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Trapeze has signed a deal with ITV to publish a series of official "Emmerdale" sagas.
Sam Eades and Katie Brown acquired world rights to two official Emmerdale novels by Pamela Bell from Shirley Patton at ITV Studios, Global Entertainment. The first in the Saga series, Christmas at Emmerdale, will publish in e-book and hardback this autumn, with the second book scheduled for spring 2019.
Christmas at Emmerdale is set during the outbreak of the Great War in August 1914. But, for Maggie Sugden - caught between an ongoing feud with the Dingles and the Kings, struggling with her own secrets at home, and pre-occupied with running Emmerdale Farm while her husband, Joe, is on the front-line - the war is the last thing on her mind. However when tragedy strikes, and Maggie finds herself more alone than ever, she realises something has to be done to bring Beckindale village back together. The question is, Can Christmas save the families of Emmerdale?
Eades and Brown said they were "absolutely elated" to be working with ITV on the new Saga series. According to the pair, "Emmerdale" attracts over 7 million viewers six times a week making it "one of the most-watched and well-loved soaps on UK television". The novels meanwhile also coincide with a new ITV six-part Emmerdale 1918 series.
"What we love most about Emmerdale are the families at its heart, and the conversation-starting themes – such as tensions between the working and middle classes – the show is never too afraid to explore," they commented jointly. "Partnering the 'Emmerdale' brand with an author as talented as Pamela, and with her historical credentials to boot, felt like a natural fit, and we can’t wait for readers to fall head-over-heels with Christmas at Emmerdale."
Shirley Patton, head of Publishing at ITV Studios, Global Entertainment, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with the skilful Trapeze team to visit Emmerdale at the outbreak of the First World War. Timing couldn’t be better as the novel will be released to coincide with the new ITV six-part Emmerdale 1918 series that uncovers remarkable stories of real Yorkshire men and women, told through the unique perspective of 'Emmerdale'’s cast."
York-based writer Bell, who has previously written fiction and non-fiction under pen names Jessica Hart and Pamela Hartshorne, added: "I’m thrilled to be part of this project that will bring Emmerdale’s Great War past to life."