Emmerdale fans have described the ITV soap’s tribute to a late colleague as “terribly sad” as the programme dedicated its latest episode to Stephanie Ives-Stevens

Emmerdale paid tribute to a “friend and colleague” in tonight’s episode
Emmerdale viewers have taken to social media to praise the ITV soap’s tribute to crew member Stephanie Ives-Stevens. Tonight’s episode of the soap was dedicated to Stephanie, who worked for ITV. The episode ended with a tribute to Stephanie, who was honoured at the start of the credits.

In a message that appeared on the screen, the Emmerdale team said: “Dedicated to our friend and colleague Stephanie Ives-Stevens 1979-2023.” Viewers took to social media to speak about the tribute, with one writing: “This is terribly sad.” While another wrote: “So very sad.” A third commented that Stephanie was “so young”.

Stephanie Ives-Stevens was remembered by ITV’s Emmerdale with a dedication(Image: ITV)
Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale saw Ella Forster – played by Paula Lane – appear to leave the village following a dangerous showdown. Ella had been harassing Chas and Liam over the past few weeks, with John Sugden being accused by fans of being the actual culprit.

When Liam attempted to trick Ella into thinking they could reunite, Ella saw through the plan and fled after realising that Chas and Mandy had called the police on her.

Ella was eventually led away by police and locked up in a cell – although it is yet to be confirmed whether this is really the end for Ella.

Yesterday, Emmerdale fans worked out who was really helping Joe Tate with his new phonebook clue after he mysteriously left the village, having stolen Caleb Milligan’s kidney.

After spotting several contacts in Joe’s phone, fans are convinced that it could be Chris, Dave MOT, Dr Crowley, Freddy, Gary, Gina, Hannah or even a Hotten Bakery who could be the mystery person.

Speaking about returning to the soap, Ned Porteous – who plays Joe – said: “I was welcomed back to Emmerdale so very kindly, everyone was very nice and it just felt like I’d almost never left.

“It’s such a well oiled machine of a show that I suppose the term would be if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. So when I came back to the show after about a day’s worth of being on set, it felt like I’d really never left. and there’s such a friendly bunch of people and a professional crew that I kind of slid straight back in.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.