The Queen once visited the Emmerdale set and ‘was cool as a cucumber’ as part of the village blew up yards from her feet, soap star reveals
THE Queen once visited the set of Emmerdale and didn’t flinch when part of the set was blown up, one of the actors has revealed.
The monarch toured the fictional town, near Leeds, visiting the iconic soap as part of a 40 minute guided-tour in 2002.
The 93-year-old was shown the village bed and breakfast as well as the infamous Woolpack Inn, before being taken to the post office.
She looked on as the postal hub was blown up just yards from where she was standing, with the windows blasted out and debris scattering everywhere.
Cast members ran around in panic in the ensuing chaos, but Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle in the popular soap, revealed the Queen didn’t bat an eyelash.
Mark, 51, said: “She was cool as a cucumber when the explosion went off.
“The rest of us jumped out of our skins."
The Queen calmly looked on as a fireball engulfed the building, as part of a dramatic storyline in the award-winning soap.
The monarch was clearly visible in the background of the shot, dressed in a peach coat-dress with matching hat, and she accessorised her outfit with white gloves, shoes and handbag.
She also wielded a clear umbrella protecting her from the rain - and possible debris.
Paula Tilbrook, who played Betty Eggleton from 1994 until 2015, chatted to the Queen as she mingled with cast members.
She said: "We know the Queen Mother used to watch but we didn't want to ask the Queen in case she didn't and it might have been a little bit embarrassing," the reported.
The Queen visited the Emmerdale location as part of a day tour of Yorkshire, and discussed the show’s history with producer, Tim Fee.
He talked the Queen through some of the characters and the history behind the site, and she signed a visitors’ guest book before leaving.
It wasn’t the monarch’s first time on a soap set, previously visiting EastEnders in 2001 and Coronation Street in 1982.
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
In more royal news we revealed Meghan Markle's BFF Misha Nonoo has defended the duchess against criticism.
And Meghan Markle wore Princess Diana's iconic bracelet as she unveiled her new clothing line.
Plus we revealed the reason why Prince Harry can’t recreate Princess Diana’s iconic landmine photo during Africa tour.