Seasons & episodes

It is two years since Jack's departure but Joe still feels he lives in his older brother's shadow.

For Joe and Annie - The Annual Beckindale Picnic does not hold out much promise.

Two strangers arrive in Beckindale. For reasons of their own, both want to reach Emmerdale Farm. Madge Semple's arrival shocks Sam.

Madge continues to make her presence felt at Emmerdale Farm. Hilda's aghast to discover her sister-in-law has shown her face in Beckindale again. Sam finds himself in a predicament when his dislike for Madge is tempered by her flattery. When Madge is out collecting some cabbages, Sam says she was married to Frank Semple 30 years ago but she left him for a Londoner who was only in the village for 2 days. Sam says Frank went to London to find her but was unsuccessful, and upon his return to Beckindale, he shut himself away, and later died. Hilda wants Madge thrown out of The Woolpack, but Henry and Amos refuse.

There are doubts concerning Bob Matthews plans for the church, but for Sam there can only be one decision.

Annie has a difficult decision to make when Sam gives his ultimatum to the Parish Council.

Sam's resolution is put to a further test as one by one his 'friends' desert him and he finds himself alone.

Madge says she has been contacted by the housing officers in London, telling her they have a new flat for her. She says she will be returning to London tomorrow so will not be a nuisance to Beckindale any more. Madge opens up to Annie about how she ran off with a man, Mickey, when she left Frank. Madge says Frank and his family went to London to look for her so they could duff her and Mickey up, but Mickey had some mates as well. Madge says things did not work out shortly after they had arrived in London, and Mickey left her, and she gave up on men after that. Meanwhile, Beckindale awaits Sam's decision - the future of their traditional Harvest Supper hangs in the balance. Madge attends The Harvest Supper that night. She makes peace with Hilda and says to her that she is going back to London in the morning. Madge enjoys her last night in Beckindale and dances on the stage. Everyone has fun at the Supper.

Henry reveals his Christmas plans but they get an unexpected reception at Emmerdale Farm. Matt bumps into an old friend, Sarah Foster, when they both discover a sheep lying in the middle of a country road. Local artist P.B. returns to The Woolpack to do some more painting.

Rosemary has her own reasons for not wanting to go home for Christmas. Annie berates Sam for having too many opinions and Matt becomes closer to married Sarah.

There is concern over Matt's interest in Sarah but it doesn't seem to bother him. P.B. adds some touches to The Woolpack mural. Sarah shows interest in renting stables at Hawthorn Cottage.

It looks like disappointment all round for everyone but Amos and The Woolpack come up with a festive surprise when Amos dresses up as Father Christmas and presents Henry with the gift of a new pub sign.

Sarah has doubts concerning the stables at Hawthorn Cottage - but only Matt knows why. Kathy is suspicious when she sees Joe and Rosemary together.

Sarah's decision about the stables surprises everyone except Annie and she tells Matt that she is returning to her husband. She then says to Amos that she is leaving tomorrow. It transpires that she is not married at all, and she just said she was. Meanwhile, the New Year Celebrations are about to take place in The Woolpack. Sarah has dropped the idea of renting the stables. Sarah and Matt have a talk and decide to call things off. Matt says to Sarah she can come back to Beckindale any times and Sarah says she may just take him up on that offer.