Emmerdale leaving EastEnders trailing

Bosses at ITV1 are celebrating today after leaked reports revealed that Emmerdale is on the verge of overtaking EastEnders and becoming the nation's s

16:45 22 July 2005

Bosses at ITV1 are celebrating today after leaked reports revealed that Emmerdale is on the verge of overtaking EastEnders and becoming the nation's second favourite soap.

Coronation Street is still by far and away the most popular show with Britons but EastEnders has historically challenged Corrie for the soap bragging rights.

But this latest news will shock BBC chiefs, who had been expecting a rise in viewing figures following renewed energy and investment in the show's storylines.

The news is not a surprise however, to the Dales' writers, many of whom have been expecting their use of sexy ladies Patsy Kensit and Emily Symons to reinvigorate the show.

News of the development was revealed in an email sent to staff by Grenada's head of drama John Whiston, a letter attained by the Daily Star.

"With the story team on fire, the writers charging along brilliantly, a fantastic production team and a cast to die for, all I can say iswatch his space," Whiston said.

An average ten million viewers now tune into Emmerdale six times a week, according to ITV's autumn launch brochure.