Emmerdale cast compete with locals at Inverurie Big Bash Scotland

Excited fans gathered in Inverurie to watch Emmerdale stars go head-to-head with some of the finest local sporting teams.

The cast of the well-loved soap Emmerdale descended upon Aberdeenshire today for the Big Bash Scotland.

Arriving in style with a motorcade, vintage car and bus, actors and actresses were greeted by enthusiastic fans at Garioch Sports Centre.

The event is raising money for the local Urological Cancer Charity (Ucan) where the soap stars compete with local sports teams who have raised money for the charity.

Neil Buchan takes a penalty against Emmerdale's Jessie Elland, at half time at the football. — Neil Buchan takes a penalty against Emmerdale’s Jessie Elland, at half time at the football. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Cast members got stuck in – with a few revealing a competitive streak – to take on their competitors.

With many activities on the go, fans were given the chance to watch the stars compete in table tennis, cricket, badminton, football, golf or even judge a best dressed tractor.

The cast went on to visit local shops and businesses who have raised money for the charity in the afternoon.

Cast taken aback by public’s love for Emmerdale

Rosie Bentham who plays Gabby Thomas in Emmerdale, said she had been blown away by the warm welcome.

“It’s my first time in Aberdeenshire so it’s really interesting to see what it’s all about,” she said.

“I’m just really happy to be here and I think everybody is just really getting on with the sports and really enjoying it.

“When we came on the bus in it’s really nice to see everyone welcoming us waving and everything and the bag pipes outside.

The Emmerdale table tennis team Mark Charnock and Rosie Bentham. — The Emmerdale table tennis team Mark Charnock and Rosie Bentham who were playing Hamish Vernal and John Percival. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson.

“I think seeing all the public, their love for Emmerdale is crazy. We were really shocked coming in this morning on how many people watch it.

“So many people have shown up which is really, really sweet.”

The actress had partnered up with colleague Mark Charnock for the table tennis in the morning and was looking forward to visiting local businesses in the afternoon.

Hoping to help raise awareness for Ucan, she added: “It’s really important. It’s just great that there’s quite a lot of us here to raise awareness for this type of thing.