The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, could make a cameo appearance in Emmerdale later this year after making a special visit to the set to mark its landmark 10,000th episode.
The Lancastrian has previously spoken of his admiration for the contribution that the long-running soap - and Coronation Street - have made to the economy of the north of England and has now visited the sets of both shows.
On Friday Hoyle dropped in to filming in the Dales and embarked on a set tour, taking in venues such as the Woolpack and the HOP while wearing a pair of gifted Emmerdale wellingtons.
© ITV
Pictures from the day show Hoyle paying Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) for something in the HOP, suggesting that he could have filmed a guest appearance in a scene for a future episode.
"Incredibly, Emmerdale has been on our screens for more than half a century - shining a light on the lived experience of others; entertaining viewers with its hard-hitting storylines, while also making a major economic contribution to the North," said Hoyle.
"It has been an honour to help the cast celebrate the 10,000th episode of this enduring Yorkshire-based soap, with a visit to the Woolpack. As a Lancastrian, I am hugely impressed by the talent and warmth of our friends on 'the other side' of the Pennines."
John Whiston, ITV's MD of continuing drama, added: "Showing balance between the Northern soaps, Mr Speaker is following up his visit to Coronation Street with a visit to the other side - Emmerdale.
"We are all honoured to welcome him in The Dales. And we have assured his team that no floods, fires, bus crashes, plane crashes or lightning strikes will hit the Village while he is there - unusually for a Friday."
The 10,000th episode of Emmerdale will air this Wednesday, May 22, at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Neil Wilkes
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