Emmerdale 'hit by drinking problem'

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Researchers from Derby University studied the drinking behaviour of all the adult characters over one month - 20 half-hour episodes - and counted an average of 17 units of alcohol were downed on each programme.

They found a third of Emmerdale's residents would be classified as "depressed drinkers" according to Department of Health guidelines.

This category refers to drinkers for whom "life is in a state of crisis" and "alcohol is a comforter and a form of self-medication used to help them cope".

Some 75% would be classed as "de-stress drinkers" - people who use alcohol "to relax, unwind and calm down and to gain a sense of control when switching between work and personal life".

The study also showed how 81% of characters were spotted drinking during afternoon sessions - either at The Woolpack or at home.

Two characters, Jimmy and Matthew King - were featured drinking whisky at work.

Donald de Souza, played by Michael Jayston, was logged as the biggest boozer in the village during the relevant period.

The study was conducted as part of The Great Drink Debate, a drinking awareness initiative which aims to canvass public views on alcohol in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Tom Craig, a lecturer specialising in TV and film at Derby University who conducted the study, said: "Even though the results are merely a snapshot of fictitious characters, during an eventful period three characters were involved in serious incidents directly caused by alcohol."