Emmerdale: The reason and inspiration behind tonight's all-male episode

Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale marks a historic moment in the 50-year history of the ITV soap, as it will entirely focus on male cast members.

The episode will see Marlon (Mark Charnock) initiate a lock-in at The Woolpack after he becomes concerned for the well-being of his friend Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).

The resulting conversations between the men in attendance will see characters discussing their feelings and being open and candid with one another.

Producers of Emmerdale have already called it ‘one of the most powerful’ episodes that they have ever done – but what are the reason and inspiration behind the landmark episode?

Here is what you need to know…

Why are there only men in Emmerdale tonight?

The episode tonight specifically focuses on mental health issues in men, with the aim being to encourage more open conversation and remove the stigma around such discussions among men.

It follows a storyline that has seen Paddy considering taking his own life following a build up of guilt, isolation and grief in the wake of his marriage breaking down and the death of his daughter.

In scenes aired last week, it became clear that Paddy had plans to take his own life – luckily his best friend Marlon got to him before he could go through with it, but it is clear there s no easy fix for Paddy going forward.

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In an effort to help his friend on a path to recovery, Marlon organises the lock-in after being inspired by Chas (Lucy Pargeter) who says that women deal better with problems because they’re more likely to talk things through with their friends – with the local pub being deemed a safe place for such a conversation to take place.

In attendance at The Woolpack is Jimmy King (Nick Miles), Paddy’s father Bear (Joshua Richards), Cain (Jeff Hordley), Nate (Jurell Carter), Liam (Jonny McPherson), Bob (Tony Audenshaw), Charles (Kevin Mathurin) and Sam (James Hooton) all of whom share stories of past troubles and anxieties.

The development and writing of the episode has included involvement from both the Samaritans and men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club, with producer Laura Shaw citing Andy’s Man Club as the main inspiration for the all-male episode.

‘Hearing from them about how they all sit every Monday night for a couple of hours, have a cuppa and a biscuit, and just talk, and how much help that is giving people just really inspired us to do our own version of man club’ Laura told Metro.co.uk.

‘This story would not exist without amazing people like Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club guiding us through and making sure that we portray as authentic a version as possible,’ she added.

Neil Waine, a representative from Andy’s Man Club, also spoke about his hopes for the episode, as well as the positive impact Paddy’s tragic storyline has already had.

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