Emmerdale has confirmed a new role for Lewis Barton, who is set to solve a problem next week. As darts become popular at The Woolpack, Lewis puts himself forward for a newly-formed team.

In recent weeks, the women of the village have formed a darts team, with Vanessa Woodfield, Mary Goskirk, Dr Caitlin Todd and Claudette Anderson banding together. It looks as though they have inspired the men, who seem eager to join the latest sports craze.

In scenes that will air next week, Bob Hope starts to panic when he discovers that he is a player short for the men’s team. He’s soon relieved to hear that Lewis, who claims to have had plenty of practice, has joined – will he prove to be an asset to the new team?

Speaking about the inspiration behind the new storyline, producer Sophie Roper explained: “We had heard local darts teams, particularly those made up of women, were springing up across Yorkshire.

“It felt right that the ladies of Emmerdale would mirror this by setting up their own pub darts team. With fewer people heading out mid-week, many rural pubs are finding times tough.”

“These teams, much like pub quizzes, are a fantastic way of encouraging people back in to socialise face-to-face. And The Woolpack, like other village pubs, is a vital rural community hub,” they continued.

Elsewhere in the pub next week, Dr Todd and Vanessa kiss, and Charity is horrified about the doctor making moves on her ex. Todd is currently blackmailing Charity for £10,000, after learning that Jacob Sugden isn’t baby Leyla’s biological father.

“For once it’s not Charity pulling the strings,” said our Emmerdale insider. “Dr Todd holds all the cards and Charity is completely powerless. There’s no way she can get her hands on that kind of money – but what choice does she have?”