'Emmerdale' death should stay secret, says show boss Stuart Blackburn

Emmerdale's series producer Stuart Blackburn has said that he hopes the soap's upcoming mystery death will remain under wraps until broadcast.

Show bosses yesterday (September 6) announced that one character will lose their life in the 40th anniversary live episode, which airs in October.



Speaking at an Emmerdale press conference, Blackburn explained that he wants the identity of the character in question to be kept as a complete surprise for fans on the night.

Blackburn commented: "It's not about being coy or wanting to play any games. As a viewer of soaps and drama, I hate it when I stumble across a spoiler and realise what's going to happen.

"With this episode, if we can have just one surprise - just once a decade - that would be fantastic. Teasers are great, spoilers I personally abhor."

Discussing the planned impact of the death, he continued: "I think it will move people. It will change our characters' lives for a long, long time and then drive the show forward with new stories for the coming months."

Meanwhile, executive producer John Whiston hinted that there could also be a sense of justice, as the doomed character "had it coming".

Emmerdale's live episode will be shot entirely on-location at the village and run for an hour.