Emmerdale writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied hails soap as ‘best continuing drama’ after Bafta award nomination

The 35-year-old began writing for the soap in 2024 during a 12-week placement with ITV for emerging and underrepresented writers, which she described as a “life-changing” opportunity.

Abdel-Magied has since written eight episodes for the TV show, contributing to storylines involving legacy characters such as Charity Dingle and exploring topics such as grooming, exploitation and modern slavery.

She is among 21 creatives selected for the scheme this year, which supports emerging talent in film, television and video games.

In an interview with the Press Association, Abdel-Magied said: “I am not saying this because I’m working on the show – but I feel like Emmerdale is the best continuing drama.

“I love the small, rural village setup. I feel like everyone knowing everyone else’s business is great.”

“Emmerdale has also done some really interesting things, and the setting allows you to tell stories that are quite different,” she added.

The long-running soap first aired in 1972 and follows the lives of residents of a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales.

Reflecting on pitching ideas for a programme that has been on television for more than 50 years, Abdel-Magied said: “It can be really intimidating.

“You’ve got people who are really attached to characters and have deep relationships with them.

“You can take people on a long journey and tell a story.”

“I couldn’t believe the amount of work that went into the creation and sustainability of the show until I got into it,” she added.

“And if you don’t do a good job, the audience will tell you and the ratings will tell you; you get immediate feedback.”

In a recent storyline, the soap tackled female-on-female sexual assault through Emma Atkins’ character Charity Dingle, who was assaulted by Dr Caitlin Todd, played by Caroline Harker.

Abdel-Magied described the storyline as “really sensitive” and said: “Millions of people watch the show every night.

“It’s quite a big responsibility. You can’t just, like, put stuff out that isn’t understanding of the impact.

“It’s also a huge honour, because the story that I could tell could have a life-changing impact on people.”

“It’s one of the shows that can get away with doing anything, which is a pretty amazing place to be,” she added.

“I think as long as you tell it in a particular Emmerdale way, the audience is usually up for it.”

Reflecting on the moment she found out about her Bafta Breakthrough recognition, she said: “It’s not just me being soap-y when I say I spat my coffee out.

“I was just blown away – because you apply for all these things and you rarely make it through.”

Abdel-Magied has been recognised alongside The Ceremony producer Hollie Bryan and TV presenter Chris Lynch, as well as Sunny Dancer casting directors Lucy Allen and Tom Payne.

Those selected for the Bafta Breakthrough initiative, which is supported in the UK by Netflix, will receive professional development and global networking opportunities through the organisation.

“It’s hopefully a massive springboard,” she said.

“I’m hoping I’ll look back one day and be like: This was the year that changed my life.”

Other stars who have previously been recognised as Bafta Breakthrough talents include Florence Pugh, Tom Holland, Letitia Wright, Jessie Buckley and Rose Ayling-Ellis.