Emmerdale has revealed plans to move into the Metaverse with a new project called "Extending Emmerdale".

The new initiative - developed with XR Stories of York University - will launch next month with two experimental projects to "create experimental prototypes in the metaverse, building an incredible interactive world to enhance the audience experience with cutting edge immersive technology".

Exact details of what the Emmerdale experience inside the Metaverse will be remain unknown, although it will make extensive use of the soap's 24-acre village in Yorkshire.

"We're all aware that the nature of our industry is changing rapidly, as is how people are watching and consuming content," said Nader Mabadi, head of Emmerdale's production.

"Working with the team at XR Stories to explore the extension of Emmerdale into the Metaverse is a really exciting project.

"Developing the ability to take our beautiful village into that world is the perfect example of bringing one of the UK's most loved programmes into a new and vibrant 'universe', giving us unending opportunities to expand and create hybrid content for our audience."

Further details on Extending Emmerdale are expected in the coming months.