ITV has shared a first look at the 'Maize Maze' that will play a key part of Emmerdale's stunt week of episodes later this month.

The episodes will be full of twists and turns, with at least one regular character meeting a "grizzly end" as evil Meena's reign of terror continues.

As part of the plot, the Emmerdale production team - including lead designer Duncan Howell - grew a custom-made maze out of maize over a five-month period.

Two identical mazes were created with the aid of drone technology, each over an area of 100m x 100m with crops around 3 metres in height.

"We wanted something that was unique to the Emmerdale landscape that also packed a dramatic punch," explained producer Kate Brooks.

"The idea of a maize maze really captured our imagination as we felt that it would provide the perfect backdrop for the high-octane drama to unfold.

"Duncan Howell and his team have done an amazing job of bringing the maze to life."

The maze can be seen in a teaser trailer for the episodes which was released last week.