The programme is not the first all-female special to air on television, as Celebrity Big Brother and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown made similar tributes in 2018 featuring all-female line ups to commemorate a century of women’s suffrage.

Emmerdale’s special episode is the “first time a soap has had an all-women team,” said Jane Hudson, executive producer of Emmerdale. She added, “it is International Women’s Day, so what we want to do for that episode is to have it produced by a female, written by a female, directed by a female, and the entire cast will be female, including all the background artists.”

Airing on the globally celebrated International Women’s Day, the show will act as a tribute to women’s achievements throughout history and support further action for gender equality.

International Women’s Day, recognised since the early 1900s, has been renowned for its celebration of unity and advocacy of women’s rights and gender equality.

Emmerdale’s all-female special will air on Friday 8th March on ITV1.