An Emmerdale fan has bought one of the ITV soap’s most famous filming locations, and has shared big plans for its future, which will include paying tribute to its former on-screen life.

The post office in the village of Esholt used to feature on the show as the fictional village’s post office. It was used between 1976 to 1997, until production moved to the purpose-built ITV village near Leeds.

The fictional post office was then phased out of the purpose-built village around 2011, and has been reworked into Cafe Main Street.

Local buyer Helen Myers took over the building in Esholt and now runs the business as postmistress (via Leeds Live).

As a fan of the soap, she aims to make the post office a fixture in the community again, as well as using it to sell Emmerdale souvenirs to fellow viewers.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Related: Best streaming services

She is quoted as saying: “The post office and shop had the potential to be a much more valuable asset to the village.

“I was made redundant from my previous job, and when it came up for sale I thought it was a great opportunity to do something different that would also really make a difference for local people and for Esholt.

“I’ve watched Emmerdale for years, so it’s quite special to be running this post office.

“There’s certainly been a lot to learn in taking on the postmistress role, but it has been fantastic so far and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can develop the business further to become a true community hub.”

Related: Emmerdale village tour

The building has previously been in the same family for three generations, so this really is a new era.

Meanwhile, the show itself is entering a new era next year with a new airing schedule, which kicks off with the highly-anticipated crossover with Coronation Street.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.