Emmerdale bosses want to keep finding new talent as soap celebrates 50th birthday

'Emmerdale' bosses are constantly searching for "new talent" as the show celebrates its 50th birthday.

The ITV soap - which hits 50 years on the air on October 16 - has marked the occasion by bringing new cast members including Louise Jameson, Kevin Mathurin, Emile John and Lawrence Robb together for a special photo shoot.

Each of the actors were brought in by the show's casting director Faye Styring, who has been part of the crew for 17 years and works with four colleagues to scout out the best emerging performers.

She said in a statement: "As a team we are passionate about finding new talent and the right actor for the role. All of these actors have really made their own mark on the show already."

One of those names is Karene Peter (Naomi Walters), who added: "It's been great joining the show at such an iconic moment in time! Everyone has been super welcoming and it feels like I've been here forever!"

Many of the cast who join 'Emmerdale' now grew up as big fans of the show, including newcomer Martelle Edinborough, who plays wedding planner Suzy Merton.

She gushed: "I'm absolutely loving being part of the team. I grew up on Emmerdale so it's a real honour to be in it especially during its 50th year of being on our screens!"

And acclaimed actress Louise Jameson - who also joined earlier this year as Mary Goskirk - is also delighted to be back on the show after starting her career 50 years ago on 'Emmerdale Farm'.

She said: "I'm so thrilled to be part of Emmerdale's iconic 50th celebrations. To be working in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with such an amazing team.

"Fifty years ago one of my first jobs was playing Sharon Crosswaite on 'Emmerdale Farm', then a humble lunchtime show, and now here I am again, full circle. I couldn't be happier."

'Emmerdale' will celebrate its 50th birthday with an hour long episode on Sunday 16 October.