Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant has confessed that filming the explosive stunts for the landmark 'Corriedale' crossover event was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of his acting career. The star, who plays Jacob Gallagher, opened up about the intense pressure during the production's premiere on December 20, 2025.
The Scale of the Soap Crossover
Speaking about the ambitious project that merges the worlds of Emmerdale and Coronation Street, Plant admitted to initial uncertainty. "I was really excited!" he said, "Obviously, you have that whole wondering how the story is going to go and how they’re going to make it interact, but I was over the moon." He expressed surprise that it had taken so many decades for the two iconic soaps to collaborate, stating he felt "really privileged to be a part of it."
The actor revealed that working with the cast of Coronation Street for the first time brought out his inner fan. "I’ve never worked with any of them to be fair, and I was fan boy’ing as well," he explained, highlighting the cultural significance of both shows. The extended filming schedule, which included three weeks of intense night shoots, allowed the two casts to bond, leading to new friendships.
Pushing Boundaries On and Off Screen
The production was far from a typical soap opera routine. Plant detailed how the technical approach was different from anything he had previously encountered. "Even the way the camera was set up, it was different to anything I have filmed before," he noted. This unique environment, combined with long hours waiting around on set, fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the actors.
However, it was the physical demands and high-stakes action sequences that truly defined the experience. "I feel like pretty much everyone was involved in some sort of way, which I think is going to make this episode really fun to watch," Plant said. The pressure to perform certain dangerous or complex shots perfectly was immense, with no room for error.
The Pressure That Fuelled the Drama
"It was kinda nerve wracking to be on set, there were 2 or 3 shots where there was a lot on the line, we only had one shot to do certain things," the actor revealed. Rather than hindering the performance, Plant believes this palpable tension enhanced the realism on screen. "So feeling that pressure added to the realism and pressure and nervousness anyone would be feeling in those types of scenes, so I feel like it’s going to work out quite well."
The full cast for the Corriedale special includes a vast array of stars from both soaps. From Coronation Street, names include Sally Carman-Duttine as Abi Webster, Jack P. Shepherd as David Platt, and William Roache as Ken Barlow. The Emmerdale contingent features Jeff Hordley as Cain Dingle, Emma Atkins as Charity Dingle, and Natalie J. Robb as Moira Dingle, alongside Plant himself as Jacob Gallagher.
With its extended night shoots, boundary-pushing stunts, and unprecedented crossover storytelling, Corriedale is poised to be one of the most discussed television events in recent years. If the behind-the-scenes intensity described by Joe-Warren Plant is anything to go by, viewers can expect heart-pounding drama that feels authentically perilous.
