Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale legend Mark Charnock has exclusively revealed the poignant story behind Marlon and Paddy Dingle’s special two-hander episode, set to air in the coming weeks.

Marlon and Paddy have both faced difficult times over the past few months, as they’ve each been affected by Ray Walters and Celia Daniels’ terrible crimes. After largely dealing with their problems separately, is the time now right for the best pals to unite again?

“It’s an episode where you see Paddy and Marlon’s need for each other is total,” Mark told Inside Soap.

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“Paddy is going through something really traumatic, Marlon’s going through something that is potentially traumatic, so it’s almost like a magnet across the village.

“They just had to find each other to deal with it, which is what they do in this episode.”

It’s the first time that the iconic duo will star in an Emmerdale episode on their own – and Mark is thrilled to be taking on the challenge.

“It’s really well written and directed,” he added. “Marlon and Paddy have never had a two-hander before, really. It’s very exciting to do.