Scenes for Yorkshire soap Emmerdale are being filmed at Bradford City Hall.

Cast and crew were filming in the historic courtroom over the weekend and are expected to continue into this week.

The soap celebrated its 40th anniversary with a live episode earlier this month, in which scheming businessman Carl King was killed with a blow to the head.

Emmerdale producers are remaining tight-lipped about the content of scenes being filmed in Bradford, which are expected to be broadcast later this year.

The Victorian courtroom at City Hall was used for trials until 1975, and has since been used as a location for several television dramas.

James Brumfitt, City Hall facilities manager, said the gothic, Grade I listed building and its wood-pannelled courtroom with its shimmering Venetian glass roof was popular with film-makers because it has remained largely intact.

“They also like the accessibility of the building – they can park here and bring in cast and crew discreetly,” he said. “It’s a popular filming location – ITV are regulars here.

“They often ask about other filming locations in Bradford too. The Council has 30 buildings across the district, including five town halls, Bolling Hall, Cartwright Hall and the Industrial Museum, which have all been used for filming.”

Bradford City of Film director David Wilson said: “Bradford appeals to film-makers because of its architecture, and because it’s ideally placed for urban, rural and coastal locations.

“Making Bradford a film-friendly city brings a number of benefits, not least a cast and film crew using facilities such as restaurants, hotels and shops.”