Episode 842 (22nd December 1983)

Episode 842
ITV broadcast date	22nd December 1983 (Thursday)
Writer	Michael Russell
Director	Lovett Bickford
Executive producer	Michael Glynn
Producer	Richard Handford
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Previous episode	20th December 1983
Next episode	10th January 1984

Plot

Dolly and Pat get the costumes ready for the play. Alan continues to struggle with the computer. Seth jokingly mistakes the computer monitor for a television screen. The band practice at the Village Hall. Jackie tries to chat Maggie up but fails. Alan gets uncomfortable when Jackie and his mates walk in. Henry is unimpressed when Maggie suggests Alan "keeps his trap shut". Alan phones his family but they're preparing to go out. The children sing in the Christmas show with Sam playing on the recorder. Amos admires the lady singer. Seth tries to find the lost rabbit. The audience love Pat and Dolly's tap-dancing performance but Jack can't help but laugh. A miserable Alan spends the night alone in front of the fire watching television. Amos's jokes don't go too well, but when Seth takes one of his jokes and adds his own twist to it, Amos is furious especially when the audiences love it. The Gyrotechnics perform however the audience aren't too impressed as they're a rock band. The power ends up going out halfway through. Jack gives Pat her Christmas present early - a trip to Aberdeen to see Sandie. Maggie is absolutely fuming that they never finished their performance. Jackie asks her for a dance, she rejects but takes him to the back of the hall where they make out.

Cast

Regular cast

• Annie - Sheila Mercier
• Sam - Toke Townley
• Jack - Clive Hornby
• Pat - Helen Weir
• Matt - Frederick Pyne
• Dolly - Jean Rogers
• Mr. Wilks - Arthur Pentelow
• Amos - Ronald Magill
• Jackie - Ian Sharrock
• Seth - Stan Richards
• Rev. Donald Hinton - Hugh Manning
• Alan Turner - Richard Thorp
• Mike - Martin Barrass
• Archie - Tony Pitts

Guest cast

• Maggie - Jacqueline Reddin
• Lady Singer - Pat Peters
• Walter - Al Dixon

Locations

• Emmerdale Farm - Exterior
• Emmerdale Farm Barn Conversion - Family room
• Home Farm - Office, living room
• Village Hall - Exterior, stage, backstage
• The Woolpack - Backroom, bar
• Unknown club

Notes

• The children performing in the Christmas show are uncredited.
• The first break bumper tune is replaced by the children singing in the Christmas show.
• This episode was broadcast in the London region on Tuesday 20th December 1983 at 5.15pm.
• TV Times synopsis: Beckindale's Christmas concert goes ahead - with surprises for everyone.