Emmerdale fans thrilled as ITV soap 'brings back' three legends for 10,000th episode

Emmerdale fans were treated to some familiar faces on Wednesday night, sort of, as the ITV soap celebrated its 10,000th episode.

Some blasts from the past were brought back in touching scenes, as the village came together to celebrate a fete. The show marked 10,000 episodes on Wednesday 22 May, with the episode featuring the usual drama as well as a village gathering.

Three past characters returned in scarecrow form, brought back as a nod to the show's history. Viewers were thrilled as three soap legends were mentioned and remembered during the big celebrations.

Bob Hope introduced fete organiser Nicola King to some old friends, and she quickly realised who the scarecrows were meant to be. Soap favourites Edna Birch, Betty Eagleton and Seth Armstrong were the chosen three, sat watching the parade as it all unfolded just like they would in human form.

The trio were fan favourites during their times on the show, and all have sadly died. In real life, the much-loved cast members who played them have also passed away.

Emmerdale fans were treated to some familiar faces on Wednesday night

Viewers tuning into the episode loved the mention of the three characters, taking to X to share their thoughts on the special episode. One viewer posted: "Aww they made a scarecrow of Seth Armstrong and Betty Armstrong and Edna birch. That’s a nice touch for the 10,000th episode."

Another fan said: "Nice to see we are actually finally going to acknowledge old past characters even in Scarecrow mode." A third viewer said: "Scarecrows of legends." Another comment read: "SETH!!! Omg I’m gonna cry," as someone posted: "Love the Seth scarecrow."

Also in the episode there was drama as one character found themselves deliberately run over in a hit and run. Ethan Anderson was shown staggering into the village, headed for the fete where he collapsed.

His father Charles Anderson ran to his aid as did others. Elsewhere, Ella Forster was acting strangely once again after her recent behaviour sparked a theory she was linked to a past villain.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .