crew we all dress in Christmas jumpers and it feels very festive.’
Eden agreed, adding: ‘I love filming Christmas on the show. It’s so fun. It’s like celebrating Christmas with your friends before everyone else and I feel a bit giddy.. It’s fun on the set and the Dingle decorations are just so ridiculous too.’
Eden is already looking forward to Belle’s future in the village. When asked about 2026, she teased: ‘I am looking forward to what is coming up for me in the New Year, I think there is some good stuff.. I’ve been chatting to a few people and I’ve heard some things so I’m excited. I think it’s going to be really nice.’
Click for more Emmerdale spoilers. Catch up on ITVX, and for classic visits, these episodes air weekdays on ITV3 as well as on YouTube.
Catch all the Xmas Day fun in the dales at 6:15pm on ITV1