Emmerdale cast compete with locals at Inverurie Big Bash Scotland

Excited fans gathered in Inverurie to watch the 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 cars and buses, actors and actresses were greeted by enthusiastic fans at the 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: We are 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 had raised money for charity that afternoon.

Cast taken aback by the 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 sport 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: We are 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.

Stars and fans enjoying the morning events

The Emmerdale's Lisa Riley at the Garioch Woolpackers Tractor run.
Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley at the Garioch Woolpackers Tractor run.
Lisa Riley
Lisa Riley plays Mandy Dingle in the soap drama.
Mark Charnock arrives in a convertible.
Mark Charnock arrives in a convertible. All images: We are Thomson/DC Thomson.
Emmerdale cast outside the vintage bus they arrived in.
Emmerdale cast arrive in style at Garioch Sports Centre.
The Emmerdale's Nicola Wheeler playing badminton with Sandy Ingram.
Emmerdale’s Nicola Wheeler playing badminton with Sandy Ingram.
The Emmerdale's Daisy Campbell playing table tennis against Dave Curry and John Dewar.
Daisy Campbell playing table tennis against Dave Curry and John Dewar.
Emmerdale's Nicola Wheeler playing badminton with Sandy Ingram.
Emmerdale’s Nicola Wheeler after missing a shot playing badminton.
The Emmerdale table tennis team Mark Charnock and Rosie Bentham who were playing Hamish Vernal (blue) and John Percival (red) .
The Emmerdale table tennis team Mark Charnock and Rosie Bentham who were playing Hamish Vernal (blue) and John Percival (red) .
The Emmerdale's Lisa Riley at the Garioch Woolpackers Tractor run with the owners of the best done up tractor drivers Katie, Abbie and Angie McWilliam.
The Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley at the Garioch Woolpackers Tractor run with the owners of the best done up tractor drivers Katie, Abbie and Angie McWilliam.
The Emmerdale's Daisy Campbell playing table tennis against Dave Curry and John Dewar.
Emmerdale’s Daisy Campbell getting top serving tips from the pros.
The Emmerdale badminton team with their competition.
The Emmerdale badminton team with their competition.
Mark Charnock on a harley
Mark Charnock delighted to be on a Harley.
Natalie Ann Jamieson who plays Amy Wyatt coming off the football field.
Natalie Ann Jamieson who plays Amy Wyatt coming off the football field.
The Emmerdale football team against the Inverurie Locos.
Mark Charnock getting a photo with some fans.
Mark Charnock getting a photo with some fans.
Emmerdale's Executive Producer Jane Hudson playing badminton with Mike Aspley
Emmerdale’s executive producer Jane Hudson playing badminton with Mike Aspley.