Two long standing characters perish in Emmerdale fire

The long awaited fire in ITV 1 soap Emmerdale aired tonight, killing off two main characters. WARNING Contains Spoilers!

The long awaited fire in ITV 1 soap Emmerdale aired tonight, killing off two main characters. Contains Spoilers

Tonight viewers watched as Viv Hope (Deena Payne) and Terry Woods (Billy Hartman) were killed in a fire which was started by detective Nick Henshall (Michael McKell). Viv had been in the village for 18 years, with Terry having done 16 years. The names of those who would perish had been kept secret, although a television magazine accidentally revealed Viv and Terry.

Speaking to the official ITV Emmerdale website, Deena said “(I enjoyed) having the time to ‘evolve’ as Viv and not being a typical nomadic actor! And now, realizing that for quite a few people I am a household name and they have been on Viv’s journey too. I am given many positive, warm comments. It’s a lovely fulfilling feeling!”

Billy also spoke of his time on the show saying “I don’t know where to start. Emmerdale has been such a big part of my life over the years, that I can’t sum it up in a few words. It’s been wonderful and I will miss the show but I’m really looking forward to the future.”

A special behind the scenes video has been added to the official ITV Emmerdale website, showing how tonight’s episodes were filmed. Speaking to Digital Spy, Deena announced that she has started rehearsing for a national tour of Calendar Girls.