Emmerdale 5000: Behind-the-scenes

How exciting - there's a helicopter in the village. But sorry, Val, that's not for you. It belongs to Antony Worrall Thompson!

There he is! Antony discusses one of his scenes with director Henry Foster and Nicola Wheeler (Nicola De Souza).

Henry gives Shirley Stelfox (Edna) and Tootsie a warm hug.

Val and Eric appear to be getting into the chopper. Are they planning on stealing it?

It takes a lot of planning and safety checks before the helicopter can do its bit for the show.

Matthew Wolfenden (David) checks his hair. Nevermind that he's holding up filming.

Nicola points out that he missed a bit. 

Val and Diane have a little heart-to-heart before Val heads down the aisle.

We're going in! Let's hope she doesn't forget to take that coat off. It just doesn't go.

The wedding party gather to film the big moment.

That's a nice pair of cabbages, Mark. The actor, who plays Marlon Dingle, gets ready to tantalise some tastebuds for the Pub of the Year competition.

Lucy Pargeter (Chas) does her make-up, while Joe Gilgun (Eli) pokes himself in the eye.

Eden Taylor-Draper does some reading while she's hanging around. That's what we like to see!

Those cabbages get around, don't they? They're making Verity Rushworth (Donna) smile - that's the main thing.

The costume department make sure Val looks ship-shape. Think they need to get someone in to help her out with her facial expressions though.

As if Diane doesn't have enough adornments, she gets a flower for her lapel. 

Steve Halliwell (Zak) does a crossword while he waits for the ceremony to begin. Duncan Preston (Doug) is trying to get a look-in. 

The bride beams as the hair lady makes some final touches. 

Richard Grieve (Jonny) asks whether it's nearly time yet.

The cameramen work out who's going to be standing where and when and in which direction the cameras need to be pointing. Crikey, it's a lot of work.

Surely she doesn't need four people to carry her train?

Some of the ladies get some fresh air outside and pose for the camera. 

Dominic Brunt (Paddy) and Patrick Mower (Rodney) check out the papers while they wait for their next scenes.

The crew hope the rain won't last long! 

Unfortunately, the rain seems to be getting worse! 

Emmerdale video guru, Richard Ellis, is hard at work getting some exciting footage for itv.com!

Steve Halliwell and Eden Taylor-Draper (Zak and Belle Dingle) check the script to make sure they know what they have to say and when. Timing is crucial and there's a lot going on in this special episode.

Charlie has her hair done in a lovely style for her special day. 

There's that green coat again! It's chilly along Main Street at the best of times, so Charlie Hardwick (Val) must be feeling that biting wind under her wedding dress.

Chris Chittell, who plays Eric, gives the camera a big smile. Cheese!

It's all smiles as the bride and groom finally make it to the altar. Charlie beams at her on-screen son, Paul, played by Matthew Bose. Everything's in place for the Lambert/Pollard nuptials. But will they get as far as 'I do'?