Members of the cast of Emmerdale have praised the show's impact ahead of its 10,000th episode.

The ITV soap, which is filmed in Leeds, first aired on 16 October 1972.

It was originally commissioned for just 26 episodes but episode 10,000 will air later.

Actor Ash Palmisciano, who plays Emmerdale's first transgender character, Matty Barton, said: "To play such a current role, it's amazing and something I always wanted to do."

The 34-year-old, who joined the cast six years ago, told BBC Radio Leeds: "It still feels a bit surreal now."

The show airs six nights a week, pulling in an average audience of 4.1m and screens in seven countries, according to head of production, Nader Mabadi.

Read More